Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) wants to remind Oregonians that even with the weather starting to transition to fall, fire is still on the landscape and fire regulations are still in effect. The department wants to warn the public against complacency since a season ending rain event has not happened yet and east winds, known to elevate fire risk, are a common occurrence this time of year.

“With the temperature changes, it’s easy to think that fires are lessening or that fire season is over. However, we are still seeing new fire starts daily throughout the state and fire regulations remain in place,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief.

Even with lower temperatures and intermittent rain, fuels remain very dry with the potential for a fire to start and grow. Thus far in the season, there have been 1,091 fires on ODF-protected lands – 671 of which have been human-caused. By taking a few extra steps, you can help prevent the next wildfire in Oregon.

Wildfire prevention means:

• Debris burning remains the number one cause of human-caused fires in Oregon and is prohibited during fire season. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is declared over before burning. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn in the late fall and winter.
• Check local restrictions before lighting a camp or warming fire to see if it is allowed.
• Never leave your campfire or warming fire unattended.
• Make sure your campfire or warming fire is OUT COLD. That means drowning it with water, stirring the ashes, and repeating that process until it is cold to touch. If there is any heat coming off the embers, then it can reignite later.
• Don’t park your car over dried grass, and make sure your vehicle or ATV is regularly serviced. More than 100 fires have resulted from vehicle use in 2025.
• Make sure your tow chains are not dragging. The metal hitting asphalt while driving can throw sparks into dry grass on the side of the road.

Several ODF districts have updated their fire danger levels recently; however most of the state remains between moderate and high fire danger. Visit Oregon.gov/odf to find local fire restrictions and keeporegongreen.org for more wildfire prevention tips.

Press Release   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
September 29, 2025

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER HONORED FOR ADVOCACY BY THE ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON BUSINESS

Chamber recognized as 2025 Grassroots Alliance Advocate of the Year for championing Southwest Washington’s business community

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce that it has been named Grassroots Alliance Advocate of the Year by the Association of Washington Business (AWB). This distinguished award recognizes Chambers of Commerce across the state that stand out for their commitment to advocacy on behalf of the business community.

Led by President & CEO John McDonagh, the GVC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the voice of business is heard at every level of government. The Chamber keeps members informed on key issues in Olympia and creates exclusive opportunities to engage directly with legislators through roundtables and signature legislative events. Topics addressed include transportation, public safety, workforce development, childcare, taxation, and more.

Each year, the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Government & Public Affairs Committee travel to Olympia to advocate for the region’s Joint Business Priorities, a unified set of policy goals designed to address pressing needs while driving long-term regional growth and innovation. Over the past year, the Chamber has also testified at public hearings and advocated on issues including minimum wage, gift card regulations, and overtime-exempt salary thresholds; always with the goal of strengthening businesses and nonprofits in Southwest Washington.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to being the voice of business at every level of government, and we couldn’t be more proud,” said McDonagh. “This honor motivates us to continue championing practical, business-friendly policies that support economic growth, job creation, and a thriving community.”

The Chamber’s advocacy extends beyond today’s business leaders by investing in the next generation of engaged citizens. Through its annual National Civics Bee® competition, students gain hands-on experience in civic engagement, learning how to make their voices heard and contribute to a stronger democracy.

AWB President Kris Johnson presented the award by surprise to McDonagh at a GVC event on Wednesday, September 24. The announcement came before a room of business leaders and lawmakers gathered to hear about AWB’s “Washington in the Making 2040” initiative.

The Greater Vancouver Chamber is one of two statewide recipients of the 2025 Grassroots Alliance Advocate of the Year Award, alongside the Covington Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about the GVC’s advocacy efforts, visit:  https://www.vancouverusa.com/advocacy

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About the Greater Vancouver Chamber
 

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

On September 26, 2025, at approximately 4:57 p.m., Albany Police officers responded to a reported collision involving a vehicle and a scooter at the intersection of Pacific Boulevard and 24th Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers located an unconscious but breathing male lying in the roadway. The individual was later identified as Kevin Apeck, age 34, of Albany. He was initially transported to Albany General Hospital in critical condition and subsequently transferred to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Based on witness statements and video evidence obtained at the scene, investigators determined that Mr. Apeck had been traveling southbound on Pacific Boulevard on a scooter at an estimated speed of 40–50 mph. While maneuvering between lanes, Mr. Apeck collided with a Ford F-150 that was entering Pacific Boulevard from 24th Avenue. The driver of the Ford, Craig Johnson, remained at the scene and is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

The Albany Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kevin Apeck during this difficult time.

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VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Historic Trust is now accepting entry applications for the 37th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Day Parade, held at the Fort Vancouver National Site. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, and will take place rain or shine.

Now in its 37th year, the parade is one of Southwest Washington’s most cherished community traditions, bringing together people of all ages to honor veterans from every branch of service. Parade applications are available online at www.thehistorictrust.org/lough-legacy-veterans-parade or by calling 360-992-1808. The deadline to apply is October 28, 2025.

The parade route begins at the east end of Officers Row at East Reserve Street and Evergreen Boulevard, winds around the Fort Vancouver National Site, and concludes on 5th Street near Pearson Air Museum. Each year, the event features more than 75 entries and approximately 1,500 marchers and riders. Thousands of community members line the streets to show their support for veterans and active-duty service members.

Organizations and groups interested in participating are encouraged to apply. Past parades have featured veterans’ service organizations, high school marching bands, ROTC groups, youth organizations, equestrian units, and military and civilian vehicle clubs. The event will also be broadcast on CVTV for those unable to attend in person.

Be sure to stop by the Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) Open House from 11 am to 3 pm at Pearson Air Museum. Learn more at cmac11.com/cmac-events/veterans-day-open-house/.

About The Historic Trust:  

The Historic Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant community that preserves and celebrates its rich history while shaping its legacy for the future. The mission of the Trust is to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community's history. For more information, visit thehistorictrust.org or call 360-992-1800. 

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, Umpqua Bank, and St. Mary's Academy invite you to join us on Wednesday, October 1st, at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Academy for an inspiring evening of film and conversation that explores the power, potential, and perseverance of women in the technology industry.

ICONS is the debut documentary from Women in Cloud, spotlighting the journeys of 19 trailblazing women, founders, technologists, and policymakers, who are shaping the future of the cloud and AI-driven economy. Through raw, personal stories and bold insights, the film uncovers the realities of the gender gap in tech and calls for actionable change, both personal and systemic. After the screening, there will be a panel discussion with:

•Moderator, Heather Seppa, Market Region Manager - Umpqua Bank

•Margueritte Kim, CEO - IT Revolution

•Debbie Marr, Co-Founder - Ahead Computing

•Jayathi Murthy, President - Oregon State University

Prior to the screening, OSU President Murthy will be meeting with the St. Mary’s Academy Robotics team at 4 p.m. The ‘Beta Blues’ are the largest all-female robotics team and a key part of the St. Mary’s Academy Science Department. This visit is especially meaningful as it provides the women on the team with an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with strong female tech leaders.

As part of this meeting, President Murthy will be available for media until 5 p.m.

If interested in attending either the film screening or robotics team visit, please reach out to Caroline Campana, caroline.campana@smapdx.org

The Oregon Military Museum will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of the museum’s grand re-opening on July 11, at 9:30 a.m., on Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided following the ceremony.

“We are here to honor service members and to educate the public about their service,” said Kathleen Sligar, director and curator for the Oregon Military Museum. “I am so excited to see the looks on people’s faces, I think they’re going to be blown away when they walk into this space.

The exhibit galleries will be open until 12:30 p.m. for a first look at the museum’s four new exhibits:

•             We Are Oregon – Explore the people, technology, and actions that define Oregon’s military legacy on the local, national, and global stage

•             Small Arms, Big Impact – A curated collection of nearly 200 American, enemy, and ally small arms from the 1600s into the 21st century

•             History in Art – Discover artwork by and about the US Armed Forces, their provenance, and the contextual knowledge found within

•             Hall of Valor – A commemoration of the thirteen Medal of Honor recipients accredited to Oregon

The Oregon Military Museum has been closed for renovations since 2009 and will officially be open to the public on Saturday, July 12.

Starting Wednesday, July 16, the museum will be open year-round, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Historic Park will also be open Fridays and Saturdays through September.

The Oregon Military Museum honors, shares, and preserves Oregon’s military heritage and legacy, including the Oregon National Guard, the state’s early militias, and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

At approximately 4:48 p.m. on Sunday, Lebanon Fire District was dispatched to a first-alarm fire in the 36000 block of KGAL Drive. On arrival, the first engine encountered a slow-moving, two-acre fire in a harvested field with several vehicles at risk.

Engine 31 quickly attacked the flames near the cars, preventing damage, while also stopping the fire from spreading toward an abandoned barn. Brush 34 and Engine 34 gained access to the field and, working with a farmer’s water truck, knocked down the fire and established control lines. Crews put in a thick wet line around the burn area to secure the perimeter. Engine 31 also secured areas near a burn pile and assisted with water supply.

The fire was contained to 2.4 acres without damage to vehicles or nearby structures. Crews remained on scene for about an hour to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. During the incident, Albany Fire Department provided mutual aid, covering a medical call in the Lebanon Fire District while one of our ambulances was on an interfacility transfer and the other was committed to firefighting efforts.

The Linn County Fire Defense Board has extended the countywide burn ban until October 15. Backyard burning is not permitted during this time. Please help prevent fires by holding off on burns. Once the ban is lifted, call the Linn County Burn Line at 541-451-1904 for daily restrictions.

PF&R Responds to 2^nd Alarm Fire at Assited Living and Memory Care Facility

At just before 2:30 PM, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a commercial alarm at the Firwood Gardens Memory Care and Assisted Living Facility in the Hazelwood Neighborhood of NE Portland. This facility is filled with residents with either mobility challenges and in wheelchairs or reside in the memory care wing with levels of dementia requiring them to receive observational care 24 hours a day.  While PF&R Engine 7 was responding the location, the incident was upgraded to a commercial fire adding 3 more engines, 2 trucks, and 2 chiefs placing 26 members of PF&R enroute to the facility.

With reports of smoke in a hallway, the Engine 7 crew split upon arrival with the back seat team entering and performing an investigation of the 90 occupancy - 2 story - multiple wing facility to locate the source of smoke and be able to guide the remainder of the crews appropriately upon their arrival. The B-team member entered the suspected wing of the fire by opening the fire doors that had automatically closed with the alarm activation to report to command a dirty hallway with dark smoke banked down the floor. The fire apartment was located and accessed by forcible entry to have heavy dark smoke push out of the door opening. The nozzle firefighter advanced the hose to the door and extinguished the fire located on the bed of the occupancy filled with oxygen bottles used for the respiratory assistance of the occupant.

The first arriving battalion chief requested a second alarm response adding another 26 firefighters and a chief to the incident. Along with a few 2-person rescue companies, this places nearly 60 members of PF&R and Gresham Fire, our mutual aid partners, on scene. With the excellent radio report by the first arriving firefighters, arriving companies were able to go directly to work as they knew exactly what to expect based on the radio transmission heard by all on the operational radio channel. Most were focussed searching for and evacuating the mobility challenged residents, often being required to physically carry them to safety while others performed fire suppression tasks. As the fire was being extinguished in the fire room, it was discovered the resident was on the bed which was the location of the most amount of fire present. The nozzle team and truck officer quickly grabbed the victim and brought them outside to be quickly transported to the Emanuel Burn Center by AMR with life-threatening injuries.

PF&R had challenges in moving hose lines and tools to the location with residents in various styles of mobility assistance devices ranging from standing with a cane moving slowly, to using a walker, with the buld of the residents in wheelchairs. Evacuation companies were taking the residents from their chairs and carrying them down the stairs as this was the fastest and safest way out. The wheelchairs were also taken out with the resident to provide a comfortable and safe place to be while the crews were actively addressing the emergency.

The fire was confined to a single apartment with the in-house fire safety sprinkler system activated and suppressing the flames, minimizingthe extension of the flames to the structure. Once extinguished, the crews began to assist in water removal to reduce the damage to the facility. Once the fire was extinguished, PF&R Deputy Chief assisted the facility with resetting the alarm which allowed the locking doors in the memory care wing to be reengaged as the activation of the alarm deactivated the magnetic locking system providing a challenge for staff members to keep the residents safely enclosed in the living space provided.

The cause of the fire is under investigation with the PF&R Fire Investigations Unit on scene. The two investigators present are performing a physical forensic evaluation of the apartment room and interviewing staff members in hopes of determining a cause of this fire.

Portland Fire would like to thank Gresham Fire for their assistance in the incident along with the City of Portland Public Safety Officers who responded to redirect traffic from the southbound lanes of NE 122^nd allowing the crews to operate safely along the street. Additionally, PF&R would like to thank the dispatchers at BOEC for their help during the emergency. Lastly, PF&R also appreciates the assistance from the members of American Medical Response who transported the burn victim and performed a large number of medical triages on the occupants who were taken outside for their safety to ensure no one else needed elevated medical care.

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The Lincoln City Police Department will be utilizing grant funds to conduct a Pedestrian Safety Operation on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 on Hwy 101 in the area of the north 1200 block of Highway 101.

The primary focus of the operation is to raise pedestrian safety awareness. With the use of a decoy pedestrian, the Lincoln City Police Department hopes to raise awareness of drivers and pedestrians through education and enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws. The operation will be conducted between the hours of 10:30AM and 2:30PM. Warning signs will be posted prior to entering the pedestrian safety operation zone.

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are dedicated to enhancing the safety of our citizens and guests of the city, and these safety operations are conducted in an effort to reduce the potential for injuries or death to pedestrians.

Funding for the pedestrian safety operations are made possible through a grant provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                     

Monice Wong
Portland Metro Chamber
mwong@portlandalliance.com
(310) 987-2268 

Conan Knoll

EMC Communications

conan@emccommunications.com

(831) 524-6764

Oregon Leaders Unite Against Federal Troop Deployment, Underscore Portland’s Progress in Open Letter

Letter from elected officials and community leaders tells the Trump Administration not to send in federal troops, emphasizing disruption to the city’s hard-earned progress

PORTLAND, OR, Sept. 28, 2025—The Portland Metro Chamber today released an open letter — co-signed by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, U.S. House representatives, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, and other state and local community leaders — rejecting any deployment of federal troops to the city. The letter calls such action counterproductive to Portland’s recovery and urges the Trump Administration to cease outdated narratives and disparagement of the city. Organizations and elected officials who share these concerns are invited to add their signatures to the letter.

The letter, signed by 110 community leaders and counting, explains why federal intervention would be unnecessary and harmful. Portland has achieved a 51% decrease in homicides during the first half of 2025, which is the largest reduction among major American cities. Gun violence has declined 30% from last year and nearly 60% since 2022, proving local law enforcement and community partnerships are delivering results without federal overreach. 

“If President Trump came to Portland today, he would find people riding bikes, playing sports, enjoying sunshine, and buying produce at farmers markets. We’ve done a lot of hard work to reform our public safety system, refocus on our economy, and help our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Keith Wilson. “Rather than engaging in a show of force, imagine the good that could be accomplished if the federal government sent engineers, teachers, or outreach workers to support our progress. This deployment is unwanted, unneeded, and un-American in the city we call home.”

More than 21 million pedestrians visited downtown through August of this year, with summer 2025 having the busiest summer for pedestrian traffic since before the pandemic. LinkedIn recently ranked Portland in the top 25 on its “Cities on the Rise 2025” list, recognizing the metro among the fastest-growing areas for jobs and new talent.

“It's been a glorious fall weekend here in Portland, where people are out and about, enjoying everything from our state-of-the-art libraries to our parks, shopping at our vibrant small businesses, and rooting for our Portland Timbers downtown. It couldn't be further from this administration's depiction of our beloved city,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. "I'm proud to stand with local elected officials, labor, business, and our entire community in saying that military intervention is not wanted, not needed, and not lawful. We will not let this administration divide us."

The letter warns that military deployment would devastate Portland's economic recovery, pointing to Washington, D.C., where restaurant sales plummeted 30% following National Guard deployment. It emphasizes that an armed military presence “dissuades customers and damages tourism and small businesses, which are vital to our economy.”

“Portland and the region’s turnaround speaks for itself, with private sector investment of almost $11 billion in just the past few months and rapidly growing foot traffic this year,” said Andrew Hoan, President of the Portland Metro Chamber. “Given the economic fallout seen in D.C. during National Guard deployment, federal troops would directly threaten this progress and undermine the very momentum that's attracting business activity and talent back to our city. Principles of local governance make America strong. We call on the Trump Administration to support our business community and local law enforcement by refraining from deploying federal troops to Portland.”

The letter also draws a direct parallel to 2020, when the Trump Administration deployed anonymous federal agents in response to protests, which “inflamed and extended the protests” and “compounded the harm to Portland.” The letter makes clear that Portland has not requested federal assistance and explicitly rejects military intervention.

The full letter and list of signatories is available at https://portlandmetrochamber.com/a-call-for-unity/. 

Interviews are available upon request. Contact Monice Wong at mwong@portlandalliance.com or Conan Knoll at conan@emccommunications.com.

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ABOUT PORTLAND METRO CHAMBER
Founded in 1870, the Portland Metro Chamber is the oldest, largest and most diverse business organization in Oregon and SW Washington. The Chamber is the leading voice for business and represents more than 2,200 employer businesses, advocating at all levels of government to support commerce, community health and vibrancy, and the region’s overall prosperity.

ABOUT THIS CAMPAIGN

EMC Communications is amplifying stories of progress happening throughout Portland, with a focus on local economic vitality, community engagement, and innovative solutions to national challenges. This work is funded by Travel Portland, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to destination marketing and management; it is not a part of any city, county or state government or public organization. As part of this campaign, EMC collaborates with stakeholders across Portland to share stories of progress and development in the City of Roses with local, regional, and national media outlets.

Tigard Police officers responded to a shooting just after noon today, and the suspect has been safely arrested.

Officers were called to the Sanchez Taqueria (13050 SW Pacific Highway) at 12:07pm, where witnesses said a customer shot another customer. The victim was taken to the hospital with injuries that are serious, but not believed to be life threatening.

The suspect drove away from the scene, but was stopped by officers nearby at SW Gaarde and SW Pacific Highway (99W) where he was safely arrested. His name and charges will be coming later.

Officers are speaking with witnesses and gathering evidence at the scene. Updates will be provided as they become available.

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SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing four task forces and its Green Incident Management Team to the Moon Complex in Curry County. The lightning-caused fire grew significantly Friday, pushed by strong winds, and is threatening homes and critical infrastructure near the communities of Agness and Illahe. In total, six structural task forces are mobilized to fire.

The Curry County Sherrif’s Office has levels 2 and 3 evacuation notices in place for several areas around the fire. Please follow the local sheriff’s office for evacuation information.

The state fire marshal resources will join two task forces sent through Immediate Response on Saturday morning, mobilized from Rogue Valley and Lane County.

“Challenging weather conditions yesterday pushed the fire into new areas and local resources need extra help protecting people, homes, and critical infrastructure,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “This is a good reminder that we are still in fire season and ask everyone to stay aware and do everything they can to prevent sparking a wildfire.”

This is the eighth time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked in 2025.

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal  
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.  

September 26, 2025

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8843, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Unity Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Unity Reservoir due to the presence of a microcystin above healthy levels for recreation. The reservoir is located on the Burnt River Unity Reservoir about 40 miles southwest of Baker, Oregon.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Unity Reservoir and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

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

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

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

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

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

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

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 1-877-290-6767, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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On September 26th, 2005 at 1:09 PM the Clark County Sheriff's Office and Clark County Fire and Rescue responded to a small airplane accident at Goheen airfield northwest of Battle Ground.  Reports indicated the plane had crashed near the runway and was on fire.  Rescue personnel arrived and extinguished the fire.  It appears at least one person is deceased from the incident.  The identity of the person is unknown currently.  The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident and can be contacted for further information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: September 26, 2025

Detectives search for suspect in stabbing at a local park

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit detectives are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred at a northeast Salem park on March 3.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on that Monday afternoon, a 19-year-old man was at Highland Park in the 2000 block of Broadway ST NE. The victim was approached by a man unknown to him who then stabbed the victim twice and ran away.

The victim was transported to Salem Health with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect who was seen running on the Highland Elementary School property which is across from the park to the east.

Detectives are releasing the images obtained from surveillance video and asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect who is described as a Hispanic, male adult of average height with dark hair and a moustache.

The images initially show the suspect wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt with an Oregon State University emblem, a dark head covering, and gray gloves that he shed as he fled the area. He was last seen wearing a blue, plaid shirt with dark pants, and white athletic shoes.

Anyone with information about the incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to the call the Salem Police Tip Line at 503-588-8477 and mention case number SMP25-18839.

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The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office has undergone a massive transition in the last 15 months, causing unprecedented staffing shortages in a county will already limited public safety resources. On June 21, 2024, due to an early vacancy, Jenna Wallace was appointed by Governor Tina Kotek as the Lincoln County District Attorney after winning the May 2024 primary election. At the time, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office employed one (1) criminal deputy district attorney and was actively attempting to fill eight (8) vacant deputy district attorney positions – an unprecedented staffing crisis in the history of the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.

Due to this extreme staffing shortage, the Oregon Department of Justice temporarily assisted the office by assigning an assistant attorney general to help with prosecution. However, this was only a short-term solution until the District Attorney’s Office could stabilize and fill vacant deputy district attorney positions to keep up with the demanding caseload. 

Within the first three months, DA Wallace hired three (3) entry-level deputy district attorneys, as well as recruit Michael Thornicroft, a long-time Lincoln County resident with well-established ties to this community, to return to Lincoln County and fill the role of Chief Deputy District Attorney. Since then, the District Attorney’s Office has hired two (2) additional attorneys and currently has a total of five (5) criminal deputy district attorneys. By January 2025, a mere six months after DA Wallace’s appointment, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office was stabilizing and thriving. DA Wallace and Chief DDA Thornicroft were focused on training newly hired employees, keeping up with the difficult caseload, working through the backlog of uncharged referred cases, and recruiting qualified applicants for the final few positions. 

In April 2025, after interviewing and making hiring recommendations to fill the two final vacant prosecutor positions, Commissioner Claire Hall abruptly implemented a hiring freeze on the remaining two positions – causing an unexpected halt to any forward progress. Commissioner Hall indicated that these hiring freezes, along with others, would be done without a public meeting and without a full Board vote.

Lincoln County is currently budgeted for nine (9) criminal deputy district attorneys, with one of those positions being grant-funded through the State of Oregon’s Justice Reinvestment Program. The hiring freeze implemented by Commissioner Hall included this grant-funded position even after the County accepted the funding for the position from the State. Other departments, such as the Sheriff’s Office, Health and Human Services, and Community Justice (Parole & Probation), have all been allowed to hire into their respective grant-funded positions. The grand-funded prosecutor position in the District Attorney’s Office is the only grant-funded position in the County that has been frozen. If these grant funds are not utilized, the County will have to return these funds back to the State.

Currently, the District Attorney’s Office has 10 vacant positions with 9 of those positions having been frozen by Commissioner Hall, despite repeated requests for 5 exceptions specifically based on community safety concerns and over-all public necessity. Commissioner Hall and Commissioner Walter Chuck have denied all five of these requests. These requests include exceptions for three (3) deputy district attorney positions, the detective position, as well the Executive Chief, an upper management position responsible for not only supervising crime victim advocates and child support enforcement but is fundamental in coordinating Lincoln County’s statutorily mandated multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate investigation and swift prosecution in child abuse, elder abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence cases.

To compound the issue, Commissioner Hall recently has initiated steps to eliminate the Executive Chief position and merge essential duties into the vacant Administrative Chief position. This was done even after receiving internal feedback that this type of restructuring is not possible or in the best interest of the District Attorney’s Office. Without any input from the District Attorney, steps to change the job description and/or eliminate the position have been taken regardless of the position having been budgeted for, approved by the Lincoln County Budget Committee, and adopted by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on June 18, 2025. 

In the past nine months, the District Attorney’s Office has become overwhelmed with an increase in crime and a rise in challenging caseloads. According to the Oregon Judicial Department, as of September 17, 2025, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office has filed 1,391 criminal cases and is projected to file over 1,850 cases by end of year. This is a 24% increase since 2024 and does not include the backlog of over 360 cases awaiting review. This year alone, Lincoln County has seen a 112% increase in weapon offenses, 50% increase in property crime offenses, 32% increase in person crime offenses, and a 310% increase in drug offense. To put things in perspective, Tillamook County has filed roughly 400 criminal cases to date this year, 71% less than Lincoln County.

Without adequate resources, staffing, and the ability to hire employees, criminal prosecution may become delayed resulting in a lack of accountability for criminal behavior. It is a very real possibility that if the District Attorney’s Office is restricted from filing positions already approved by the budget, it will impact the types of cases charged, how cases are resolved, and will have an impact on community safety. “I am not asking for any additional resources. I am simply advocating for the ability to use the funds already allotted to the District Attorney’s Office through the adoption of the 2025-2026 Lincoln County Budget”. DA Wallace understands the County wants to resolve their massive budget shortfall through county-wide vacancy savings. However, when hiring freezes directly impact public safety and the ability to seek justice for crime victims, exceptions to this freeze must be granted – much like they have already been granted in other county departments. This is especially true when the District Attorney’s Office has consistently underspent over the past decade and contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars back to the general fund at the end of every budget cycle.

“I am struggling to understand why Commissioner Hall and Commissioner Chuck will not grant exceptions to the hiring freeze, particularly several key public-safety positions in the District Attorney’s Office. I need to be able to use the resources already allocated to my office through the public budget process to continue to rebuild and stabilize this office for the safety of our community.” DA Wallace says her office just doesn’t have the ability to give every case the attention it deserves during this county-created staffing shortage. Until Commissioner Hall rescinds the hiring freeze or approves exceptions to freeze, the District Attorney’s Office will be unable to keep up with the demand and may be forced to prioritize which cases can be feasibly charged with limited staff.

Lincoln County must choose to prioritize public safety positions at all levels of our criminal justice system: law enforcement, criminal prosecution, and probation. The Lincoln County District Attorney is asking citizens to contact Commissioner Hall or Commissioner Chuck in-person, by email, or by public comment at the next Board of Commissioner’s meeting on October 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM to express the importance of unfreezing key public safety positions in the District Attorney’s Office for justice, accountability, and overall safety in our community.

September 26, 2025

Case#  22CR50396

Portland, OR- Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Ryan sentenced Daniel Cassinelli to 200 months prison for raping and sodomizing a woman while he worked as a loss prevention officer at Rite Aid in the Portland area.

Judge Ryan sentenced the defendant to 100 months for Count 1: Rape in the First Degree and another 100 months for Count 2: Sodomy in the First Degree. The terms will run consecutively, one after the other. The remaining counts are to be run concurrent with the 200 months.

Upon release, the defendant will be monitored under a term of post-prison supervision. 

Below is our previous release when Cassinelli was convicted.

2015 COLD CASE RESULTS IN RAPE CONVICTION. TESTING OF OLD RAPE KITS HELPED

April 11, 2025

Case#: 22CR50396

 Portland, OR- Judge Thomas Ryan found Daniel Luis Cassinelli guilty today on charges of Rape in the First Degree, two counts of Sodomy in the First Degree, and two counts of Sex Abuse in the Second Degree. 

The case dates back to 2015 when Cassinelli, who was working as a loss prevention officer at a Portland area Rite Aid and suspected the victim was shoplifting. He took her into the basement of the store and raped her. 

Deputy District Attorney Quinn Zemel prosecuted the case for the state. After the conviction he said: “Victims, no matter their background or life circumstances deserve to be believed, and will be believed.”

“As part of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative even old cases can still be brought forward. It's never too late for justice.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank retired Portland Police Investigator Matthew Irvine and Portland Police Detective Matthew Brown for their tremendous work on this case.

We would also like to acknowledge the work of MCDA Victim Advocate Alliston Miller who did a fantastic job working with the victim during the ordeal of the trial.

Facts: 

On 1/21/15 The victim reported to police that she was sexually assaulted in the loss prevention office of a Rite Aid. She reported that she was caught shoplifting by an LPO (later ID’d as Daniel Cassinelli), defendant. The defendant escorted her alone to loss prevention office where he sexually assaulted and then raped her. After the assault, the defendant walked the victim to the surveillance room where he showed her the cameras and explained he had been watching her for quite some time. He told her not to tell anyone about the incident and he would not report her to the police. She got on a bus to Beaverton where she contacted a transit officer to report the rape. Police identified the defendant by talking to Rite Aid management about who was on duty and by reviewing video footage. The victim eventually separated from the case because of life circumstances and the case went cold. .

In October 2021, Detective Irvine picked up the case through the SAKI (sexual assault kit initiative) grant. He got in contact with the victim who gave another account that was largely consistent. Irvine reviewed the video footage in depth and identified the defendant and victim going to the LPO office and then the surveillance room. They are in the office for over 20 minutes. Records from Rite-Aid show that the defendant had stopped the victim in two prior instances and wrote reports for those contacts, however, no report was written for this lengthy interaction during the assault. Irvine learns the defendant would have been in violation of policy by being alone with a female in the office and by not writing a report. 

Eventually, enough evidence was gained to bring an indictment and trial.

Cassinelli faces a mandatory minimum of 100 months in prison. Sentencing is set for July 11, 2025.

                                                ##MCDA##

Lifeline Connections proudly recognized this year’s John Cox Community Partner Award recipient at its third annual fundraising luncheon, A Lifeline to Wellbeing, on Thursday, Sept. 25, at Royal Oaks Country Club. This award celebrates individuals and organizations that partner with Lifeline Connections to provide lifesaving behavioral health treatment and supportive services.

During the event, Lifeline Connections announced the Vancouver Housing Authority as the recipient of the 2025 John Cox Community Partner Award. The Vancouver Housing Authority provides opportunities to people experiencing housing barriers while honoring their personal dignity and maintaining trust.

“This year’s winner collaborates on opportunities to maximize shared resources. They anticipate policy changes to mitigate the impact on our most vulnerable community members,” shares Lifeline Connections’ president and CEO, Andrea Brooks.

Among the nominees were Go The Distance, Ripple Impact NW, DeDe Sieler (Clark County Department of Community Services), Jeff Hatch, Monique Kennedy, Natalie DeWitt (Molina Healthcare) and Tessa Worthen (Whatcom County Mental Health Court).

This luncheon highlighted the prevalence of substance use and mental health conditions and need for services in our community. During the event, Brooks noted that September is Recovery month, and celebrated that recovery is possible. One in four Washington adults with a behavioral health condition report an unmet need for treatment. Washington has one of the highest prevalence rates for mental health conditions, ranking fifth-highest in the nation. During the event, Lifeline Connections demonstrated how a robust behavioral health treatment continuum enhances someone’s recovery by walking through an example of a patient’s journey.

Brooks explained the financial sustainability of Lifeline Connections is jeopardized by CareOregon’s abrupt termination of the agency’s contract as an in-network provider, decreased collection rate from managed care payors, and Washington paying the lowest room and board rate in the country. Lifeline Connections’ struggles will increase in the days ahead, as the agency faces the reality of federal budget cuts impacting Medicaid and federal grants.

Medicaid accounts for 84% of Lifeline Connections’ overall funding; it’s estimated that nearly 22,000 people will lose Medicaid coverage in the Clark County area. These reductions in Medicaid will eliminate access to lifesaving treatment for the most vulnerable community members, those who are most in need of a lifeline.

The Lifeline Connections fundraiser asked for the community’s support to replace the broken HVAC system at its Pregnant and Parenting Women’s program, offered at its Women’s Recovery Center. This unique program serves women who are pregnant or have young children living with them while participating in inpatient substance use treatment at Lifeline Connections. The event’s fundraising goal was $87,500, half of the amount needed ($175,000) to replace the HVAC.  

Lifeline Connections has a 63-year history of providing mental health and substance use services in southwestern Washington. As a leading provider of behavioral health services in the region, Lifeline Connections remains committed to ensuring the critical gaps in access are addressed by making behavioral health treatment and services available to our community, especially for those at the greatest risk and most in need of a lifeline.

Lifeline Connections is immensely grateful to this year’s luncheon attendees and community partners, who proudly demonstrated their belief that recovery is possible.

A Lifeline to Wellbeing sponsors included:

●      Media Sponsor

○      The Columbian

●      Platinum Sponsor

○      Houser Family

●      Silver Sponsors

○      Ginn Group

○      HUB International

○      Kaiser Permanente

○      Lockton

○      Riverview Bank

○      SWACH

○      Vancouver Clinic

○      Vancouver Housing Authority

●      Bronze Sponsors

○      Carelon Behavioral Health

○      Columbia Credit Union

○      Community Health Plan of Washington

○      Hamm Autoworks

○      Jodie Sharp Windermere Real Estate

○      Molina Healthcare

○      More Power Technology Group

○      Moss Adams x Baker Tilly

○      Opsahl Dawson

○      Phillips and Company Wealth Strategies

○      Three Tree Tech

○      Willamette Dental

●      In-Kind Sponsors

○      Upbeat Music Therapy

○      Wellpoint

RELEASE DATE: 9/26/25

Case # 24CR39014

Portland, OR- Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Souede today sentenced 43-year-old Adam M. Caldwell to 48 months in prison for groping a stranger, who was a child under the age of 14. Caldwell pled guilty to Attempted Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Caldwell will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Afton Coppedge prosecuted the case.

After the sentencing she said:

“This was a brazen act of sexual violence against a 10 year old child. On June 20, 2024, Mr. Caldwell entered the Fred Meyer’s on Hawthorne and changed the lives of one family forever and put our community at risk. This type of egregious behavior forces our community into an impossible pos­ition of raising our children to be fierce and independent­, but never knowing what looms around the corner. It creates feelings of helplessness, fear, grief, doubt, and anger. I am proud of the victim’s bravery and deeply appreciate the family’s participation in this process. 

I hope that this sentence sends a message to offenders that our community is determined to speak up against violence and hold them accountable.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank Portland Police Officers Brahy, Yoo, and Bernard for their thorough and professional investigation of this matter.

The DA’s office would also like to recognize MCDA Victim Advocate Alie Aguilera for the kindness and compassion shown to the victims in this case.

THE FACTS:

On June 20, 2024, Portland Police responded to the Fred Meyer store at SE 38th and SE Hawthorne in Portland on a report of sexual abuse of a child by a stranger who fled the location. Video surveillance from inside of the store captured Caldwell following the victim, a small child, down the aisle, moving his grocery basket from his left hand to his right hand, looking around to see if anyone was watching him, and then bending down to grab the victim’s buttocks with his, now free, left hand.

The older sibling of the victim came around the corner just as the assault occurred and screamed, drawing the attention of their father. The victim ran away from Caldwell to her father. Caldwell fled the store without being identified, but external video from the parking lot captured him getting into a white Subaru with Oregon Evergreen plates and driving away. Portland Police worked to obtain additional video footage nearby to assist in identifying Caldwell.

More than a month later, police put out a public call for help to identify the suspect. With community assistance, including Caldwell’s family and friends, police were able to identify him as the perpetrator. On July 30, 2024, police arrested Caldwell without incident at his residence. 

                                     ###MCDA###

RELEASE DATE: 9/26/25

Case # 24CR39014

Portland, OR- Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Souede today sentenced 43-year-old Adam M. Caldwell to 48 months in prison for groping a stranger, who was a child under the age of 14. Caldwell pled guilty to Attempted Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Caldwell will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Afton Coppedge prosecuted the case.

After the sentencing she said:

“This was a brazen act of sexual violence against a 10 year old child. On June 20, 2024, Mr. Caldwell entered the Fred Meyer’s on Hawthorne and changed the lives of one family forever and put our community at risk. This type of egregious behavior forces our community into an impossible pos­ition of raising our children to be fierce and independent­, but never knowing what looms around the corner. It creates feelings of helplessness, fear, grief, doubt, and anger. I am proud of the victim’s bravery and deeply appreciate the family’s participation in this process. 

I hope that this sentence sends a message to offenders that our community is determined to speak up against violence and hold them accountable.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank Portland Police Officers Brahy, Yoo, and Bernard for their thorough and professional investigation of this matter.

The DA’s office would also like to recognize MCDA Victim Advocate a@mcda.us" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Alie Aguilera for the kindness and compassion shown to the victims in this case.

THE FACTS:

On June 20, 2024, Portland Police responded to the Fred Meyer store at SE 38th and SE Hawthorne in Portland on a report of sexual abuse of a child by a stranger who fled the location. Video surveillance from inside of the store captured Caldwell following the victim, a small child, down the aisle, moving his grocery basket from his left hand to his right hand, looking around to see if anyone was watching him, and then bending down to grab the victim’s buttocks with his, now free, left hand.

The older sibling of the victim came around the corner just as the assault occurred and screamed, drawing the attention of their father. The victim ran away from Caldwell to her father. Caldwell fled the store without being identified, but external video from the parking lot captured him getting into a white Subaru with Oregon Evergreen plates and driving away. Portland Police worked to obtain additional video footage nearby to assist in identifying Caldwell.

More than a month later, police put out a public call for help to identify the suspect. With community assistance, including Caldwell’s family and friends, police were able to identify him as the perpetrator. On July 30, 2024, police arrested Caldwell without incident at his residence. 

                                     ###MCDA###

LINN COUNTY, Ore. (26 Sept. 2025) – The Oregon State Police is asking for the public’s help to identify and locate the suspect(s) in an injury hit-and-run in Linn County.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at approximately 5:03 a.m., OSP responded to a two-vehicle crash on I-5 northbound near milepost 216. A gray Kia Rio was traveling northbound when it was rear-ended by the suspect vehicle. The operator of the Kia lost control, and the vehicle rolled several times. Two occupants were transported to an area hospital with injuries.

The suspect vehicle fled the scene and was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed prior to the crash. Broken vehicle parts at the scene indicate the vehicle is likely a dark blue 2023–2025 Toyota Corolla SE with damage to the driver’s side bumper and side wheel well.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP’s Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-0776 by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-410883.

# # #

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

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 26, 2025) — During the early morning hours of Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, the Oregon State Police SWAT team served a search warrant at a rural property in Sprague River in Klamath County. Two suspects were taken into custody in connection with the death of Robert T. Hein, 47, of Bellingham, Washington.

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at about 3:57 p.m., a hunter in a wooded area near Sprague River reported finding a deceased person to Klamath County 911. The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office responded and determined the victim had died as a result of homicide. The victim was later identified as Robert T. Hein.
 

The Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated, with OSP designated as the lead agency. The team includes representatives from the Oregon State Police, Klamath Falls Police Department, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County Community Corrections, and the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office.
 

The investigation led to two suspects in Hein’s death. Russell Dwayne Carroway, 38, and Devin Tyler Pellerin, 31, both of Sprague River, were arrested and charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. Both were transported and lodged in the Klamath County Jail.
 

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

Community members with information about this incident are encouraged to contact OSP’s Southern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-2068 or by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-414701.

# # #

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

The Dalles, Ore. – Effective Monday September 29, 2025, at 12:01am, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District (COD) —The Dalles Unit will reduce Fire Danger to MODERATE with Regulated Use Closure being terminated.

Additionally, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) on non-federal lands will be reduced to level 1 in MH-1 and in MH-4 (Hood River and Wasco County).

These changes to Regulated Use primarily affect ODF protected lands in Hood River and Wasco County. In all counties across COD, until sufficient rain is received, locally enforced burn bans will remain in effect and should be followed. If you have questions regarding your local burn status, please reach out to your local ODF office or fire department.

The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention. Though there had been recent widespread rain across the state, firefighters continue to respond to new lightning and human-caused fire starts. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org  

Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks through the end of fire season. For more information on IFPL restrictions and public use restrictions locally and statewide, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Swift Forest Camp boat ramp to close until May 2026 

ARIEL, Wash. (Sept. 26, 2025) – PacifiCorp will be closing the Swift Forest Camp boat ramp on the Lewis River from September 30, 2025, to May 2026. The closure is necessary to maintain required water levels downstream of Merwin Dam. As water levels at the Swift Reservoir will be drawn down, boat owners are advised to remove their boats before the closure begins. 

Additionally, Speelyai Park boat ramp remains closed and Cresap Park boat ramp is scheduled to close on September 30, limiting access to Merwin Reservoir until reservoir refilling is complete. Based on current water inflows, PacifiCorp anticipates reopening the Speelyai Park boat ramp on October 4, once the Merwin Reservoir reaches a safe water elevation for boat launching and retrieval. Yale Park boat ramp will remain open for boater access to Yale Reservoir. 

Beginning October 4, PacifiCorp expects that both Speelyai Park and Yale Park boat ramps will remain available for use unless otherwise announced. 

###

About Pacific Power

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

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) hosted its annual awards ceremony to honor the outstanding public service of its employees, law enforcement partners, and community members.

“These ceremonies give us a chance to recognize the incredible courage and selfless acts that define the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office,” said MCSO Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “By honoring these individuals, we’re living out our values of being present, connected, inspired, and proud. We are doing our best to make sure the work of our deputies and community members never goes unnoticed.”  

This year’s award ceremony covered events that occurred in 2024. MCSO award recipients are selected through a comprehensive, multi-step process. An internal MCSO Awards Committee reviews all nominations, submitting its recommendations to MCSO’s executive team, which makes a final decision.  

Among the awards presented, MCSO recognized 10 people with a letter of commendation. It also presented 30 citations and 21 lifesaving awards – representing eight separate critical incidents. 

The agency recognized four people with the newly created Meritorious Service Medal, for demonstrating a continuous pattern of exceptional service.  

Additionally, the agency presented several members of law enforcement and the broader public safety community with awards related to a plane crash in Fairview, Oregon.

In late August 2024, a small plane crashed into a residential neighborhood, causing a fire and significant destruction. The incident drew national attention. 

The emergency response began with Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) 911 call takers receiving multiple calls about thick black smoke. The call takers provided accurate information to dispatchers, who quickly coordinated fire and law enforcement units from MCSO and Gresham.

When MCSO deputies arrived on scene, they went door to door evacuating residents and using garden hoses to combat the fire until firefighters arrived.  

The investigation that followed was complex. MCSO detectives secured the debris field and interviewed witnesses. They coordinated with local, regional, and federal officials as the investigation progressed.

Residents later expressed gratitude for the compassionate way they were treated by MCSO deputies and other first responders, including paramedics and firefighters.  

“This unexpected emergency demonstrated that our deputies coordinate and manage crises with compassion above all else,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell.

The MCSO also presented the first recipient of the Major James Turney Award. Named after a retired MCSO executive leader, the award recognizes a member who consistently demonstrates kind and genuine care for their colleagues. The awardee, a MCSO deputy, was recognized by Sheriff Morrissey O’Donnell for upholding the agency's values of safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment. 

Several photos from the MCSO’s awards ceremony are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. 

UPDATE: Tom Santillanes, Tucker’s father, is planning to make a statement at the 6 pm media availability. 

Who: 

At the September 26 football game against Hood River HS, the Gresham High School football team will dedicate the season to their teammate Tucker Santillanes, who was injured at last Friday’s game against David Douglas HS. 

What: 

At the beginning of the game, just before the performance of the National Anthem, an announcement will be made dedicating the season to Tucker Santillanes, who is beginning his recovery process. 

Students are asked to wear black and white tonight in honor of Tucker. The Gresham High School football program will be selling t-shirts with the slogan "TuckerStrong." Proceeds from the sales will go to the Santillanes family. Students have created a banner dedicated to Tucker, which will be prominently displayed in front of the student section. 

A GoFundMe account has been established to raise funds for Tucker's medical expenses and any additional support the family may need. 

The news media will have the opportunity to interview Gresham High School Principal Aki Mori before the game. UPDATE: Tom Santillanes, Tucker’s father, is planning to make a statement at the 6 pm media availability. 

When:  6 pm (Game starts at 7 pm)

Where: 

Gresham High School

1200 North Main Avenue

Gresham, OR 97030

Members of the news media should enter the stadium through the gates by the tennis courts and aquatic center located on Main Street.

Beginning at 6 pm, the news media will be allowed onto campus. 

Members of the media will be ushered to the GHS tennis courts, where Gresham High School Principal Aki Mori will be available for interviews. 

6:40 pm: The media will be ushered into the stadium to capture video and photos of the dedication and game. 

Media Contact:

Gresham-Barlow School District

Communications Director

Athena Vadnais

Email: vadnais@gresham.k12.or.us

Phone: 503-261-4557

Cell: 503-358-2175

OREGON CITY – The Clackamas Community College Environmental Learning Center is hosting Communicating Science, a one-day workshop designed to help scientists and engineers strengthen their public speaking and presentation skills. The event takes place Friday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the college’s Oregon City campus.

The workshop is built on the idea that science is anything but boring. Participants will learn simple techniques to improve delivery, boost confidence and communicate with clarity and impact. Through interactive activities, attendees will gain tools to give engaging presentations and sharpen everyday communication skills.

The course will be led by Janine Castro, technical director of Portland State University’s River Restoration Professional Certificate program.

Participants who complete the workshop will earn 0.65 continuing education units (6.0 professional development hours) and receive a certificate of completion.

The cost is $300 for standard registration and $150 for students and AmeriCorps members. A limited number of reduced-price tickets are available for those with financial need–individuals may reach out for further information.

The workshop will be held at the Environmental Learning Center, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/communicating-science-tickets-1337753720389. For questions, email ethany.wray@clackamas.edu">bethany.wray@clackamas.edu or call 503-594-3015. For more information about the Environmental Learning Center, visit www.clackamas.edu/elc.

About the Environmental Learning Center

The Environmental Learning Center has a rich history as an educational resource for Clackamas Community College, regional schools, industry and the community. Located on the former site of a Smucker's processing plant, the center was created to demonstrate what people could do to reclaim industrial sites, address stormwater issues and restore wildlife habitats in urban areas. Each year thousands of people visit to explore the 5-acre site and learn about watershed health. The site serves as an important stormwater facility for the college campus and provides critical wetland habitat for resident and migratory birds, such as the great blue heron, wood duck and merganser.

-30-

SHFAD was notified this week of two large grant awards. The first a Community Wildfire Defense Grant sponsored by the US Forest Service via the USDA. This grant was a joint effort by a consortium known as the Linn Wildfire Mitigation Group which included SHFAD, the Oregon Department of Forestry South Cascade District, Lebanon Fire District, Linn County Juvenile Department, and both the South Santiam and Calapooia Watershed Counsels. Representatives of these agencies worked together to form a plan to provide improved wildfire defense for the region with a focus on the most at-risk areas. The effort was guided by the recently updated community wildfire protection plan. The 5-year project will center around 3 key strategies: Developing a strategic, sustainable and collaborative Project Pipeline; accelerating the pace of fuels reduction; and educating and empowering residents and community partners to reduce wildfire risks. The project pipeline will be a coordinated effort spearheaded by a CWDG coordinator from Sweet Home Fire, and a Fire Adapted Communities Specialist provided by the watershed counsels. The goal will be to develop a collaborative fuels project database, increase production of HIZ assessments to 850 assessment annually which will then be entered in the database and referred for implementation, and to plan fuels projects on forest properties utilizing an ODF funded Community Wildfire Forester. The fuels reduction portion of the project will include defensible space treatments, 6 “chipper days” per year where residents will have opportunities to bring vegetative debris in to be disposed of by use of the SHFAD chipper, and the Linn County Juvenile Department will provide 25 defensible space treatments as part of their workforce development program. The education portion of the plan will include community education events, individual outreach, youth education (k-12), and technical education/workfore training.

Wildland Division Chief Christian Whitfield represented Sweet Home Fire in the planning and grant-writing efforts. The consortium was awarded $8,711,040 in total, Sweet Home Fire will receive $5,343,087 of that total award.  Sweet Home Fire’s portion of the award will fund a project manager, half of the cost of the Wildland Division Chief’s position, as well as our 6 senior crew members on that Division, and fully fund a 10-person seasonal crew for 4 months. Also included in the award are the purchase of equipment including an excavator with a masticator, a pull rig, a transit van for personnel transport, a pickup truck, and smaller equipment such as chainsaws, chaps, and saw fuel.  

Following the notification of that grant award, Sweet Home Fire was notified that we were awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant award through FEMA. This grant awarded us $126,857 towards a $133,200 project. The project Will provide NFPA-compliant physicals and cancer screenings for our 74 firefighters for 2 years. This project is an effort to identify potentially life-threatening conditions in our firefighters to prevent line of duty deaths. The goal of the fire district is to establish long-term funding at the completion of the grant, to continue providing these screenings to our firefighters.

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its annual budget.

This award represents a significant achievement and reflects the County’s commitment to the highest principles of government budgeting. To earn the award, Clatsop County’s budget had to meet nationally recognized guidelines and be rated “proficient” in four key categories:

• A policy document

• A financial plan

• An operations guide

• A communications device

“This recognition affirms the County’s dedication to transparent, accountable, and effective financial management,” said Mark Kujala, Chair of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners. “County staff worked diligently to ensure that our budget not only guides operations but also communicates clearly with the public we serve.”

Clatsop County is among more than 1,900 governments across North America to receive this honor, setting an example of best practices in budgeting.

For more information on the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, visit http://www.gfoa.org.

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This weekend, a new law will require the names and addresses of Oregon Lottery winners to be anonymous. Previously, a winner’s name was public record under Oregon’s public records law. Under House Bill 3115, Oregon Lottery may not publicly disclose a winner’s name and address without the winner’s written authorization.

Today, the Oregon State Lottery Commission approved rules to implement the new law passed during the recent legislative session. Under the rules, Oregon Lottery may release other public information about a prize win such as the city in which the winner resides, the retailer that sold the winning ticket, the game played, and the prize amount. A winner may authorize Lottery in writing to use their name and photos but otherwise, Lottery will not release a winner’s name and address.

House Bill 3115 also prohibits the purchase or sale of a winning lottery ticket in response to a cottage industry of so-called “discounters.” The discounters buy winning tickets for less than their value from players, then cash them in for the prize amount. While some players choose to sell their tickets to avoid driving to an Oregon Lottery payment center, others may do so to avoid having their prize garnished for outstanding child support or public assistance overpayments, as required by Oregon law.

Under rules adopted by the Oregon State Lottery Commission, Lottery officials will evaluate prize claims to determine if the tickets were bought, sold, or claimed in violation of the law. If a winning ticket is found to be in violation, Lottery will deny the prize claim and confiscate the ticket.

You can find FAQs regarding winner anonymity on the Oregon Lottery’s website.

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public schools, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

Customizing ensures you get the right alerts, the right way, at the right time

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County Emergency Management is encouraging all residents to opt in for National Weather Service alerts when signing up for or updating their ClatsopALERTS! accounts. These automated alerts are the fastest way to receive critical weather updates.

“ClatsopALERTS! will only tell you what you need to know, but customizing your profile makes those alerts even more effective,” said Jen Munson, Clatsop County Emergency Management Community Engagement Coordinator. “By adding your locations and preferences, you’ll get the right alerts at the right time, in the way that works best for you.”

Why Customize Your Profile?

By updating your ClatsopALERTS! settings, you can:

• Receive more timely and relevant alerts

• Add up to five different addresses: home, work, school, or a loved one’s residence

• Choose quiet hours if you don’t want non-urgent alerts overnight

• Opt-in to specific weather alerts for faster, automated warnings

Automatic Weather Alerts You Already Receive

When you sign up for ClatsopALERTS!, you will automatically receive the most critical National Weather Service information. These required alerts cannot be unchecked in your profile:

• Tsunamis

• Flash Floods

• Coastal Flooding

• Tornadoes

“You’ll see these options 'greyed out' in your account settings because they are required alerts,” said Munson. "You’ll always get these life-safety warnings no matter what.”

Clatsop County provides the alert system and pushes out timely, accurate notifications. Residents, in turn, need to do their part by signing up, keeping their contact information current, and customizing their profiles.

Need Help Customizing Your Alerts?

We’ve created a quick step-by-step tutorial to walk you through updating your profile. Creating a customized account with weather alerts helps us reach you more effectively with the information you want.

Update or sign up now at: clatsopcounty.gov/em/page/clatsopalerts

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Northeast 134^th Street in Salmon Creek is temporarily closed at Salmon Creek Avenue as crews work to repair a large water main break.

The water leak was reported shortly before 10 this morning, and quickly engulfed most of 134^th. Firefighters from Clark County Fire District 6 were called to help block off the roads as crews from Clark Public Utilities District worked to shut off the pipe.

There is no firm estimate as to when 134^th Street will re-open, in the meantime drivers will need to find alternate routes.

If you work a 40-hour week, you’re spending nearly a quarter of your time in the workplace—so you might not be home when an emergency happens. In honor of National Emergency Preparedness Month, SAIF, Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation company, has tips for anyone who may be on the job during an emergency.

Have a reunification plan for your family 

• Decide on a location where you’ll meet up after an emergency separates you. 

• Have an out-of-state contact with whom everyone can keep in touch and relay information (while local phone lines are often knocked out during an emergency, you can often get through to an out-of-state phone number). 

Have important information in writing, saved to the cloud, and on your phone 

• A list of emergency contacts such as family and friends  

• Medical conditions and details of prescriptions 

• Family members’ names, dates of birth, email addresses, phone numbers, and social media handles 

• Medical, home, and car insurance details 

• Bank account details 

Keep a back-up emergency kit in your car 

• 72 hours of non-perishable food and water 

• A basic first aid kit 

• A back-up battery or way to charge your cell phone 

• Printed local maps 

• Sturdy shoes  

• Warm gloves and a blanket 

• Flashlight 

• Wet wipes and sanitizing wipes 

If you are a business owner, follow SAIF’s tips for how you can help your employees in an emergency: 

• Know your Red Cross and emergency contacts in case employees need to use their resources. 

• Make your Intranet available to help employees connect and share information and resources. 

• Encourage your employees to sign up for emergency alerts such as OR-Alert and Watch Duty for wildfire information. 

• Be aware if any of your employees are affected by evacuation orders. 

Find more information at saif.com/prepare.

About SAIF  

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. For more than 110 years, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com. 

(Portland, Ore.) - The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) strongly condemns President Trump’s recent public statements advising pregnant women to “avoid Tylenol at all costs” and announcing plans for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require new warning labels against the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence and risk undermining public trust in evidence-based care. Unfortunately, such false statements have become commonplace in this administration’s ongoing efforts to politicize health care and dismantle our nation’s public health infrastructure. 

# # #

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is issuing a warning to Oregon residents about the “gold bar” scam that is rapidly spreading across the nation. This scam involves fraudsters impersonating government officials who convince victims to purchase gold bars to supposedly protect their nest eggs.

This scam involves contact from someone claiming to be a government official, often associated with the U.S. Department of Treasury, who convinces the victim to convert money held in financial accounts into gold bars. The fraudster claims the victim’s financial institution isn’t safe and that physical gold is the only way to protect the assets. Once the victim agrees to convert the funds to gold, the fraudster either appears at the victim’s front door or arranges for the victim to meet them at a nearby location to pick up the gold bars. DFR urges the public to stay alert, informed, and safe. Do not become the next victim of this scam.

More generally, the scam goes like this: Victims are contacted through text, email, or phone call and told their financial accounts are at risk of being compromised for various reasons. The reasons given may include that the accounts were subject to a cyberattack or are being used for illegal activity and must be closed. Victims are advised to empty the account, purchase the gold bars, and then deliver the bars over to the “government official.” For those unable or unwilling to purchase the gold themselves, the fraudster will offer and even insist on making the purchase for them. Sometimes this includes giving the “government official” remote access to the victim’s electronic devices. Victims are tricked into believing that converting their assets to gold and storing it with the government via the scammer, or “government official,” is necessary to protect their assets. This is positively – and always – a scam.

It has already caused millions of dollars in losses to Oregon investors and others across the country.

“It is troubling that these criminals are using fear and a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into making devastating financial decisions,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “Even more troubling is the reality that they are in our communities and facilitating these crimes in person.”

As an additional precaution, DFR emphasizes that government officials will never contact you and demand payment using gold bars. To stay safe:

• Be cautious of someone contacting you and claiming to be a government official. The imposter scam was the most common scam reported to the Federal Trade Commission in 2024. Government officials will never threaten you or demand that you make a payment using cryptocurrency, gift cards, or gold. If you need to communicate with a government agency, look up the contact information yourself, verify that you have not been directed to a scam site, and – only then – contact the agency using the information provided on its official website. Never share your home address with strangers who contact you.
• A government official will never give you a top-secret password. Some victims are given a supposedly top-secret password and instructed to give assets to a person who provides them with the password. This is always a scam.
• Never click on suspicious links or respond to unsolicited messages. If you receive an email or text from an unknown sender (even if the details appear accurate), do not respond, and do not click on any links or attachments found in that email. You could unknowingly download malicious software.
• Never give out your personal and financial information. Do not share personal and financial information with strangers. Steer clear of communication and calls from strangers.

Those seeking employment might be tempted to accept positions as a driver or courier from these scammers. This is part of the scam, to use outsiders – referred to as “money mules” – to help facilitate the crime. Be very skeptical about these employment offers. Research a company thoroughly before agreeing to become involved in any “employment” of unusual activity.

DFR cautions Oregonians to remain cautious and informed. Contact local law enforcement to report this scam. You can also contact DFR to report suspected fraud, inappropriate securities business practices, or to obtain consumer information. Free investor education and fraud prevention materials are available at http://www.asc.alabama.gov/. Click or tap if you trust this link.">dfr.oregon.gov or by calling one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) 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.

Portland, OR- Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Angela Lucero on September 19, 2025, found Jesse James Allen West- 25-years-old- guilty in two cases, including multiple counts of attempted murder for trying to kill four Portland Police officers as they tried to arrest him, and several other crimes.

He is convicted of:

Four counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm.

Robbery in the First Degree with a Firearm.

Two counts of Unauthorized use of a Vehicle.

Assault in the Second Degree.

Robbery in the Third Degree.

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Sean Hughey prosecuted the attempted murder case for the state.  Deputy District Attorney Branden Meadows prosecuted the robbery case.

After the guilty verdict, Hughey said:
 

“The members of PPB’s Special Emergency Response Team are dedicated professionals.  They planned a mission to arrest Jesse West after West used firearms to commit a series of carjacking-style robberies against unsuspecting members of our community.  But SERT members are also parents, spouses, and family members.  Jesse West’s gunfire came shockingly close to striking and potentially killing one or more of these officers.”

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney randen.meadows@mcda.us" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Branden Meadows worked the robbery cases for the state. He said:

“For a two week period, Jesse West terrorized members of our community, including those visiting our beautiful city. Nobody deserves to be the victim of a crime, especially in such a heinous and brazen manner. Mr. West will serve every day of his 20 year sentence, and the community will be safer as a result."

Please see our website for pictures of West with the rifle during a carjacking.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to commend the members of PPB’s SERT team, as well as Sgt. Matthew Jacobsen and Det. Raelynn McKay for their excellent work protecting the streets of Portland by finding and arresting Jesse West for his many crimes.

The District Attorney’s Office would also like to recognize the work of MCDA Victim Advocate Alex Bidwell for their care and compassion shown toward the victims in this case.

THE FACTS:

In September of 2024 Jesse James West was on a crime spree in the greater Portland area. On September 13, 2024, Mr. West stole the vehicle of an 84 year-old man visiting from Texas. He subsequently used that vehicle to engage in additional criminal conduct, including a Measure 11 Robbery 1 involving the stealing of a vehicle at gunpoint with an assault rifle, and in a separate incident, carjacking a woman after crashing into her.

Police were investigating crimes believed committed by West earlier in the day on September 26th when police spotted him at a house on NE17th and NE Bryant Street in Northeast Portland.

Because of the dangerousness of West’s crimes, Portland Police’s Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) planned to make the arrest. 

As they moved in to arrest West he jumped into a stolen Subaru in front of the house. SERT team members used a speaker to tell West he was under arrest, that they were Portland Police, and that he should surrender. When he did not, a member of the team shot out the darkened back window of the vehicle with less than lethal rounds.

West returned fire from inside the car, with lethal rounds, shooting six times.

SERT team members returned fire and West was hit. He was taken to the hospital and survived his injury. No SERT team members were injured during the shooting.

West was formally sentenced on September 19th to a total of 20 years in Prison.

                                                  ###MCDA###

PORTLAND, Ore.— Michael John Peters, 42, of Portland, Oregon, has been charged with stealing mail from condominium and apartment complexes in Northwest and Southwest Portland.

According to court documents and information shared in court, from May to September 2025, Peters used counterfeit or modified postal keys to access mailboxes on at least 12 occasions. On September 23, 2025, U.S. Postal Inspectors executed a federal search warrant at an apartment in the Pearl District that Peters rented using a stolen identity. In the apartment, investigators found evidence of identity theft including approximately 300 pieces of U.S. mail that were not addressed to Peters, false identification documents, stolen identity documents, and counterfeit checks.

Peters made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case with assistance from the Portland Police Bureau. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Dayton, Oregon, woman was sentenced today for defrauding the Department of Oregon Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Cheryl Elizabeth Campos, 62, was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, between January 2022 and June 2024, Campos misused her position as Quartermaster of the VFW to access the VFW’s bank accounts and embezzled large sums of money to her personal accounts. To conceal the embezzlement, Campos falsified financial documents, bank statements, and accounting records.

In total, Campos embezzled more than $1.7 million from the VFW’s accounts to her personal accounts. Campos used the funds to buy hundreds of crystals, semi-precious rocks, marbles, stones, and statues. She also used the funds for personal expenses, including making credit card payments and purchasing a vehicle for a family member.

On March 24, 2025, Campos was charged by criminal information with wire fraud.

On April 15, 2025, Campos pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

September 25, 2025- REDMOND, OR- At 8am on October 1st, Redmond Fire & Rescue will reopen outdoor burning. With the forecasted decrease in temperatures, the risk for fire spread has decreased to safe levels. Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind anyone who is conducting outdoor burning of the regulations for the areas served by Redmond Fire & Rescue:

NO DEBRIS BURNING INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF REDMOND AT ANY TIME

Open debris burning inside the city limits of Redmond is prohibited per Redmond Fire & Rescue Ordinance #5. Failure to comply can result in a citation and fines.

Campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires, in approved fire rings or appliances, are allowed year-round when the regulations below are followed. These fires are allowed within city limits and no permit is required.

All types of fires may be banned in peak fire conditions.

A burn permit is required for open burning. A burn permit is not required when using a burn barrel, however you must still check the burn line to determine if burning is allowed. Burn permits are available online at www.rdmfire.org. 

General Requirements

• Each day, before you begin your outdoor burning, you must call the outdoor burning number at 541-504-5035 and utilize the burn permit online system to determine if burning is allowed. A permit is required.
• You are completely responsible, criminally and personally, including any suppression costs, for any fire you start. These regulations do NOT relieve responsibility for conducting a safe and attended burn.
• All fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Fires should be cold to the touch to be considered completely out.
• A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment such as a shovel and dirt, garden hose, or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
• Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of any fire which creates or adds to a hazardous situation.
• All fires shall have a minimum of 10 feet around the fire clear of combustibles.
• An adult must be in attendance at all times.

To Report an Illegal Burn

Call the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911 to report an illegal burn. Or to report individuals who are burning items not approved by DEQ, please call DEQ at 541-388-6146.

Residential Outdoor Burning of Yard Debris (only permitted outside the Redmond city limits with a valid permit)

Provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to any structure. To apply for a permit, visit www.rdmfire.org

1. Fires in approved containers shall not be less than 15 feet from any structure.
2. The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet where the pile size is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.
3. The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 50 feet where the pile size is greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
4. Burn piles need to be sized so fires will be completely out by the required time indicated on the burn information line.
5. Burn barrels shall be at least 15 feet from any structure.
6. Absolutely no debris burning after dark.

Kelso High School students have spoken, and the results are clear: local flavor wins. In a taste test held today, over 200 students selected Kalama Sourdough Bakery’s hamburger bun by a 4-to-1 margin over the district’s current mass-produced bun.

Students sampled both options side-by-side and relished the opportunity to influence what’s served in their cafeteria. “It’s wonderful to be able to give students a say in what goes on their plate. And it’s great to see they can taste the difference,” said Kaydee Harris, Kelso School District Nutrition Services Director.

Kalama Sourdough’s buns are made with just seven simple ingredients—flour, water, salt, sunflower oil, organic cane sugar, yeast, and a sourdough starter—and undergo a three-day fermentation process that delivers a hearty texture and distinct flavor. Importantly, each bun is 51% whole wheat, meeting federal school-meal standards while offering a nutty, wholesome taste.

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Kelso School District and happy to see students choosing Kalama Sourdough Bakery buns,” said Robert Ahrens, owner of Kalama Sourdough Bakery.

With such strong student support, the district plans to begin the transition to Kalama Sourdough buns during the 2025–26 school year, as early as the beginning of 2026.

This decision continues Kelso School District’s commitment to local partnerships, high-quality ingredients, and student voice in shaping the school meal experience.

Kelso School District recently received two Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service, in partnership with Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK). These awards celebrate the district’s innovative approaches to improving the nutritional quality of school meals while keeping students at the center of the process.

Photos and video from the day can be found here: bit.ly/ksd-buns

About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.

About Kalama Sourdough Bakery
Robert Ahrens started Kalama Sourdough Bakery in 2011 as a homeschooling project at the age of 13. As part of his educational curriculum, his parents encouraged him to start a business. Given his passion for baking, he chose to launch a bakery, initially selling just 10 loaves per week at Kalama Shopping Center. Since then, he has expanded the business in a responsible, ethical manner. Consistently prioritizing local customers and suppliers and the same mother culture starter that started it all. Years later, you can now find their delicious breads all over the PNW! With over 30 employees and continued growth, they strive to maintain the essence of the bakery's very humble beginnings.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Happy Valley to Host Drive-In Movie Night to Celebrate Future Community Center  

Movie-goers will experience the Oregon based, classic film The Goonies under the stars

Happy Valley, OR [September 25, 2025] – This Saturday, September 27^th, families, friends and neighbors will gather together in Happy Valley for a nostalgic evening under the stars. Hundreds of community members are expected to attend the City’s Pop-Up Drive-In Movie Night featuring the beloved adventure filled classic, The Goonies.

The event will take place on the vacant, City-owned property where construction of the new Happy Valley Community Center is planned to begin in early 2026. Hosting the drive-in at the very site where the future gathering place is planned to be built provides residents a unique opportunity to envision the center’s possibilities and its role as a hub for fitness, meetings and community events.

“This is the perfect way to bring the community together one last time on this property before we break ground,” said Mayor Tom Ellis. “It’s a chance to celebrate what’s to come and imagine the future of Happy Valley together."

The family-friendly event will include games before the movie, a concession stand and an intermission conversation with local elected officials about the community center project.

Event Details:

·       What: Pop-Up Drive-In Movie Night featuring, The Goonies

·       When: Saturday, September 27^th gates open at 6:00 pm and movie starts at 7:30pm

·       Where: The future site of the Happy Valley Community Center (off of SE Foster Rd., between SE Troge Rd & SE Hemrich Rd.)

·       Interview Opportunities: Elected officials from the City of Happy Valley

Tickets are still available for the general public, but they are going fast. More information, including ticket registration, can be found at https://www.happyvalleyor.gov/drive-in-movie/

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Oregon City, ORE. – Oregon City’s Economic Development Department has received approval from the State to expand an existing tool in its toolbox to help further enhance economic development efforts within the community, the Oregon City Enterprise Zone.

The newly configured Enterprise Zone is larger than the previous, growing by 17%. It also includes multiple blocks along the Willamette River, encompassing much of downtown Oregon City. Additionally, there is an overall increase in the number of lots that allow commercial or industrial development.

Enterprise Zones are used by communities to incentivize development in underutilized parts of that city. Eligible businesses looking to relocate into Oregon City’s Enterprise Zone can apply for full property tax exemption for up to 3 years. Eligible businesses already within the enterprise zone that will be expanding their operations and hiring new employees can also apply for the full property tax exemption.

Not just any business can qualify for the exemptions. The goal of the zone is to attract businesses that pay high wages or employ larger numbers of people. In most cases, manufacturing, processors, shipping etc. The zone can also assist with the City’s goal of increasing tourism within the community, by incentivizing hotels to locate on appropriate parcels within the district.

Now that the City has received approval from the state, the district’s new boundaries go into effect retroactively to July 1 of this year.

-END-

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Today, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the United States Marshals (USMS) Fugitive Task Force, arrested 26-year-old Ty Sage.

“Ty Sage should never have been able to post bail,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “To the family of Lowgunn Ivey, the young man killed, I want to acknowledge the fear and trauma that this mistaken release has caused.”

“Lowgunn’s family deserved better. As Multnomah County’s sheriff, I am committed to making sure this does not happen again, that we learn from our mistakes, and that Lowgunn’s family can have justice,” Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell added.

The arrest of Sage occurred at approximately 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at a gas station off Highway 101 in Florence, Oregon. No use of force was used.

Due to the ongoing investigation, no additional details about the arrest can be shared at this time.

Sage was mistakenly allowed to post bail and was subsequently released from the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) on Monday, September 22, 2025.

MCDC is operated by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.

According to court documents, a Multnomah County grand jury indicted Sage on May 13, 2025. The indictment charged him with one count of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree robbery.

On September 17, 2025, Sage appeared before a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge for a murder bail hearing, according to Oregon’s official court registry.

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, MCSO learned about Sage’s release.

Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell immediately launched an inquiry into how Sage’s release occurred. The preliminary review suggests a misinterpretation – on MCSO’s part – of the initial court order presented to the sheriff’s office that was signed September 17 and filed September 18, 2025. The full inquiry remains ongoing.  

Although MCSO employees acted in good faith and sought clarification with the court, Sage was still allowed to post bail – that should not have happened.

Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell committed that MCSO will learn from this incident and strengthen processes.

She thanked the deputies and investigators who have been working non-stop from the beginning of this incident and who dedicated themselves to bringing Sage into custody.

Sage will be booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on a no bail hold.

Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell spoke with Lowgunn’s family to shar the news of Sage’s arrest.

Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell also acknowledges the U.S. Marshals Service, Multnomah County Circuit Court, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, and the Gresham Police Department for their assistance with the case and ongoing investigation.

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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Composter Recycler program is offering a series of free in-person workshops about composting and sustainable living strategies. The series will teach participants how to reduce their impact on the planet through composting, green cleaning, recycling, preventing food waste and reducing holiday waste. All workshops are 6-7:30 p.m. at Waste Connections of Washington, 9411 NE 94th Ave. in Vancouver. Families are welcome.

The workshops offered this fall are:

• Low Waste Chef: Wednesday, Oct. 8. Learn how to save money and prevent food waste in the kitchen.
• Curbside and Beyond – Recycling Done Right: Wednesday, Oct. 15. Learn how to be an expert recycler. Understand why only certain items can go into your blue recycling cart and glass bin.
• Worm Bin Composting: Wednesday, Oct. 22. Learn how to compost using red worms to turn food scraps into all-natural fertilizer.
• Backyard Composting: Wednesday, Oct. 29. Learn how to build and construct a hot compost pile using the SMART method.
• Green Cleaning: Wednesday, Nov. 5. Learn how to make three versatile and environmentally friendly household cleaners. See how fun and safe cleaning can be. Participants will receive a green cleaning kit at no cost.
• Low Waste Holiday: Wednesday, Nov. 12. This workshop shares simple ways to cut holiday waste – from eco-friendly gifts and meal planning tips to smart disposal of seasonal items. There will be a hands-on craft session using rescued materials.
• Gardening with Compost: Wednesday, Nov. 19. Move towards using compost to fertilize your garden, instead of synthetic fertilizers. Understand how to amend your soil and create a healthy soil ecosystem using various compost methods such as Bokashi, vermicomposting, backyard bin composting, trench composting and leaf mulching.

Pre-registration is required for all workshops. To register, visit the Composter Recycler website at clarkcountycomposts.org/classes-and-workshops/current-offerings. Registrants will receive a confirmation email after successful registration. Recordings of previous workshops are also available on the Composter Recycler website.

The Composter Recycler program educates the community about easy ways to reduce waste, increase recycling and create healthier homes. For more information about the program, visit clarkcountycomposts.org or email info@clarkcountycomposts.org.

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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Update: Cause of the fire was determined to be the improper disposal of smoking material igniting nearby vegetation, the fire then spread to the wooden deck that was attached to the residence and then damaged the residence. 

September 24, 2025-REDMOND, OR-Redmond Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a possible structure fire at 355 SW 35th St at approximately 9:20pm this evening. As crews were responding multiple 911 calls were received at Deschutes County 911 reporting a large fire that was spreading to nearby trees.

When fire crews arrived on scene they observed a single story residence with heavy fire showing and spreading to the surrounding trees and grass. Fire crews quickly deployed handlines to control the structure fire and to control the fire spreading into the wildland urban interface. 

The fire was quickly brought under control and it was determined that all occupants had escaped the residence unharmed. One resident was displaced and is being assisted by family memebers.

At this time the fire is currently under investigation.

Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to thank Cloverdale RFPD, Redmond Police and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office for their assistance.

Seven teams advance permanent supportive housing across the state

Oregon City, OR --  The morning drop-off routine at OCSD62’s elementary schools has gotten a lot more exciting over the past couple of years, thanks to a special initiative by the Oregon City High School Football team. This year, over the past several weeks, football players have been making morning appearances at elementary school campuses, greeting young students as they arrive for the school day.
 

The program, spearheaded by Coach Aaron Skinner, aims to strengthen the connection between high school athletes and the broader community they represent.
 

"We want our players to understand that being part of this program means that we have an opportunity to use our platform to positively influence those around us and be a part of something bigger than ourselves," said Coach Skinner. "When they see the smiles and excitement from the students and parents, it reminds us that we can all, regardless of our backgrounds and circumstances, make a positive impact on others. It’s a blessing to be able to share that excitement with those students and positively impact the youth in Our Community (OC)!"
 

The visits have been a hit with elementary students, many of whom eagerly look forward to high-fives, encouragement, and brief conversations with their local football heroes. Teachers report that the morning interactions often set a positive tone for the entire day.
 

"It's amazing to see how something as basic as this can set a positive tone for what the day will be like," noted Joshua Bryan, principal of Holcomb Elementary. "These visits energize our younger kids in the morning and, for our high school players, hopefully serves as a valuable lesson about leadership and community responsibility."
 

The football team plans to continue these visits throughout the season, with players rotating between different elementary campuses to ensure all younger students in the district have the opportunity to participate in this uplifting morning tradition.
 

The volleyball team has also joined in the fun, with players visiting elementary campuses throughout their season. And on occasion, the marching band has also joined the effort, bringing their instruments and school spirit to brighten students' mornings.
 

The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on community engagement within OCHS programs, demonstrating that winning extends far beyond the scoreboard.

Salem, OR –Two project proposals led by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), along with four other projects in Oregon, have been selected to be funded by the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG). In total, organizations in Oregon have received $28.5 million to fund six projects, all with the end goal of creating more wildfire resilient communities.

ODF’s project proposals focus on assisting communities in reducing wildfire risk through mitigation work, education, defensible space assessments, becoming a Firewise USA site and more. ODF is also a partner on two other state projects that have been selected for funding.

“Wildfire seasons across the west are lasting longer and causing more devastation than ever before,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “Federal resources are critical for protecting Oregonians and Oregon’s natural resources. These funds will support fuels reduction, defensible space, and other invaluable landscape and community resiliency projects.”

The ODF proposals that have been selected for funding are:

• South Lane Wildfire Risk Reduction in the ODF Western Lane and South Cascade District - $2,624,890
  This project will promote wildfire resilience in three disadvantaged Lane County communities, which have been identified as having high risk to catastrophic wildfire. The project will implement fuels reduction focused on private lands located in high density wildland urban interface (WUI) areas and support a wildfire prevention and education campaign, providing community members with educational materials promoting defensible space, wildfire awareness, and Firewise USA.

• Cave Junction-Takilma-Illinois Valley Mira Fuels Mitigation Project in the ODF Southwest Oregon District - $2,359,909
  This project actively engages private landowners, provides technical assistance, and expands prescribed fire training opportunities, strengthening community resilience while reducing hazardous fuel loads. The project targets overgrown ladder fuels, selectively thinning to a clearance height of 10 to 14 feet. These efforts reduce crown fire potential, helping prevent rapid fire spread through tree canopies. Another key objective of the Mira project is prescribed fire implementation. In collaboration with partners, the project will conduct community-led under burns, hands-on training workshops, and Certified Burn Manager (CBM) courses.
  
  These efforts increase landowner participation in prescribed fire while reducing long-term dependence on mechanical fuel treatments. The project also enhances home and community protection through defensible space assessments and treatments, reducing fuels around structures and reinforcing fuel breaks along roadways and property boundaries. These firebreaks improve firefighter ingress/egress and provide critical suppression points during wildfire events. In total the project will support over 800 acres of hazardous fuels treatment, two CBM trainings, 100 defensible space assessments, two community workshops, four demonstrations under burns, and establish two new Firewise Communities.

“Building wildfire resilient landscapes and communities is such a critical need throughout Oregon,” said Kate Skinner, interim State Forester and director of ODF. “We’re eager to get our boots on the ground and put this funding to good use protecting Oregonians.”

The CWDG program helps communities, tribes, non-profit organizations, state forestry agencies and Alaska Native corporations plan for and mitigate wildfire risks as the nation faces an ongoing wildfire crisis. Scoring priority was given to project proposals that are in an area identified as having a high or very high wildfire hazard potential, benefit a low-income community and/or are in a community that has been impacted by a severe disaster within the past 10 years that increased wildfire risk.  

For more information on funded proposals in Oregon and nationally, visit www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/grants/funded-proposals.  

The Willamette Water Supply System Commission Board meeting will be held Thursday October 2, 2025 at Noon. 

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

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

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

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

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

EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Prior to the special board meeting, an executive session of the Board is called under ORS 192.660(2)(f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection and ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed, will be held at 11:30 AM.

EUGENE, Ore.— Theodore Ernest Jokinen, 48, of Madras, made his first appearance in federal court yesterday after being charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents, on September 19, 2025, detectives from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) observed Jokinen driving westbound on Interstate 84 near The Dalles, Oregon. Investigators previously received information that Jokinen traveled to Yakima, Washington, and was returning to Oregon in possession of methamphetamine intended for distribution in the Central Oregon area. Jokinen was initially stopped by The Dalles Police Department for a traffic infraction. A certified narcotics detection K9 alerted on Jokinen’s vehicle. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Jokinen’s vehicle. This search revealed roughly ten pounds of prepackaged suspected methamphetamine inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Jokinen is currently on pretrial release in a Jefferson County felon in possession of a firearm case and has multiple prior convictions for delivery of a controlled substance.

The case is being investigated by the CODE and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from The Dalles Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the Mid Columbia Interagency Narcotics Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Andrew R. Doyle, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Oregon Medicaid insurers improved behavioral health care quality in 2024 

Incident: DUII, Hit and Run crash

Location: NE 6^th in Newport  

Date/Time: September 22, 2025 @ 9:41 PM

Details: On Monday September 22, 2025, at 9:41 PM, Newport Police Officers were dispatched to a hit-and-run motor vehicle crash involving several vehicles at NE 6^th Street, near NE Eads Street. Officers responded to the location and found several vehicles had been struck by an eastbound vehicle that already fled the scene.

Evidence found at the scene of the crash led officers to an address in the 700 block of SW 2^nd Street in Newport, where they located the suspect vehicle with heavy front-end damage.

The investigation found that a 2022 Toyota 4-Runner registered to 42-year-old

Alex Tague of Newport was eastbound on NE 6^th Street at a high rate of speed when the vehicle left its’ lane of travel, striking the rear of a 2008 Honda Accord. The force of the impact caused the Accord to strike the vehicle parked in front of it and a chain reaction crash occurred, where two other vehicles were also struck. In total, four (4) legally parked vehicles were damaged as a result of the crash.

Tague was subsequently located a short time later and taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges:

DUII

Reckless Driving

Fail to Perform the Duties of a Driver in Accident with property damage X4

Criminal Mischief II x4

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Jack Grippin of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net

Information Released By: Sgt Leake, 541-574-3348

The Vancouver Police Department is attempting to locate 13-year-old Eva Sanchez. Eva has a medical condition. She was last seen in the 3100 block of Main St during the afternoon of 9/24/25. Eva is thin and has long dark brown hair. If you see Eva, please call 911. 

DRIVING IN THE RAIN

Along with the official start of fall comes our rainy season. For some, driving in the rain, especially in the dark, causes anxiety. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “nearly 5,700 people are killed and more than 544,700 people are injured in crashes on wet pavement” each year.

But being behind the wheel while it’s raining doesn’t have to be a nerve-racking experience. Here are some tips for driving in a downpour:

1. Think. Drivers need to stay alert and focused on what’s going on around them, especially during rain and other stormy weather.

2. Turn on headlights. It’s the law in all states to turn on headlights when visibility is low. Many states also require having headlights on when the windshield wipers are in use. While Oregon does not require motorists to turn on headlights when wipers are used, this can help increase visibility. Well-working wipers are an essential for driving in rain.

3. Beware of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is what occurs when your tires are getting more traction on the layer of water on the road than on the road itself, resulting in your car sliding uncontrollably. It’s easy enough to hydroplane: All you need is one-twelfth of an inch of water on the road and a speed of more than 35 miles per hour. If you start to hydroplane, let off the accelerator slowly and steer straight until you regain control. Before rain, snow, or freezing temperatures begin, it is important to have quality tires for increased traction and safety.

4.Turn off cruise control. On rain, snow, ice, or other slick surfaces, cruise control may cause you to lose control. If you hydroplane while in cruise control, your car will actually go faster.

5. Slow down. Speed limits are designed for ideal conditions. That means driving when there is little traffic and good visibility. Plan for more time to get to your destination when it is raining.

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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Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited

What: Annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup

When: Saturday, September 27, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: 4141 Northeast Marine Drive, Portland, 97211 | Map Link

Event Description: SOLVE staff and volunteers will celebrate the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup at Broughton Beach in Northeast Portland on Saturday, September 27 (National Public Lands Day). Participants will collect litter of all sizes from the shores along the Columbia River. This family-friendly event welcomes individuals of all ages, providing an opportunity for community engagement and environmental responsibility.

Why: The Beach & Riverside Cleanup spans three significant environmental days: International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 20, National Public Lands Day on September 27, and World Rivers Day on September 28. With about 80 projects taking place across Oregon and SW Washington, this initiative aims to prevent trash from inland sources, such as rivers and streets, from reaching our beaches and oceans. Keeping Portland's waterways clean is vital for the health of the community and the environment. SOLVE's mission focuses on empowering individuals and businesses to contribute to their communities, fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for our natural areas. Together, these efforts can create a cleaner, more inviting environment that reflects care for both the community and the planet.

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am in the far east corner of the parking lot to see approximately 70 volunteers of all ages checking in, collecting their cleanup supplies, receiving a safety speech and event debrief, and then heading out in groups to pick up litter in the surrounding area. The event will run from 10 am to 12 pm, with volunteers expected to spread throughout the area.

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

Available interviewees: 

• Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE

Visit the event registration page or the SOLVE website for more information.

SOLVE's Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2025, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, is proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Knife River, KOIN, Malibu Rum, Metro, National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Oregon Parks and Recreation, Tillamook, and Wells Fargo.

About SOLVE:

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

WHAT: In a show of solidarity and unity, nurse practitioners, physician associates and certified nurse midwives (collectively referred to as advanced practice providers or APPs) from OHSU will hold an informational picket near OHSU’s waterfront campus on Thursday, September 25 at noon.

The APPs, who have been in negotiations for more than 18 months, are growing impatient with the lack of movement at the bargaining table. They entered mediation earlier this month in hopes of reaching an agreement; an informational picket allows them to consider their options.

Working in clinics and the hospital and as faculty in the school of medicine, APPs span all medical specialties. Their goal is to win a fair contract that will deliver: 

• Quality Patient Care

• Balanced Work

• Fair Pay

• Academic Mission

APPs are integral to OHSU’s role as a premier academic center, responsible for educating future healthcare providers and maintaining its position as the only comprehensive academic health center in Oregon. 

WHEN/WHERE: Thursday, September 25
Noon-1 p.m. Informational picketing at Elizabeth Caruthers Park, 3508 S Moody Ave., Portland

WHO: ONA-represented physician associates, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives will be picketing and are expected to be joined by members from other bargaining units and unions. APPs will be available for interviews during the picket.

WHY: About 700 APPs are represented by ONA at OHSU. They formed their union in February 2024. Since then, they have been trying to reach a fair agreement that addresses how they can meet the community’s ever-growing healthcare needs and receive compensation and appropriate workloads that reflect the complexity and diversity of their positions. While OHSU says it remains committed to competitive wages to attract the “best faculty and staff,” it routinely downplays the role of APPs and increases their productivity goals and expectations, thus burning out providers and increasing employee turnover.

The community is encouraged to attend the informational picket to show support for the caregivers they rely on. 

Note: An informational picket is not a strike or work stoppage. It is a demonstration of solidarity to OHSU administrators and a promise to our community that caregivers are united to raise healthcare standards at OHSU and throughout Oregon.

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.

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Stella "Clay" Dolton. 

Stella "Clay" Dolton, age 14, is a child who went missing from Springfield, Oregon on Sept. 22. She was found Sept. 25.

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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Kelso School District mourns the passing and honors the life and legacy of Coach Ed Laulainen, a beloved teacher, mentor, and coach whose legacy has shaped generations of Hilanders.

For more than three decades, Ed dedicated his life to Kelso High School, teaching and coaching with a passion that extended far beyond the field. Over 34 years as an educator and 25 years as head football coach, he built a program that inspired excellence, unity, and perseverance. His teams achieved an extraordinary 182-69-1 record and a 72% winning percentage, highlighted by Kelso’s 1983 State Championship, two state semi-final appearances, ten quarter-final appearances, and nine league titles. He was honored eight times as League Coach of the Year and was named Washington State Interscholastic Boys Coach of the Year and Associated Press State Football Coach of the Year in 1984. In 2013, Kelso Stadium was named in his honor — a permanent testament to his impact.

Ed’s influence reached well beyond football. He coached wrestling for 17 years, served as both head and assistant baseball coach, and founded Kelso Youth Football in 1973, ensuring opportunities for young athletes to grow in character and skill. His tireless leadership extended statewide, serving on the Washington State Coaches Association Executive Board for over 40 years, including three as president. He also served 32 years as a representative to the WIAA Executive Board.

His achievements earned him induction into numerous halls of fame, including R.A. Long High School, Lower Columbia College, the Washington State Football Coaches Hall of Fame, the WIAA Hall of Fame, and most recently, Hilander Hall of Fame. These honors reflect not just victories, but the lives he touched and the values he instilled.

Coach Laulainen’s true legacy is not measured in trophies but in the character of the countless students and athletes he mentored. He believed in discipline, teamwork, resilience, and above all, shaping young people into leaders on and off the field.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Bev, their children Susan and Dr. Ed (Kristin) Laulainen, and grandchildren Quinn, Brady, and Jack.

“Yesterday, we lost more than a legendary coach — we lost a mentor, a leader, and a builder of character,” said Mary Beth Tack, Superintendent. “His impact on Kelso School District and the world of high school athletics will live on through every player he coached, every team he led, and every life he touched.”

Kelso School District extends heartfelt condolences to the Laulainen family and invites the community to join in remembering and honoring a man whose contributions to Kelso and to Washington State athletics will never be forgotten.

The memorial to celebrate the life and legacy of Ed Laulainen will be held at Kelso High School gymnasium on Saturday, October 18 at 2:00 pm.  Let’s send Coach Laulainen off in true Kelso style – wear your best Kelso gear to his post-game celebration.  

SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon Heritage Commission is updating the Oregon Heritage Plan to strengthen heritage efforts across the state and lay the foundation for the Commission’s priorities over the next five years. To help inform the plan, the Commission has launched a statewide public survey to understand the heritage values that Oregonians hold and how they participate in heritage-related activities across the state.
 

The survey is open to the public until October 27 and is available in English and Spanish.
 

“This public survey is an opportunity to learn how Oregonians across the state engage with Oregon’s story through places, traditions, cultural materials, experiences, and more. We want to hear why these resources are important to Oregonians and what would make them more accessible,” said Commission Coordinator Katie Henry.
 

In addition to the public survey results, the plan will be informed by discussions with Oregon’s heritage preservation community and the results of the results of the 2024 Oregon Heritage Vitality Study. For more information on the planning process, please visit this Oregon Heritage Website.
 

The updated plan is expected to be open for public comment in early 2026. The final plan is expected to be adopted by the Heritage Commission in April 2026 at the 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference in Woodburn.
 

About the Oregon Heritage Commission
The Oregon Heritage Commission is a group of leaders from across the state that works collaboratively to champion resources, recognition, and funding for preserving and interpreting Oregon’s past. Founded in 1995 by the Legislature, the Heritage Commission is comprised of nine gubernatorial appointments and nine ex-officio members. The Commission is designated in ORS 358.570-595 as the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in Oregon. More information on the Commission’s website.
 

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OREGON – The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced $27,960,529 in grants to eight organizations in Oregon to help Veterans who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless.

The organizations in Oregon receiving grants are:

• Community Action Team, Inc. receiving $1,138,397
• Central Oregon Veteran & Community Outreach, Inc receiving $653,544
• St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Inc. receiving $2,387,820
• Access receiving $6,230,171
• Easter Seals Oregon receiving $4,360,916
• Community Action Partnership Of Oregon receiving $2,872,402
• Transition Projects, Inc. receiving $7,094,701
• Blue Mountain Action Council receiving $3,222,578

Throughout fiscal year 2026, the grants will fund the organizations as they help Veterans access:

• Housing and housing counseling
• Health care
• Financial planning services
• Childcare
• Legal assistance
• Transportation

“Supportive services like childcare, housing counseling and financial planning can be important catalysts for preventing or resolving homelessness,” said Teresa D. Boyd, Network Director, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20. “These grants will help bring crucial support to thousands of Veterans in need across the nation.”

The grants are among $818 million in total funds VA is awarding nationwide through its Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, which provides case management and supportive services to:

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

VA awards grants based on several factors, including the grant recipients’ experience and past performance in providing supportive services to Veteran families, and the need in the area or community where the program will be based.

Overall VA improvements during the second Trump Administration

• The backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits is down more than 45% since Jan. 20, 2025.
• VA has opened 17 new health care clinics, expanding access for Veterans around the country.
• VA is spending an additional $800 million on infrastructure improvements to ensure department facilities provide safe and effective patient care.
• Since Jan. 20, VA has offered nearly 1 million health care appointments outside of normal operating hours. These early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments are giving Veterans more timely and convenient options for care.
• VA is processing record numbers of disability claims, reaching an all-time fiscal-year high of 2.52 million ratings claims for FY25 as of Aug. 8.
• VA has made it easier and faster for VA-enrolled Veterans to access care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense.
• VA has implemented https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-announces-major-survivor-benefits-reforms/. Click or tap if you trust this link.">major reforms to make it easier for survivors to get benefits.
• VA is https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-names-nine-additional-facilities-that-will-deploy-federal-ehr-in-2026/. Click or tap if you trust this link.">accelerating the deployment of its integrated electronic health record system.
• VA partnered with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to identify and recover $106 million in duplicate billing.
• VA has brought tens of thousands of VA employees https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-announces-return-to-in-person-work-policy/. Click or tap if you trust this link.">back to the office, where we can work better as a team to serve Veterans.
• In fiscal year 2025 through June, VA has housed 37,534 homeless Veterans.

For more information, contact Megan Crowley at owley@va.gov">megan.crowley@va.gov , (503) 915-8087.

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

PRESS RELEASE

A25-17617 – CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL (CSAM) ARREST

SEPTEMBER 24, 2025

On July 22nd, 2025, Detectives with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office received multiple referrals from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reporting incidents related to the trafficking of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). 

The information came from Electronic Service Providers, Cloud Storage Providers, and Messaging and Chat Apps, which reported multiple images with hash matches to known CSAM being sent, received, and stored by accounts linked to a Kalama, Washington resident. Hash matching is a digital process where a unique "hash" is generated for a digital file using a hash function. This hash is then compared against a database of known hashes. Hash matching confirmed these files were identical to content previously identified as CSAM. 

Detectives used search warrants and subpoenas to confirm the association of these accounts to 41-year-old Thomas George Jude of Kalama. Within the information provided by these companies, detectives located CSAM and videos that appeared to be surreptitiously recorded using hidden cameras at a residence. On September 24, 2025, detectives contacted and arrested Jude and served a search warrant on his residence. Phones, a laptop computer, and small surveillance cameras were seized for further examination.

Jude was booked into the Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Dealing in Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, Possession of Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, and Voyeurism.

All victims related to Voyeurism charges have been identified.  Detectives are requesting the media respect the victims’ privacy at this time.

PF&R responds to residential fire in SE Portland

Portland Fire & Rescue along with our mutual aid partners to the south, Clackamas County Fire, responded to a residential fire involving two homes earlier this afternoon. The two homes actively involved in this incident immediately eelevated this incident to a 2^nd alarm response with over 50 firefighters assigned to the incident. Approximately 30 minutes after the dispatch alert went out the fires in both homes were under control. There were no reported injuries, and 3 adults will be displaced. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

At 2:40 PM, BOEC dispatched out reports of a residential fire in the Brentwood – Darlington Neighborhood of SE Portland. Initial reports were a home at the corner of SE 54 and Lambert was on fire with the fire extending into the yard and flames impinging on the neighboring home. The first arriving member of PF&R was an on-duty fire investigator in the area and confirmed there were two homes affected with one completely involved with fire and the flames beginning to extend into the neighboring home. The fire was immediately elevated to a 2^nd alarm fire with 2 homes involved, placing over 50 members of PF&R and CCFD on scene or enroute to the incident.

The first arriving engine, Engine 25, focused their efforts on preventing the fire from extending to the neighboring home and took an offensive fire attack tactic, taking hose lines to the interior of the structure along with reducing the flames in the vegetation and objects between the homes. Engine 20, arriving second, took a large hose off their engine and performed the initial defensive fire attack on the primary fire home reducing the flames to prevent any further extension of the fire. The crew of Engine 25 eliminated the flames impinging on the second home quickly and were able to focus their attention on the primary fire structure.

The single story manufactured style home, with lots of fuel/objects within and surrounding the home, had significant fire showing and heavy dark smoke pushing out of any available window, door, or vent. Crews were able to apply water on the fire by entering doors on two sides of the home and eliminate the bulk of the flames on the single level home. Unfortunately, the fire had extended into the attic space above.

The flames present in the attic space compromised the roof structural members such there was significant roof sag that prevented the ability for truck crews to work safely on the roof to perform vertical ventilation. Crews were forced perform ventilation cuts on the gable end of the home to gain access to the attic space and eventually apply water to the flames. The construction style of this home had an elevated ceiling that placed structural members in locations crews were not conditioned to addressing making these gable end cuts a bit more challenging when compared to a tradionally constructure home. Once access to the attic space was achieved, the remainder of the fire was extinguished quickly, and many crews were able to pick up and leave to get back into service to respond to additional emergencies throughout the city.

There are three adults that Red Cross is assisting in the housing displacement. The cause of this fire is still under investigation but has been determined to be accidental in nature without a definitive cause known yet. PF&R would like to the Clackamas County Fire again for their assistance along with the dispatchers at BOEC, PPB, and the power company for their help in this incident.

It is important to note that while this second alarm fire was active, PF&R along with our partners to the east, Gresham Fire, responded to a large vegetation fire about a mile to the east that was quickly extinguished before any significant fire spread occurred. Additionally, PF&R responded to a larger vegetation fire in the Irvington Neighborhood where 4 rigs were dispatched to address. This second larger vegetation fire was successfully extinguished by the first arriving engine but without 31 fire stations strategically placed throughout the city along with actively moving crews around for proper coverage when many are tied up on a single incident, many other responses can and will occur. PF&R is always thinking of our next emergency.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Bryan Ochoa Diaz, 32, a resident of Tigard, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to money laundering related to proceeds of a government loan issued to his family-owned restaurant.

According to court documents, Ochoa Diaz, acting on behalf of Casa Colima Vancouver, Inc., applied for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan of $350,000. The loan was part of a Covid era relief program offered by the federal government. The terms of the loan required that funds be used solely as working capital for the company to alleviate economic injury caused by the disaster and that none of the funds would be used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.

On August 16, 2021, the SBA transferred $350,000 into Casa Colima’s bank account. The next day, Ochoa Diaz misappropriated some of the funds by transferring $100,000 into his parents’ personal bank account. Later that same day, Ochoa Diaz wired the $100,000 to a mortgage company to apply to a mortgage his parents had on their home.

Ochoa Diaz is a reserve officer with the U.S. Coast Guard. He was charged by information with one count of money laundering. He made his initial appearance on September 5, 2025, and waived indictment by a grand jury. He pleaded guilty to that charge today and paid $350,000 in full restitution to the SBA.

Ochoa Diaz faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced on December 15, 2025, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

This case was investigated by the SBA, Office of Inspector General, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service. It is being prosecuted by Chris Cardani and Meredith Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

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

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PORTLAND, Ore.— A Lake Oswego, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to trafficking cocaine and laundering the proceeds through a business bank account to buy cryptocurrency.

Michael Wayne Frost, 47, pleaded guilty to distributing more than 50 kilograms of cocaine and laundering the money from selling the cocaine.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers engaged in multiple controlled purchases of cocaine from Frost. On July 2, 2024, a federal search warrant was served on Frost’s residence in Lake Oswego. Agents seized a kilogram of cocaine and about $20,000 in cash from the residence. Frost admitted to selling between 10-12 kilograms of cocaine per week. Agents later applied for additional warrants and seized approximately $509,000 in cash and cryptocurrency tied to the cocaine sales. Frost deposited some of the cash into a business bank account he controlled and then transferred funds to Robinhood, a platform he used to invest in cryptocurrency, in an effort to launder the drug proceeds.

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

Frost pleaded guilty today to one count of cocaine distribution and one count of money laundering. He also agreed to forfeit all of the seized cryptocurrency and cash.

Frost faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a 10 million dollar fine, and five years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on January 7, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

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

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The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a vehicle crash involving pedestrians on Sept. 17, 2025 in Vancouver.

This individual died on 09/17/2025 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Quevedo Jr., Jose Enrique   Age: 28 years

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

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Multiple blunt force injuries

Manner of death:  Accident

How the injury occurred: Pedestrian struck by vehicle

Place of injury: Roadway

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

Media release issue date: 09/24/2025

Carfentanil is 100x More Deadly Than Fentanyl

SEATTLE- The Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division is warning the public after a seizure of counterfeit M30 pills containing carfentanil in Western Washington.

On Tuesday, September 16^th, 2025, after a months-long investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Federal Way Police and Centralia Police seized 50,208 pills from a defendant at a Centralia gas station. A K-9 alerted to narcotics and located the pills inside the vehicle.  The driver, from Pacific, Washington, was arrested and and is facing federal charges. The drugs were tested in the field and sent to the DEA Western Laboratory in Pleasanton, California for further testing. Lab tests revealed the pills did not contain fentanyl, instead they were carfentanil and filler, acetaminophen.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid originally developed for veterinary use, more specifically to tranquilize large animals such as elephants. It is extraordinarily potent and not approved for human use. In fact, it is estimated to be 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl. 

“Carfentanil is like fentanyl on steroids,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division. “The cartels traffic this incredibly dangerous substance in order to profit from our misery.”

Because of its strength, a nearly microscopic amount of carfentanil can induce a powerful, and often deadly, effect in humans. 

In an effort to increase drug potency and profits, carfentanil has been found mixed with other drugs or pressed into pills that look like prescription painkillers. This increases the likelihood of fatal overdose and poisoning deaths, especially among users who are unaware they are ingesting such a powerful substance.

Over the past two decades, synthetic opioids have increased the threat of the ongoing opioid epidemic. Nearly 70% of all drug poisonings and overdose deaths in 2023 involved synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl. Also, among these substances is carfentanil, which stands out – at this time – as one of the deadliest fentanyl analogues. This white, powdery drug closely resembles other substances like fentanyl or cocaine, but its danger far exceeds that of nearly any other opioid on the street. 

Carfentanil is a chilling reminder of how the opioid epidemic continues to evolve and introduces new threats at an alarming pace. 

DEA, local law enforcement, and first responders have recently seen an increased presence of carfentanil in the illicit drug market, which has been linked to a number of overdose deaths in various parts of the country.

According to the CDC, deaths involving carfentanil increased approximately sevenfold – from 29 deaths from January to June 2023, to 238 deaths from January to June 2024. Carfentanil has now been detected in 37 states.  The King County Medical Examiner’s Office reports six carfentanil related overdoses in 2024, and four so far in 2025.

The majority of carfentanil seizures throughout 2024 were in a pill or tablet form, not the typical powder form previously encountered. This trend is concerning due to the increased risk of overdose and deceptive appearance.

Exposure to carfentanil can cause respiratory depression or arrest, drowsiness, disorientation, sedation, pinpoint pupils, and clammy skin. The onset of these symptoms usually occurs within minutes of exposure. Its rapid effect on the central nervous system leaves little time for life-saving interventions.

Treating an overdose involving carfentanil is extremely difficult. While naloxone is widely used as an emergency antidote for opioid overdoses, it may not be effective against carfentanil in normal doses. Multiple, high doses of naloxone may be required, and even then, effective reversal of an overdose is not guaranteed.

One Pill Can Kill. To protect yourself, never take a pill that was not prescribed to you by a doctor and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. If you suspect someone has been exposed to carfentanil or is experiencing symptoms of overdose, call 911immediately and administer naloxone, if available.

Learn more:

Carfentanil: A Synthetic Opioid Unlike Any Other .

Warning: Thousands of Counterfeit M30 Pills Containing Carfentanil Seized in Western Washington

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Jaden, age 17, a child in foster care who went missing from Hermiston, Oregon on Sept. 23. She is believed to be in danger.

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

She is suspected to be in Hermiston but may be attempting to travel to Seattle.

Name: Jaden Lynn Robertson
Pronouns: She/Her
Date of birth: Nov. 8,2007
Height: 5-foot-3
Weight: 146 pounds
Hair: Brown but dyed red. Currently burgundy color.
Eye color: Green
Other identifying information:
Hermiston Police Department Case # 25-2101
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2058497

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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September 24, 2025-REDMOND, OR-At approximately 6:40am this morning, Redmond Fire & Rescue was alerted to a possible apartment fire at 937 SW 11th St at the Greystone Apartments. Redmond Police first arrived on scene and advised of heavy fire showing from the windows of the unit. Redmond Police began evacuations of the surrounding buildings and other apartment units. 

As fire crews arrived on scene they were met with heavy fire conditions and quickly deployed hose lines to contain the fire to the one unit. Do to the amount of fire involvement on the structure the incident commander requested additional units, bringing the assignment to a second alarm. It was determined that all occupants had safely escaped the unit however it was determined that pets were still inside.

Fire crews made an aggressive interior attack to control the fires spread to other parts of the building and to search for anyone one still inside the unit. Even though fire crews were able to knock the fire down quickly, unfortunately two dogs, and multiple reptiles along pet rats perished in the fire.

Fire investigator was able to determine the cause of the fire to be combustible material left on top of the range top. 

A total of 6 people from 3 units have been displaced due to the fire and have located other places to stay in the mean time.

Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind you to never store combustible material on top of any type stove, electric or gas or use your oven as a place for storage.

Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to thank Bend Fire & Recue, Cloverdale RFPD, Redmond Police and Redmond Public Works for their assistance.

Tigard City Council will be selecting the city’s next Mayor on October 7, and residents across the city are encouraged to submit questions for the two candidates to help inform the selection process.

At the Council meeting on September 23, Councilor Jeanette Shaw and Councilor Yi-Kang Hu both expressed interest in being considered for Mayor.

Residents may submit questions for the candidates now through September 30 by emailing the City Manager’s Office at CMO_admin@tigard-or.gov, by phone at 503-718-2482, or in person by dropping off written questions at a customer service counter at Tigard City Hall (13125 SW Hall Blvd).

From these submissions, up to 10 final questions will be selected. Half will be provided to the candidates ahead of time, and the other half will be answered in real-time during the October 7 Council meeting. At the conclusion of this process, Council will vote to determine which candidate will be appointed Mayor.

Why is the Mayor being appointed rather than elected for now?

According to the Tigard City Charter, Council can only hold a special election to fill a vacancy if there is more than a year left on the vacant term at the time of the election. The filing deadline for the November 2025 election was September 5, and former Mayor Lueb resigned September 9. The next special election will be held in March 2026. Because Lueb’s term expires on December 31, 2026, there is less than a year remaining from the time of the election. Per the City Charter, a special election is not possible in this case due to timing.

The Councilor who is appointed on October 7 will fill the remainder of Lueb’s term, through the end of 2026 and Tigard voters will elect a new Mayor for a 4-year term in the November 2026 general election.

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DALLAS (OR) – Luis Miguel Meza, 54, has been sentenced to serve 150 months (12 ½ years) in prison for sexually abusing an eight year old family member in 2005.

Meza, of Monmouth, was sentenced by Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso, after a jury unanimously found him guilty of two counts of Sex Abuse in the First Degree stemming from multiple incidents involving the victim, who sought out the assistance of law enforcement in 2024.  Judge Caso sentenced Meza according to Oregon’s Measure 11 minimum mandatory sentencing law. He will not be eligible for any form of early release or sentence reduction for the entire length of his incarceration. He will also be required to serve a 45 month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release.

After the sentencing, Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton said, “Whether a crime occurred this year or twenty years ago, our office and all of Polk County law enforcement is committed to seeking justice for the victim and holding the offender accountable.”

The case was investigated by the Independence Police Department. It was prosecuted and tried by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Stella “Clay” Dolton, age 14, a child in foster care who went missing from Springfield, Oregon on Sept. 22. She is believed to be in danger.

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

She is suspected to be in attempting to travel from Eugene to the Portland area.

Name: Stella “Clay” Dolton
Pronouns: She/Her
Date of birth: Dec. 24, 2010
Height: 5-foot-3
Weight: 140 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Brown

Springfield Police Department Case #25-6345
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2062243

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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Exhibit honors faculty artists for contributions to the classroom and community

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Archer Gallery at Clark College is proud to present the 2025 Art Faculty Biennial, an exhibition featuring recent works by Clark’s art department faculty. The show highlights the range of materials, techniques and perspectives that reflect both the diversity of courses offered at Clark and the creativity of the talented faculty who teach them. 

Bobby Abrahamson

Michael Al-Jiboori

Jennifer Brazelton

John Chwekun

Lisa Conway

Ray Cooper

Damien Gilley

Kathrena Halsinger

Stephen Hayes

Grant Hottle (Script by Tobias Peterson)

Colin Kippen

Kendra Larson

Allison Lutz

Gabriel Parque

Andrea Osuna

Shawn Records

Suzy Root

Ben Rosenberg

Brian Shannon

Senseney Stokes

Allie Syes

Located on Clark’s main campus, the Archer Gallery is a place for contemporary art that serves students and the broader community.  In addition to curated exhibitions, the gallery hosts free monthly artist talks throughout the academic year, offering opportunities to connect with professional artists and see the creative process firsthand.

Archer Gallery invites the public to attend the Art Faculty Biennial showcase events including the Opening Reception, Artist Talk, and Exhibit. All events are free and open to the public.

Opening Reception: Friday, September 26, from 2-4 pm

Exhibit:                      September 26 – November 1, 2025 <exhibit details>

Artist Talk:                 Thursday, October 16, 11 am – Noon <art talk details>

Location:                   Archer Gallery at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA (main campus)

   lower SW entrance of Penguin Union Building

Parking:                    View online Campus map and directions here

All Are Welcome:     Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. 

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

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

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. 

About Clark’s Fine Arts Program

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

Find details at Archer Gallery (clark.edu) or

Learn more about our exhibitions and art talks, visit Archer Gallery page or Art Talks page.

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Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health approved a resolution Wednesday that commits to advancing efforts to increase pregnancy-related care for Medicaid clients in Clark County.

“Pregnancy embodies great hope in the creation of our next generation, a newborn. Everyone deserves the very best care to ensure that moms and the new lives they are nurturing have the healthiest start possible,” said Sue Marshall, Board of Health chair.

Prenatal care improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Receiving prenatal care early and throughout pregnancy can prevent and reduce the risk of complications for both the birthing parent and the baby. Inadequate prenatal care increases preventable risk for pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes for pregnant individuals and their babies.

In Clark County last year, more than 2,000 births were covered by Medicaid and of those, about 31% received inadequate prenatal care. Among the more than 3,300 births covered by private insurance, about 22% received inadequate prenatal care.

In addition to inequities by insurance type, significant inequities in access to prenatal care also exist by race and ethnicity. Pacific Islander, Asian and Black families with Medicaid were most impacted by inadequate prenatal care, with 31-61% of births among those populations receiving inadequate care.

“The prospect of not being able to access prenatal care or not being able to access care until very late in one’s pregnancy is deplorable. That is why the Board of Health has directed Clark County Public Health to prioritize advancement of efforts to close the Medicaid gap. Breaking down barriers to quality prenatal care is our objective,” Marshall said.

The resolution passed by the Board of Health commits the board and Public Health to supporting efforts to implement Medicaid payment reform initiatives, strengthen the maternal health care workforce, increase transparency of health care access for Medicaid clients, and champion partnerships to collaboratively develop solutions, among other efforts.

Previous activities addressing prenatal care access
In fall 2023, a community provider notified Public Health that Medicaid clients seeking prenatal care in the community were unable to find available appointments, sometimes waiting weeks or months to get care. Public Health worked with the Washington State Health Care Authority and local managed care organizations to provide guidance for pregnant Medicaid clients struggling to access prenatal care.

In 2024, Public Health completed a comprehensive analysis of birth certificate data to illuminate the adequacy of prenatal care among the birthing Medicaid population in 2023. That analysis was used to develop an issue brief with recommended action steps for health systems and organizations serving pregnant and parenting families in Clark County.

In April 2025, Public Health gave a presentation to the Board of Health detailing the significant inequities for the Medicaid population compared to people with private insurance. Following the presentation, the Board of Health convened a Medicaid Access to Prenatal Care Policy Summit in June to elevate and prioritize policy opportunities to address the root causes of inadequate access to prenatal care for Medicaid clients.

Public Health’s immediate next steps include convening local health care system partners to explore opportunities to fund and implement culturally congruent group prenatal care and support existing and future workforce capacity, champion efforts to increase data quality and transparency of health care access for the Medicaid managed care population, and continue collaboration with state partners to assess legislative opportunities for payment reform.  

For more information, visit the Public Health website.  

Salem, Ore. – Spray fountains/splash pads at seven Salem parks will remain open through the end of September.

Typically, spray fountains are open between mid-June and Labor Day, but lingering warm weather in September has prompted a decision to keep them open a month longer this year.

Spray fountains are located at:

• Englewood Park
  1260 19th Street NE
  12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
• Fairmount Park
  650 Rural Street S
  12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
• Northgate Park
  3575 Fairhaven Avenue NE
  12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
• Riverfront Park
  200 Water Street NE
  10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
• River Road Park
  3045 River Road N
  10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
• Wes Bennett Park
  2200 Baxter Road SE
  12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
• West Salem Park
  265 Rosemont Avenue NW
  12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Find more information online about Salem Parks.

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Hello, 

I wanted to share a unique local story opportunity happening in Salem this Friday, September 26. Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) will host its semiannual Oregon Youth Paralympic Experience at the Oregon School for the Deaf. From 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., roughly 30 students who are blind or have low vision will participate in Paralympic sports, including goalball and tandem biking. Full details are included in the press release below. Supporting imagery and videos from last year’s event are available for download here: https://bit.ly/4pAlKTf​ 

Media are invited to attend and capture video, photos, and interviews with Stacey Gibbins, NWABA VP of Programs and Services, as well as participating students and volunteers.

Please let me know if you're interested in joining us on Friday to cover the event, and I will coordinate on-site access (this is closed to the public) and arrange interviews.

~Haley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTHWEST ASSOCIATION FOR BLIND ATHLETES HOSTS SEMIANNUAL OREGON YOUTH PARALYMPIC EXPERIENCE IN SALEM

VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON (September 24, 2025) — This Friday, September 26, Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) will host its semiannual Oregon Youth Paralympic Experience at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem. From 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., approximately 30 students who are blind or have low vision—ranging from kindergarten through high school—will take part in Paralympic sports, including goalball and tandem biking.

This one-day event allows youth who are blind or visually impaired to learn fundamental skills in accessible sports while gaining confidence, independence, and connections with peers. Since its return in 2022 following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience has served more than 250 children and teens from across the state with support from local volunteers and NWABA staff. Together, the experience has created a safe, supportive environment where participants can explore sports and discover new strengths.

“This is more than just an introduction to accessible sports—it’s a life-changing opportunity that empowers kids with visual impairment to build confidence, discover their potential, and form lasting friendships,” said Billy Henry, NWABA Founder and CEO. “Every activity opens doors to independence, belonging, and joy, while advancing NWABA’s vision that every individual with a visual impairment has the opportunities, support, and community they need to thrive in all aspects of life.”

This year’s event will continue that tradition on a closed campus not open to the public, for a safe and focused experience for attendees.

NWABA looks forward to continuing to expand opportunities for blind and visually impaired youth across the Northwest and to welcoming even more students to next year’s event.

For more information about NWABA and its programs, visit nwaba.org.

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About NWABA

The mission of Northwest Association for Blind Athletes is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Today, NWABA is a rapidly expanding 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides more than 5,000 program and service interactions to children, youth, adults, and military veterans with visual impairments through tailored programming which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, promotes independence, creates an inclusive community of supporters, and builds the skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life including school and employment.

Jason Buchanan joins OnPoint after an extensive national search

PORTLAND, Ore., — OnPoint Community Credit Union announced today that after an extensive nationwide search, it has appointed credit and operations expert Jason Buchanan as chief credit officer. Buchanan joins the executive team of Oregon’s largest credit union, with more than 618,000 members and $9.56 billion in assets.

"Jason has a proven track record of strong leadership and driving strategies for long-term organizational success,” said Rob Stuart, president and CEO, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “His experience not only in lending, but also in cybersecurity and risk management, make him an ideal addition to OnPoint’s leadership team as we continue to grow.” 

As chief credit officer, Buchanan will oversee the credit union’s collections, consumer lending, credit administration, mortgage underwriting, commercial credit administration, and indirect lending teams. He also brings a passion for improving processes and integrating technology into the lending world.

“I was drawn to OnPoint for its steadfast commitment to the members and communities they serve,” said Jason Buchanan, chief credit officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “In my new role, I will work to further enhance our lending operations, partner closely with our risk management team, and help ensure OnPoint is set up for success for years to come.”

Before joining OnPoint, Buchanan served in credit and risk management roles at Blue Federal Credit Union in Wyoming, BBVA USA and Texas Capital Bank. He also has experience with startup incubation and portfolio management.

Outside of work, Buchanan is an active community volunteer, serving on the board of Arts and Songwriting Foundations and founding a nonprofit that funds micro-grants for individuals and groups who face challenges in obtaining funding.

The OnPoint executive team is comprised of the following members:

• Rob Stuart, President/Chief Executive Officer
• Jennifer Anderson-Kapke, Senior Vice President/Chief Compliance Officer
• Jason Buchanan, Senior Vice President/Chief Credit Officer
• Stephen Cantrell, Senior Vice President/Chief Risk Officer
• Tim Clevenger, Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer
• Patty Groman, Senior Vice President/Chief People Officer
• Bob Harding, Senior Vice President/Chief Commercial Officer
• Jim Hunt, Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
• Damian Laviolette, Senior Vice President/Chief Information Officer
• Tory McVay, Senior Vice President/Chief Retail Officer
• Wendy Beth Oliver, Senior Vice President/Chief Legal Officer

# # # 

About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 618,000 members and with assets of $9.56 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077; 800-527-3932.

Last year’s show sold out, don’t wait to get your tickets!

ASTORIA, OR – Saddle up for an unforgettable night of bull riding, bronc busting, and barrel racing as the Clash of the Cowboys Roughstock Rodeo at the Clatsop County Fair & Expo on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

This high-energy event presented by Jason Kraushaar Contracting, LLC, and operated by Howell Rodeo Company, promises a full lineup of heart-pounding rodeo action.

Highlights

• Bulls, broncs, & barrels

• Family-friendly pre-show festivities

• Professional rodeo action by Howell Rodeo Company

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025

• Location: Clatsop County Fair & Expo, 92937 Walluski Loop, Astoria, OR 97103

• Parking: Free

• Seating: Indoor bleacher seating (seat cushions welcome)

Schedule

• 4:00 p.m. | Pre-Show (Exhibit Hall & outdoor area)
  Hosted by the Fair & Expo. Free and open to the public. Enjoy retail vendors, food trucks, music, a mechanical bull, cash bar, dummy roping competition, and more.

• 6:00 p.m. | Arena Doors Open

• 7:30 p.m. | Rodeo Begins

Ticket Information

• Adults: $25 advance (+ fees & taxes) / $30 at the door (+ fees & taxes)

• Children (10 & under): $10 advance (+ fees & taxes) / $12 at the door (+ fees & taxes)

• Children under 24 months: Free (must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap)

• Tickets available online: www.clatsopcofair.com

• Note: All ticket sales are final. No refunds.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring the Clash of the Cowboys Roughstock Rodeo are encouraged to email fair@clatsopcounty.gov

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TUALATIN, Ore. – The City of Tualatin is awarding $50,000 in funding through its annual Outside Agency Grant Program, supporting 19 nonprofit agencies that serve the community.

This program provides financial support to charitable nonprofit agencies that align with the City Council’s 2030 Vision—fostering a connected, prosperous, equitable, and environmentally conscious community with a sustainable, diverse economy and vibrant gathering spaces.

This year, the City received 21 applications requesting a total of $100,873. Nineteen organizations were selected to receive funding, with each invited to make a presentation to the City Council about their programs and impact in the community.

“The Outside Agency Grant Program serves as a vital bridge connecting the City of Tualatin with community-based organizations that address residents' most pressing needs. By channeling financial resources into these areas, I believe we can make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of all Tualatin residents. For the organizations that receive these funds, the grants represent crucial financial lifelines that enable them to expand services, reach more residents, and sustain programs that might otherwise face budget constraints. The program exemplifies Tualatin's commitment to collaborative community building, recognizing that effective local government requires partnerships with nonprofit agencies who understand and can address specific community needs that fall outside traditional municipal services” said Mayor Frank Bubenik.

Learn more about the program at  www.tualatinoregon.gov/citycouncil/outside-agencies-grant-program. Learn more about the City Council’s 2030 Vision at www.tualatinoregon.gov/citycouncil/city-council-vision-priorities

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Sept. 23, 2025 — PeaceHealth today announced the appointment of Mark Korth as chief transformation and integration officer, a key leadership role designed to accelerate the health system’s bold journey to become a truly integrated healthcare delivery system. In this new role, Korth will be responsible for driving systemwide integration of business functions, systems, and processes in support of clinical care delivery and enterprise standardization.

Korth’s appointment is part of a comprehensive realignment of PeaceHealth’s senior leadership team to accelerate its three-year transformation strategy. Earlier this month, PeaceHealth named Mike Dwyer as president of strategy and business value and Imelda Dacones, MD, as president of care delivery and value.

“Mark joins PeaceHealth at a pivotal time in our transformation journey,” said Sarah Ness, incoming PeaceHealth president and CEO. “With his deep experience leading organizational alignment and transformation, we will strengthen the systems and services that support our caregivers and teams, enabling us to deliver on our Mission and create a more connected, person-first care experience for all we serve.”

Mark brings more than 25 years of leadership experience facilitating transformation and integration across major health systems. Prior to joining PeaceHealth, he was a partner in Guidehouse’s healthcare segment, where he advised health systems on operating model design and enterprise-wide transformation. He also served as region president at Intermountain Health, where he helped lead the integration with SCL Health and was an executive sponsor of Intermountain’s three-year transformation initiative. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at SCL Health, Dignity Health and Tenet Healthcare.

“I am excited for the opportunity to join PeaceHealth in this new role and to collaborate with such talented leaders and caregivers,” said Korth. “Together, we will align our business functions and clinical operations to deliver exceptional care today while building the foundation to meet the needs of our communities for well into the future.”

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, nearly 3,200 physicians and clinicians, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

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HILLSBORO, Ore- Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton, Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth, and Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson have withdrawn as amici parties in Disability Rights Oregon, Metropolitan Public Defender et. al. v Patrick Allen et. al. (case no. 3:02-cv-00339-MO).

The three district attorneys joined the federal case in 2022 after the court imposed treatment timelines that conflicted with and overruled Oregon law in ways that compromised victim and public safety. The Oregon State Legislature has since codified similar timelines into law through HB 2005 (2025).

Over the past three years, District Attorneys Barton, Wentworth, and Clarkson have participated in multiple hearings, workgroups, and mediations to help inform the federal court and craft real solutions to the crisis at the Oregon State Hospital. It has been a priority for the public safety leaders to ensure that while the federal court focuses on the rights of defendants with mental illness, there must also be a clear and persistent voice advocating for the safety and protection of crime victims and the public.

“We were compelled to join this lawsuit three years ago out of a concern for public safety, especially the safety of crime victims,” said DA Barton. “Although we no longer feel we can accomplish progress through the federal court process, we remain strongly committed to advocating for a safe and sustainable solution to Oregon’s broken state hospital system.”

“The timelines as established by the federal court were merely a temporary solution to what is a significant lack of bedspace at the Oregon State Hospital. Pushing people out of treatment before they are healthy enough to be in our neighborhoods does a disservice to those suffering and to our community safety,” said DA Wentworth. “Under these timelines, we have seen untreated individuals reoffend and even commit suicide after their release.”

“House Bill 2005 is now a starting point for Oregon to address its long-neglected mental health system without the intervention of the federal court. But it is not a safe or compassionate destination,” added DA Clarkson. “The Governor and our legislative leaders must continue to invest in treatment and bedspace for the sickest of Oregonians while prioritizing the safety of us all.”

NEWBERG, Ore. – The Newberg community will have a chance to get up close and personal with what is new at Portland Community College’s Newberg Center, 135 Werth Blvd.

PCC is hosting an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14 to showcase what is new this fall term and learn more about the strategic vision for the future of the center. Attendees can learn more about classes, events, partnership opportunities and share feedback with PCC staff. Refreshments will be provided.

“The goal is to highlight the new direction, demonstrate our commitment to the community and showcase the building,” said Karen Sanders, Assistant Associate Vice President of Academic & Career Pathways. “We’ll have opportunities for community feedback and there will be relevant PCC programs onsite to provide information and answer questions.”

The college will also host information tours for students from Newberg and Sherwood high schools throughout the day.

This fall term, the Newberg Center will feature a refreshed lineup of programming. This includes classes centered on English for Speakers of Other Languages, computer skills learning (free), and healthcare and nutrition. The center will also offer an on-ramp course for healthcare careers for people interested in finding a job in the medical field, as well as CPR and first aid training and retirement planning classes.

For more information about the open house or the Newberg Center, call 971-722-8602 or visit https://www.pcc.edu/newberg/

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YACHATS, OR —On October 12^th, View the Future, Yachatians for Social Justice, and the Yachats Chamber of Commerce are honored to present Our Lands – Our Cultures, a powerful community event celebrating the strength, resilience, and cultural restoration

This inspiring afternoon will highlight the stories of survival and resurgence of the descendants of Coast Range prison camps—narratives rooted in perseverance, cultural restoration, and deep connection to land and community.

Featured Speakers:

Jesse Beers, an enrolled citizen and Cultural Stewardship Manager for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians. For more than 15 years, Jesse has worked to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into restoration projects across the region. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to cultural heritage, community well-being, and environmental stewardship.

Lisa Norton, MSW, an enrolled member and Chief Administrative Officer of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Lisa oversees initiatives ranging from infrastructure to public safety and community support. With nearly 20 years of service to her Tribe, she brings expertise in social services, advocacy, and program development. Her work is deeply informed by her roots in Lincoln County and her dedication to the well-being of future generations.

Together, Jesse and Lisa are not only preserving cultural traditions but also shaping a future in which both their communities and the land can thrive. Their stories and insights will resonate with all who care about cultural resilience, ecological integrity, and community-based restoration.

Event Details:
? Sunday, October 12, 2025
? 2:00 PM
? Yachats Commons, Yachats, Oregon

This event is open to the public. All are welcome. A suggested donation of $10 is requested but not required.     

To learn more visit: https://www.viewthefuture.org/event-details/our-lands-our-cultures-1.

About the Organizers:

• View the Future is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural beauty, culture, and ecological integrity of the central Oregon coast.
• Yachatians for Social Justice is a grassroots group committed to equity, inclusion, and community education.
• The Yachats Chamber of Commerce works to promote a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable local economy and culture.

#   #   #

RELEASE DATE:               Sept. 22, 2025

RELEASE UPDATE:           Sept. 24, 2025
CASE NUMBER:                 25-39126

UPDATE

Collins has been located. The Gresham Police Department would like to thank those who assisted in the search for him.

Gresham, Ore.— The Gresham Police Department is asking for help with locating 81-year-old William “Bill” Collins.   He was last seen at 4 p.m., leaving his care home with his walker, in the 1500 block of NE Hacienda Ave. Collins was wearing a red baseball cap, black and gray hooded jacket, black pants and black shoes. He is approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 145 pounds.

Staff at Collins’ care home are concerned because he is an insulin dependent diabetic and is due for his medication. He is familiar with Trimet and may travel to Portland to get to the VA Hospital.

Anyone who knows of Collins' whereabouts is asked to call 911.

###30###

On the evening of Sunday, September 21st, Lebanon Fire District firefighters faced an extraordinary test when two working structure fires were reported just minutes apart on opposite sides of town.

The first call came in at 5:36 p.m. for a fire in the 400 block of Morton Street. The initial response included two firefighters and a Battalion Chief who arrived to find a garage fully involved and threatening a nearby home. Bystanders reported a possible victim inside and firefighters prepared to make entry. Fortunately, the resident was able to escape safely on their own. With only three firefighters able to operate inside and limited resources on scene, crews worked to contain the fire until additional off-duty and volunteer personnel arrived about six minutes later.

At 5:38 p.m., while crews were still responding to the Morton Street fire, a second call was reported in the 3400 block of Bald Eagle Drive. The response included four firefighters and an Incident Commander who arrived to find a garage fire that had already spread into the attic and destroyed two vehicles. By the time firefighters reached the scene the garage roof had collapsed and flames were spreading into the home. For nearly 10 minutes, that single four-person crew was the only unit battling the fire until reinforcements arrived.

With two fires burning at once, Lebanon Fire District immediately called for mutual aid, receiving critical support from Sweet Home, Scio, Brownsville, Tangent, Halsey, and Harrisburg fire agencies. Lebanon Police, PP&L, and NW Natural also assisted. Despite the scale of the incidents, no injuries were reported, and both fires remain under investigation by the Lebanon Fire Investigation Team.

The district expressed gratitude to its career firefighters, volunteers, off-duty personnel, and neighboring agencies who worked side by side to protect lives and property.

Staffing Strain: A Larger Picture

At the time of these calls, Lebanon Fire District had only 10 career firefighters on duty to protect the entire community. When the Morton Street fire was dispatched, one ambulance was already on a medical emergency, leaving only eight firefighters immediately available.

Within minutes, those limited crews were split between two working fires. At Morton Street, just two firefighters were able to begin fire attack and potential rescue operations, while at Bald Eagle Drive, four firefighters faced a fully involved garage fire alone until help could arrive.

To put this in perspective, NFPA 1710 — the national standard for career fire departments — requires a minimum of four firefighters on each engine or truck company, and at least 15 firefighters on the initial alarm for a low-hazard structure fire. Staffing requirements increase further for higher-risk or larger incidents. These standards exist to ensure that essential tasks like search and rescue, hose line advancement, ventilation, and fire suppression can be performed safely and effectively.

For a typical single-family house fire under NFPA 1710, staffing would normally include around 15 firefighters plus a Battalion Chief. A Battalion Chief would serve as the Incident Commander, overseeing the entire fireground.

One engine company would be assigned to fire attack, with a lieutenant and firefighter advancing a hose line inside while the engineer remained outside to operate the pump. A second engine company would provide a backup hose line, again with a lieutenant and firefighter on the line and an engineer at the pump panel.

A truck company would typically handle rescue and ventilation, staffed with a lieutenant, an engineer, and a firefighter. In addition, two medic units would be assigned to provide support. One medic crew would function as the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC), dedicated to firefighter rescue in case of an emergency. The other medic crew would be placed on standby, rotating with crews working inside the structure to provide relief.

Altogether, this structure provides the recommended 15 firefighters and one Battalion Chief, which matches the NFPA 1710 minimum for a low-hazard structure fire.

In contrast, at the Morton Street fire, Lebanon Fire District began with just two firefighters and a Battalion Chief. One of those firefighters had to remain outside to run the pump, leaving only two firefighters available to attempt fire attack or rescue until reinforcements arrived minutes later.

“Every second matters in a fire,” said Fire Chief Joseph Rodondi. “On Sunday, our firefighters did everything they could with the resources available. Thanks to the dedication of our career staff, volunteers, off-duty personnel, and mutual-aid partners, no lives were lost. But this incident shows the reality: with limited staffing, our crews are being asked to do the work of double or triple their size, and that puts both the public and firefighters at greater risk.”

The Lebanon Fire District emphasizes that staffing levels directly affect how quickly and effectively firefighters can respond when seconds count. The district asks the community to remain engaged, informed, and supportive as it continues to provide critical emergency services with limited resources.

Three credit card skimmers were discovered at separate stores in Tigard on Sunday, and detectives want to remind people to check their bank statements and take steps to protect their personal information.

The first was discovered by a customer at the 7-11 store on 99W & SW Park Street at 12:42am on Sunday, September 21. The customer told an employee about it, and the employee removed the skimmer and called police. Surveillance video shows it was likely placed the previous evening, around 8:40 p.m. on Saturday, September 20. Detectives are working to identify the potential suspect.

Just after noon that same day, a second skimmer was discovered at the Dollar Tree on SW 99W & SW Hall Blvd. In that case, the manager reported finding the device on one of the credit card readers. The manager removed it and reported it to police.

A third device was discovered at another Dollar Tree store on SW 99W and SW Durham Road the same day. The assistant manager reported finding it and immediately removing it, but that report wasn’t made to police until Tuesday morning, September 23.

All three cases have been referred to detectives with the Tigard Police Commercial Crimes Unit. We are aware that other skimmers have been discovered in other areas throughout the Portland Metro region over the last few days as well.

If you believe you used a credit or debit card at any of the above locations, please check your bank statement and watch for suspicious or fraudulent activity.

It’s a good reminder for all of us to take additional steps to protect your information where possible, including:

• using the ‘tap’ feature or a mobile wallet instead of swiping your card
• checking card readers for signs of tampering (looseness, broken security seal, unusual bulkiness, wiggle the card slot) and notifying an employee if something seems off
• covering the keypad when entering your pin to prevent a camera from potentially capturing it
• regularly checking statements and opting in for real-time notifications of credit card transactions

###

NAACP Vancouver Community Reading List

Project spotlights Black authors, stories, and history at partner locations countywide

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) and NAACP Vancouver Branch 1139 B are proud to announce the launch of the NAACP Vancouver Community Reading List, a curated collection of books celebrating Black voices, history, and storytelling. Beginning October 1, 2025, in honor of National Book Month, the reading list will be featured at partner locations across Clark County.

The project builds on the ongoing partnership between CCHM and the NAACP Vancouver Branch, which earlier this year collaborated on This Is Our Legacy: The 80th Anniversary of the NAACP Vancouver Branch 1139-B an award-winning exhibit commemorating the branch’s 80 years of advocacy for racial justice and community empowerment.

“This reading list is more than a set of book recommendations; it’s an opportunity for our community to listen deeply, learn intentionally, and engage meaningfully with Black voices. Through these stories, we’re not just revisiting history; we’re building bridges toward understanding, empathy, and unity. Reading is one of the most powerful tools we have for transformation. Education is the foundation of liberation, and informed communities are empowered communities. Thank you to the Clark County Historical Museum for its unwavering commitment to preserving Black history and telling our stories with truth and integrity. In honoring our past, you help light the path toward a more just and awakened future.” Rev. Michael Jones Jr., Vice President & Chair, Legal Redress and Civil Rights

Posters displayed throughout the community will guide readers to a website featuring fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, poetry, and other works that reflect the richness and diversity of the Black experience. Visitors can scan a QR code to access the full list online or visit www.cchmuseum.org/naacpvanread, where they will also find information about the books and where to find them locally. Receipts from purchases, orders and library checkouts from the reading list make any participant eligible for a free Associate Level membership to Clark County Historical Museum.

The posters will be on display throughout October at local libraries, bookstores, and other partner organizations. This visibility aims to spark conversations, encourage inclusive reading, and inspire deeper community connections.

About the NAACP Vancouver Branch 1139 B

Founded in 1945, the NAACP Vancouver Branch has been a steadfast advocate for civil rights, equity, and inclusion in Clark County. Through educational programming, community engagement, and policy advocacy, the branch continues its mission to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all persons.

About the Clark County Historical Museum

The Clark County Historical Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of Clark County, Washington. The museum offers award winning exhibits, dynamic programming, and community partnerships that connect people to the past, present, and future of the region. Learn more at www.cchmuseum.org.

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

######

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, William Paul Cisneros, died the afternoon of September 23, 2025. Cisneros was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Cisneros entered DOC custody on September 10, 2014, from Deschutes County with an earliest release date of March 31, 2064. Cisneros was 62 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 that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.

####

Portland, OR- September 19, 2025.

Multnomah County Circuit Judge Christopher Ramras sentenced 44-year-old Rafael Gonzalez Rodriguez to 525 months in prison. That totals 43-years-9 months.

See our earlier release on his conviction below:

PORTLAND AREA MAN CONVICTED ON 58 COUNTS OF SEX ABUSE INVOLVING YOUNG GIRLS- FACES MANDATORY MINIMUM OF 25 YEARS

PRESS RELEASE                                                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 16, 2025

Case: 23CR46293

Portland, OR-  A Multnomah County jury on April 15, 2025,  found Rafael Gonzalez-Rodirguez guilty on 58 counts of sex abuse involving two young girls, one was under the age of 12-years old. 

The defendant was convicted on six counts of Rape in the First Degree, and 21 counts of Sex Abuse in the First Degree, along with multiple counts of Sodomy in the First Degree, Sex Abuse in the Second Degree, Sex Abuse in the Third Degree, and Sodomy in the Third Degree.

The victims disclosed the sexual abuse in September 2023 to close friends/neighbors, who immediately called the child abuse hotline.  This prompted an immediate response from the Department of Human Services, Child Protective Services, and a cross report to law enforcement.  The victims were seen at CARES NW shortly thereafter, where they disclosed historic sexual abuse that began when they were 5-6 years old and continued for years until their disclosure.  The defendant was the former boyfriend of the victims’ mother.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney achna.hajari@mcda.us" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Rachna Hajari prosecuted the case for the state.

After the guilty verdicts she said:  “What happened to these victims at the hands of the defendant was unimaginable.  Though the trauma of the sexual abuse will be a part of their lives forever, I hope these convictions and the jury believing the victims will bring them some comfort on their journey of healing and recovery.” 

“April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and this case serves as a reminder that our office believes children, and believes in holding the people who harm children in horrific ways accountable for their conduct.”  

The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Gresham Police Department for their hard work on this case.

We also want to acknowledge the compassionate and sensitive care extended to the victims and their family by MCDA Victim Advocate Alie Aguilera.

Gonzalez-Rodriguez Jr faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison. 

The DA’s Office will ask that the Court impose a lengthier sentence than the mandatory minimum. 

     ###MCDA###

Vancouver, Wash. – The Vancouver City Council has approved a resolution adopting the Cultural Access Plan Policy, which will guide the City’s new Cultural Access Program. Beginning in 2026, the program will distribute an estimated $7 million annually in grants to expand community access to arts, culture, heritage and science.

To be eligible, applicants must be nonprofits focused on arts, culture, heritage or science, and be based in Vancouver or offer at least 55% of their programs in the city. Individual artists can also apply with a qualified fiscal sponsor. Any programs or activities funded through the grants must take place in Vancouver.

The policy creates five grant categories to reach organizations of all sizes. Through these grants, the Cultural Access Program aims to:

• Increase public access to arts, culture, heritage and science programming in Vancouver
• Support local nonprofit organizations and artists with stable funding
• Foster innovation and creativity
• Strengthen Vancouver’s economic and cultural sectors
• Promote equity and inclusion
• Support youth education and school partnerships

Program funding

The Cultural Access Program is funded through a City Council-approved 0.1% sales tax, which the City began collecting in April 2025. The Cultural Access program is guided by state law, and these funds can only be used for this purpose. This dedicated revenue stream is expected to raise approximately $7 million annually for the next seven years.

“This program is going to open doors for people all over Vancouver,” said Brad Richardson, chair of the City’s Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission. “We’re grateful to City Council for recognizing the importance of this program and adopting a policy that values the impact of arts, culture, heritage and science in our community.”

Next steps include creating application materials, hiring staff, launching community workshops and training courses, and forming the grant review committees that will make recommendations to the Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission. The first round of grants is expected to open in the first half of 2026.

“Getting this policy in place is a major step toward putting critical resources directly into the hands of the organizations that make Vancouver such a creative community,” said Stacey Donovan, the City’s cultural services manager. “We’re excited to work side by side with local nonprofits and artists to bring forward projects that will connect, benefit and inspire residents across the community.”

Other jurisdictions in the state using the Washington Cultural Access Program include Tacoma, Olympia, King County, and San Juan County. The program allows cities and counties to enact local sales and use tax up to 0.1% to fund local arts, heritage, culture and science programs. 

For more information about Vancouver’s Cultural Access Program and to join the program email list for updates, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/cultural-access.

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Evergreen Virtual Academy - 09/25/2025

EVERGREEN VIRTUAL ACADEMY NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS September 25, 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

Salem –  The National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS), a professional association for state regulators and state credit unions, recently announced that Janet Powell is the recipient of the 2025 Pierre Jay Award. Powell, who is retiring from the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) in July 2026, serves as the credit union’s chief of regulation and supervision for DFR.

With more than 33 years of service, Powell has been a steadfast leader, mentor, and innovator within the state credit union system. Since joining DFR in 1992 and being appointed to lead Oregon’s credit union program in 2004, she has helped shape one of the strongest and most progressive state charters in the nation.

“Janet exemplifies the qualities of leadership, collaboration, and innovation that strengthen the state credit union system. For more than three decades, her work has ensured that Oregon’s credit unions – and the millions of members they serve – have benefited from a safe and resilient charter,” said Brian Knight, president and CEO of NASCUS. “Janet’s recognition through the Pierre Jay Award underscores the vital role state regulators play in advancing a strong dual-charter system.”

Under Powell’s guidance, no Oregon state-chartered credit union has failed during her tenure, despite working through the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. She safeguarded credit unions from unnecessary federal conservatorship, while providing regulatory oversight and guidance that strengthened institutions in times of challenge.

“Janet has been the bedrock of the Division of Financial Regulation’s management team and a strong proponent of the state credit union system for decades,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “Her thoughtful and innovative approach to regulation and credit union oversight has enriched the state, our credit unions, and ultimately the members. The award is another example of the exemplary work done by Janet and the credit union program over the years.”

NASCUS established the Pierre Jay Award to acknowledge individuals, programs, or organizations that have had a substantial effect on the state credit union system. This award honors those who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to NASCUS and the state system. This distinction is NASCUS’s highest honor in recognizing champions of the state credit union system.

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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.

FEMA is proposing major new requirements for communities that want to remain in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Under this new plan for Oregon, FEMA would change the NFIP to focus on protecting floodplain habitat for fish, rather than insuring properties from flood and mitigating risks to life and property.  The new requirements would apply to all NFIP mapped areas within the highlighted areas of the state – affecting 31 counties and more than 100 cities and towns. If a community refuses to adopt these new standards, FEMA can kick them out of the NFIP, making all residents ineligible for federal flood insurance and disaster aid.

Here are some of the new rules and their potential impacts:

• A typical new single-family house could require a second piece of land to be kept undeveloped as “mitigation.”
• The cost of construction for homes and new commercial development could increase by nearly 30 percent. The cost of your new home could go up more than $7500 a year in mortgage/interest to pay for complying with the new requirements.
• Remodeling or expanding existing developed commercial and industrial land could require a different or more expensive design.
• If a farmer wants to build a new agricultural building in the floodplain, the cost could increase by about 12 per cent.
• For port projects subject to the new standards, the land required to be set aside for mitigation would be substantial with corresponding increases in project cost, adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to project costs.
• Counties and cities in Oregon would need to make changes to existing ordinances. To do this, the counties and cities may have to hire additional help at a cost of about $60,000 to more than $1 million, depending on the size of the jurisdiction.
• 233 Oregon communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program would have to pay $100,000 to $200,000 to achieve initial adoption and implementation. The total cost could be $23 million to $47 million for the full Oregon plan area.

In short, these stringent new rules would significantly burden not only new business and home development, but also existing homeowners and businesses by making small additions, sheds, or driveways into major mitigation projects. A remodel or repair of your house from storm damage now will become too costly to repair, even under NFIP coverage—which insufficiently covers the cost of compliance with these new regulations.

FEMA is currently accepting public comments on their Draft Environmental Impact Statement which is the next step in making these new rules permanent. FEMA has presented three alternatives.  Alternative 1 would allow the NFIP to continue to operate in Oregon without costly changes.  Alternatives 2 and 3 require costly mitigation of all development in floodplains.  FEMA wants to hear from the public and interested parties about which alternative they should select and why.

Oregonians for Floodplain Protection urges people to tell FEMA to adopt Alternative 1. Oregon has existing rules to protect endangered species, and FEMA is using nearly 10-year-old data to make these rules. FEMA's public meetings held so far have had less than 100 people participating, and the general public does not know about these new rules. The last public meeting is September 30th from 6-8 pm via Zoom.

More information is available on our website, https://floodplainprotection.org.

OFP's Board:
Jeremy Rogers, Oregon Realtors Association; Ryan Krabill,  Oregon Farm Bureau; Sarah Absher, Tillamook County Community Development Director; Former State Senator Betsy Johnson; Former Vernonia Mayor and Columbia County Commissioner Tony Hyde; Warrenton Mayor Henry Balensifer and Oregon Homebuilders Association CEO Jodi Hack.

Ridgefield School District is expanding Wisdom Ridge Academy (WRA), its family-partnered Alternative Learning Experience program, with a new offering designed to support homeschooling families. The new program, called Ridge Connect, provides resources, curriculum, and licensed teacher support to families who choose to educate their children at home.
 

To lead this work, WRA recently welcomed Amy Avery as Ridge Connect Coordinator. Avery brings more than a decade of experience supporting families in hybrid and parent-partnership models of education. A longtime local resident, Avery grew up in Vancouver and earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Washington State University-Vancouver as part of the campus’ very first teaching cohort. She has also raised her own children in parent-partnership programs, giving her unique insight into the challenges and opportunities that homeschooling families experience.
 

“I’ve walked this journey both as a parent and as an educator,” Avery explained. “I know how valuable it is to have a partner to talk to, someone who can guide, provide curriculum, and help adjust plans when needed. Ridge Connect gives families that partnership. They don’t have to feel like they’re doing this alone.”
 

Through Ridge Connect, families with students in grades K–8 will meet weekly with a certificated teacher to review progress, develop lesson plans, and ensure learning is aligned with Washington State standards. The program provides access to district-approved curriculum, individualized support, and flexibility for families who want to homeschool but also seek professional guidance.
 

Avery has already begun meeting with families. She noted that the program is especially helpful for parents who want to homeschool but feel uncertain about how to structure lessons or measure their child’s progress. “One family I met with has a kindergartner who is working well above grade level in some areas. Ridge Connect allows us to adjust the curriculum to meet his needs while still keeping him connected to age-appropriate learning in other subjects,” she said.
 

For WRA Principal Susan Smith, Ridge Connect is an important step toward ensuring that Ridgefield families have choices that keep them connected to their community. “We know many Ridgefield families have been driving to other districts to find homeschool partnership programs,” Smith said. “Ridge Connect provides a way for families to stay here, save money on curriculum, and have the reassurance that a trained, licensed teacher is overseeing their child’s education. It’s about supporting families, not replacing them—making sure they feel confident and connected.”
 

Smith emphasized that Ridge Connect is designed for families who are committed to homeschooling but want support, reassurance, and access to resources. “We want to serve families who truly need this option,” she said. “It’s about strengthening connections, not competing with traditional schools.”
 

Families interested in Ridge Connect can learn more on the Wisdom Ridge Academy website at www.ridgefieldsd.org/o/wra or y@ridgefieldsd.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;">contact Avery directly to discuss whether the program is a good fit. An upcoming Open House at Wisdom Ridge Academy on Thursday, September 25, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. will also provide an opportunity to meet Avery and ask questions about the program.
 

“Every student is unique and special,” Avery said. “My goal is to partner with families so their child has a learning plan that reflects who they are and helps them grow. That’s what Ridge Connect is all about.”

PORTLAND, Ore. – Legacy Health has launched a national search for its next President and Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal step as the organization looks to the future of healthcare in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

“This is a defining moment for Legacy Health,” said Charles Wilhoite, Chair of the Legacy Health Board of Directors. “We are grateful for the exceptional leadership of Dr. George Brown, who has guided Legacy with integrity, compassion and a deep commitment to community health. As we look to the future, we are committed to finding a leader who will continue that legacy and strengthen our role as a trusted partner in care.”

Legacy Health is a nonprofit health system known for its strong clinical programs and long-standing commitment to improving the health of the region it serves. The next CEO will guide the organization through a dynamic healthcare landscape while building on Legacy’s core values of compassion, respect and excellence.

To support this important effort, Legacy has engaged WittKieffer, a national executive search firm with deep expertise in healthcare leadership. The firm will partner with the Board of Directors and CEO Search Committee to identify candidates who align with Legacy Health’s mission, values and strategic priorities.

“Legacy’s next CEO will inherit an organization with a strong foundation and a deep commitment to community health,” said Nancy Locke, Chair of the CEO Search Committee. “We are committed to finding a leader who understands Legacy’s unique role in the community and who can help guide the organization forward in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.”

Dr. George Brown will continue to lead Legacy Health as President and CEO until a successor is appointed, ensuring a seamless transition.

As Legacy moves forward, its mission remains unchanged, to provide high-quality, compassionate care and improve the health of the patients and communities it proudly serves.

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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. With an eye toward a healthier community, our partnerships tackle vital issues such as housing and mental health. Legacy strives to help everyone live healthier and better lives, with the vision of being essential to the health of the region.

Press & Media Assets:

Access the Deafula theatrical trailer and stills from the film here.

To schedule a press interview with producer Gary Holstrom ahead of the screening, please contact Matthew Cowan at matthew.cowan@ohs.org.

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Portland, OR — To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is proud to present two public screenings of Deafula (Peter Wechsberg, 1975). The first feature film performed completely using American Sign Language (ASL), Deafula was shot in Portland — including scenes at Pittock Mansion — and tells the timeworn story of a man coming to realize he may, in fact, be a vampire.

The film will be screened at 6:30pm at the Hollywood Theatre on both Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5. The Saturday program will include live ASL interpretation and a Q&A with producer Gary Holstrom moderated by OHS Moving Image Archivist Matthew Cowan. Tickets are available at hollywoodtheatre.org; general admission is $12 and $10 for students, seniors, and children.

The plot includes a magical ring, a handless servant named Zork, and a dramatic showdown with Dracula. The film was produced using a mix of both hearing and Deaf actors, many who are local to the area. Hearing audience members are not excluded as there is a soundtrack with a translation of the dialogue and a music track.

At the time of its release, the Oregon Journal called the film “more than a mere curiosity. At its best it is an education for the hearing in a new way of perceiving reality” and the LA Times noted that “Deafula is an admirable achievement which speaks with sad laughter.” 

The Oregon Historical Society’s Moving Images collection is one of the largest film and video collections in the Pacific Northwest and works to promote and preserve the film history of the Pacific Northwest. The collection includes feature films like Deafula as well as home movies, news footage, educational films, community television, artist and experimental works, early silent films, and more. Select moving images, such as news footage of the Mount St. Helen’s eruption and the Florence exploding whale, are available to view online through OHS Digital Collections (digitalcollections.ohs.org). The collection is also accessible to all by visiting OHS’s research library and browsing the library online catalog. For any questions about the collection, please contact Moving Image Archivist Matthew Cowan at matthew.cowan@ohs.org.

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

Incident: Burglary/ Invasion of Personal Privacy

Location: Holiday Inn Express, South Beach

Date/Time: September 14th, 2025

Details: On September 14^th, 2025, the Newport Police were dispatched to the Holiday Inn Express in South Beach, on the report of suspicious activity involving a former guest of the hotel that occurred September 12-14, 2025. Officers learned an employee of the business had observed a male guest, later identified as Saben Robert McKinnon, 39 of Billings, Montana, placing a small camera under multiple guest’s doors.  Officers were able to positively identify McKinnon through hotel records and DMV records.

A Newport Officer reviewed surveillance videos from the business and was able to observe McKinnon placing a small camera under guest doors and watching live images from within the guest’s rooms on his phone. The officer watched McKinnon repeat this process under multiple guest doors.

Further investigation revealed that McKinnon was a part of a large group of foresters staying at the hotel but had already left the Newport area when Newport Police were called. Officers were able to reach a group coordinator and learned McKinnon was currently staying in Corvallis, Oregon and attending a conference at Oregon State University.

Newport Officers coordinated with Corvallis Police, Oregon State Department of Public Safety, and Oregon State University to locate, question, and arrest McKinnon.

During the investigation officers learned McKinnon had been staying in hotels and motels across multiple states as part of his employment. Officers learned McKinnon was secretly recording individuals in their private hotel rooms while in various states of undress.  McKinnon used a covert camera to view and record victims for a protracted period of time, possibly even for years. Officers learned McKinnon stored the recordings on his phone and laptop so that he could watch them later.

Newport Officers learned McKinnon had also used the camera while staying in a hotel in Corvallis, Oregon and worked with Corvallis Police on additional criminal charges there. The officers are working with other state and federal agencies to identify McKinnon’s travel itinerary to help identify additional crimes and victims.

McKinnon was transported to the Lincoln County Jail where he was lodged on the following crimes:

SABEN ROBERT MCKINNON, 39, OF BILLINGS, MT

• Burglary 1 x2
• Invasion of Personal Privacy 1 x2

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Eshleman of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.

Information Released By: Lt. Haynes, 541-574-3348

Vancouver, Wash. – In a first-of-its kind project for Clark County, Public Works brought together more than 50 volunteer artists, dozens of volunteers, and staff from many different divisions in Public Works to paint a mural celebrating healthy streams. The approximately 4,000-square-foot mural features stormwater pollution prevention messages and more than 60 fish, of species native to Salmon Creek, painted in the unique styles of the volunteer artists.

This special project was initiated by local resident Vicki Holman, who approached Public Works with the dream to beautify a frequently vandalized retaining wall across from Salmon Creek. The wall is located on the south side of Northeast 117th Street just west of Highway 99. Vicki envisioned a mural highlighting the diversity of Clark County artists and celebrating healthy streams. Within six months, under the direction of local mural artist Ana Gabriella and Public Works staff, Vicki’s dream became a reality this September. Nearly 100 volunteers made this community beautification project a reality, providing an inspirational example of the community coming together for a common cause.

“This project, led by our Community Engagement team, gave Public Works a rare opportunity to involve our parks, Clean Water, and roads divisions while working hand-in-hand with passionate community volunteers,” said Public Works director Ken Lader. “The generosity, time, and care people poured into this is inspiring, and it created something uniquely special for Clark County.”

An unveiling celebration this past Saturday recognized everyone who came together to make this project possible. The event also kicked off the Salmon Creek Solutions project, which will involve the community in shaping the county’s plan to improve the way stormwater runoff is managed to create a healthy and thriving Salmon Creek for families, fish and wildlife.

Additional photos and videos of the event are available upon request to Kaley McLachlan-Burton, Community Engagement manager/PIO, Public Works, 360.946.7584, urton@clark.wa.gov">kaley.mclachlan-burton@clark.wa.gov.

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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TUALATIN, Ore. – Oregon’s role as a semiconductor manufacturing powerhouse just got a boost. Eight professional development graduates from Portland Community College are ready to begin careers in high-tech microscopy, thanks to a new training partnership between PCC and Lam Research.

The first cohort of the Microscopy Technician Training Program graduated this summer at Lam’s Tualatin campus, marking the culmination of 40 hours of hands-on experience with scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) and lab technologies central to semiconductor production. It is the first program of its kind in Oregon.

“We successfully launched this program within a year,” said Windy Wahlke, director of PCC’s Professional Development and Training. “Our collaboration with Lam has been exceptional, and it was wonderful to celebrate the success of these students. Lam’s commitment to including PCC students in this opportunity is a powerful example of partnership in action.”

The project began when Lam approached PCC’s Microelectronics Technology Program about training opportunities. The initiative was then led by Wahlke’s Professional Development and Training team, which customizes programs for regional businesses.

Microscopy in semiconductors uses various high-resolution imaging techniques to inspect, analyze, and control the ultra-fine structures of semiconductor devices during manufacturing and process development.

Tualatin Mayor Frank Bubenik, Washington County Commissioner Jason Snider, Lam Research Vice President and General Manager Aaron Fellis and Lam’s Global Operations Program Manager Brian Clay were among the audience at the graduation.

“Microscopy plays a critical role in process control, defect analysis, and product innovation,” Clay said. “But more than that, it requires a unique blend of specialized, highly technical skills, attention to detail and creative problem-solving. And that’s what this program delivers.”

Mayor Bubenik echoed that sentiment.

“The computers and electronics sector is more important to the Oregon economy than in any other state,” he said. “This cohort demonstrates a commitment by PCC and the governor’s office to strengthen Oregon’s semiconductor workforce pipeline by providing hands-on training and creating new career opportunities across the state.”

The eight-week program was developed and taught by Lam Tualatin Metrology Lab Head Monte Kozell and PCC instructor Tamasen Hayward. All of the curriculum reflects real-world industry needs and the instruction took place on-site at Lam’s Tualatin facility. Students were awarded scholarships and chosen from a competitive pool, including graduate-level applicants.

“This program is the result of a strong partnership between Lam Research, Portland Community College, community leaders and the governor—who all share a vision for fostering local talent and building meaningful career pathways into the rapidly growing semiconductor industry,” added Clay. “They have worked hard, shown curiosity and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced, technical environment."

For civil engineering student Kristina Henry Hall, the training provided her with the tools and instruction needed to enter the industry.

"When I applied to the program, the idea of working with state-of-the-art tools felt like a dream, and I can honestly say that it exceeded my expectations,” said Hall, who attends Portland State University.

Graduates are currently interviewing for roles with Lam’s Metrology Department. While hiring decisions are pending, Lam officials expressed confidence in the cohort’s readiness despite the complex training involved. The consumer demand for semiconductor and advanced packaging continues to grow which will mean the workforce will grow as well.

PCC’s PDT team expects the next Microscopy Technician Training Program to launch in 2026, with more pathways in development for students and professionals alike.

“PDT has supported workforce partnerships for more than 40 years,” Wahlke said. “We’ll continue to evolve with industry needs while helping Oregonians prepare for bright futures in technology.”

For more information on customized training programs, visit pcc.edu/customizedtraining.

Lam Research Supports STEAM Centers

Thanks to funding from Lam Research Foundation to the PCC Foundation, PCC's STEAM Centers are now expanding district-wide outreach through engaging workshops and maker-space opportunities.

At campuses across the college, Lam’s support helps foster a culture of innovation. Students and community members can explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), while gaining real-world, career-building skills. Workshops and demonstrations have introduced more than 2,000 students to 3D printing, digital design, rapid prototyping and more—offering early exposure to STEAM disciplines.

Learn more about PCC’s STEAM Centers at https://www.pcc.edu/maker/

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

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

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

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Woodburn, OR – On Saturday, September 20, 2025, just after 1:00 a.m., Woodburn Police Officers responded to a report of a suspicious male at the Colonia Unidad Apartments located at 1750 Park Ave, in Woodburn.

When officers arrived, they encountered Victor Armando Vallejo, a 23-year-old male from Gervais, who had outstanding warrants, including a Parole Violation for Robbery in the First Degree and Felony Hit and Run. Officers also had probable cause to arrest him on additional local charges stemming from prior investigations, including Felony Elude, Reckless Driving, Menacing, Stalking, and Tampering with a Witness.

As officers attempted contact, Vallejo fled in a vehicle at a high rate of speed through the apartment complex parking lot. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the suspect refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated due to the severity of the crimes. The pursuit traveled from Woodburn onto northbound I-5 toward Wilsonville. For safety reasons, the pursuit was discontinued, and the suspect was not apprehended at that time.

At approximately 3:00 a.m., officers received information that Vallejo was in the area of the 1300 block of Killiam Road NE, just outside Woodburn city limits. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the location. A short standoff ensued before the suspect attempted to hide in nearby bushes. Vallejo refused to comply with police commands and sustained minor injuries during his arrest. 

The suspect was treated at a local hospital before being lodged at the Marion County jail on the following charges:

1. Parole Violation – Robbery I
2. Felony Hit and Run
3. Felony Elude
4. Reckless Endangering
5. Reckless Driving
6. Menacing
7. Stalking (Constituting Domestic Violence)
8. Tampering with a Witness

The Woodburn Police Department extends sincere gratitude to the following agencies for their coordinated response and assistance in this arrest: Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Silverton Police Department, Mt. Angel Police Department, Molalla Police Department, Oregon City Police Department, METCOM 9-1-1, Willamette Valley Communications Center, Clackamas County Communications 9-1-1, and Woodburn Ambulance.

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Sumption received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of State Park Directors this month for her exemplary leadership and service to Oregon. 

Sumption was nominated by staff, volunteers and partners for her steadfast and humble leadership and her constant focus on creating a strategic vision for OPRD that centers sustainable fiscal decisions, transparency, trust and welcoming. 

The association surprised Director Sumption with the award at their annual conference earlier this month.  

Ten years ago, Director Sumption became the first woman to lead Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) as its director. She guided the agency through multiple challenges ranging from the pandemic to historic wildfires. Recently, she launched a campaign to Reimagine Oregon State Parks to build a more sustainable financial future.  

Sumption has served the agency for 18 years. 

“Oregonians are fortunate to have Lisa Sumption at the helm of our state park system, managing and protecting our most valued assets,” said Elizabeth Hill, chair of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.  

“Over the last two decades, she has provided steadfast and humble leadership for the organization through incredibly trying times. She fights hard to protect the services and assets we all enjoy when visiting our state parks. She also prioritizes planning for the future, ensuring generations after us get to experience the same beautiful places in meaningful ways. We are so grateful she has dedicated her talents to serving the people of the great State of Oregon.” 

The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) is devoted to helping state park systems effectively manage and administer their state park system. The association is composed of fifty state park directors, plus territories of the United States.  Sumption serves on the NASPD Board of Directors.   

“I am truly honored,” OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said. “I am thankful for all the amazing staff at OPRD who make this possible every single day. Their dedication, professionalism and genuine passion for our parks and communities continues to inspire me. There is no one else I would rather serve alongside.”