Workers Speak Out as OHSU's Board Weighs Plans to Cut 500+ Jobs and Slash Health Insurance After Signing a Billion Dollar Merger Deal with Legacy Health.

Workers’ Rally at OHSU Board Meeting
Friday, June 28
1 p.m.
OHSU Robertson Life Sciences Building
Room 3A001
2730 S. Moody Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97201
OHSU BOD Meetings are live streamed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/SLCTgGMGzrw 

Frontline nurses, healthcare workers, researchers and other essential staff at OHSU will be available for interviews by request. See press contacts below to coordinate.

WHAT: Healthcare, university and research workers, along with other essential staff at OHSU, will attend the OHSU Board of Directors meeting June 28—the board’s first public meeting since announcing plans to cut 500+ jobs and slash health insurance benefits at the same time it spends hundreds of thousands of dollars to increase executive pay, pay out a former executive’s salary and health benefits, and finalize its $1 billion merger with Legacy Health. 

Workers plan to deliver a petition–signed by nearly 4,500 supporters—to OHSU executives calling on the board to prioritize workers’ jobs and benefits over executive compensation and bonuses and work to maintain and expand health insurance coverage for the workers who keep OHSU running and their families. 

WHO: Essential caregivers and workers at OHSU from multiple unions including the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) and Oregon AFSCME which collectively represent more than 16,500 nurses, advanced practice providers, certified nursing assistants, medical assistants, pharmacists, techs, physical therapists, house officers, research staff, graduate students, and custodial, administrative and IT staff at OHSU among others.

WHY: OHSU executives are attempting to eliminate more than 500 full-time jobs and cut health care coverage for thousands of remaining workers. At the same time it’s firing frontline workers and cutting healthcare coverage, OHSU executives are also: 

• Spending upwards of $1 billion to acquire Legacy Health and its $738 million debt liability.
• Handing out more than $15 million in bonuses to OHSU executives.
• Paying its president an additional $350,000 annually in retirement raises.
• Spending nearly $700 million on new construction and real estate purchases.
• Offering more than half a million dollars to a former executive.

Frontline healthcare, researchers and other essential workers are pushing back against OHSU’s ‘executive-first’ spending plans and demanding OHSU invest its billions in the people and resources needed to improve patient care and create healthier communities both now and into the future.

Vancouver, Wash. – “Today’s sentencing of 29 years in prison for the defendant in the murder of Officer Donald Sahota provides the family and friends Don left behind the opportunity to start healing from what has been an excruciatingly painful 2 ½ years”, said Vancouver Police Chief Jeff Mori. “The Sahota family will remain in our prayers and the memory of Don Sahota and his contributions to the law enforcement profession, his community and the Vancouver Police Department will continue to live on”. 

As they begin to move forward from the grief of Don’s senseless death and the grueling pain of the trial, the Sahota family asks for continued privacy.

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Gresham, Ore.—

A suspect has been indicted for multiple counts including Attempted Murder and Assault related to a shooting that occurred in the Rockwood Village neighborhood.

On April 28, 2024, Gresham Police responded to reports of a shooting at Rockwood Village, 783 Southeast 185th Avenue. Investigating Officers found multiple apartments had been struck by bullets. These apartments were occupied, and one victim suffered minor injuries.

On June 14, 2024, Gresham Police arrested a suspect in the case, 18-year-old Jeremy Skelley Jr.

On June 24, 2024, the case against Skelley was presented to a Grand Jury by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office. Skelley was indicted on the following charges:

• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (one count)
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon (three counts)
• Assault 2 with a Firearm (one count)
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person (12 counts)
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (two counts)
 
The arrest is not the end of the case, and additional investigative steps are being taken.

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to call the GPD tip line at 503-618-2719 or toll-free at 1-888-989-3505. 

Additional information will be released when appropriate.

###GPD###
                      
PolicePIOs@GreshamOregon.gov
X: @GreshamPolice
Facebook: @GreshamPolice
 

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) River Patrol Unit (RPU) deputies continue to investigate the death of 24-year-old Kaileigh Seidel.

On Saturday, June 22, at 7:53 p.m., Portland firefighters and American Medical Response paramedics responded to a report that a person riding an inflatable tube towed by a boat collided with another boat on the Willamette River near the Hawthorne Bridge. The person, later identified as Seidel, was transported by one of the involved boats to the southern dock at Riverplace Marina, where they met first responders. Paramedics rushed Seidel to the hospital.

MCSO RPU deputies were dispatched at 8:05 p.m. to the dock to take a report of the incident. 

Shortly after arriving at the hospital, Seidel was pronounced deceased. Subsequently, MCSO RPU deputies opened a death investigation.

When deputies complete the death investigation, the case will be sent to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. A deputy district attorney will then review the investigation and determine whether to file any criminal charges. 

Anyone who witnessed the event and has not spoken to deputies and/or may have captured video of the incident is asked to contact the MCSO River Patrol Unit office by calling 503-988-8810.

Additionally, MCSO initially reported Seidel fell from a boat prior to being struck by another boat. That description is inaccurate. MCSO regrets the error.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.

On June 26, 2024 at about 1915 hours, Newport Police, assisted by officers from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police, responded to the area of NE 60^th Street in Newport on the report that Brandon Allen Lyons, 49 of Newport, was seen in the area.  Lyons was wanted for his involvement in multiple Burglaries and Thefts in Newport and the Lincoln County area.  A thorough search of the area failed to locate Lyons as he had fled prior to our arrival.

At about 2300 hours, Newport Police and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted another search of the area and located Lyons walking on NE 60^th Street. When Lyons was confronted by Officers, he fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit Lyons was taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail. 

Lyons was the same subject previously arrested on June 10, 2024 for attempting to enter multiple homes and attempting to steal a tow truck in the area of NW 54^th Street and NW 55^th Street.      

Lyons was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged on the following charges:

            Brandon Allen Lyons, 49

• Burglary I x2
• Theft 1
• Possession of Burglary Tools
• Escape 3
• Carry of Concealed Weapon
• Possession of Weapon by Felon
• Additional charges are pending.

The incident remains under investigation.  If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Cicerone of the Newport Police Department at 541-270-6343. 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. Hallmark, 541-574-3348

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

Portland, OR (June 27, 2024) – This week, PacifiCorp received the Emergency Response Award from Edison Electric Institute in recognition of the company’s response to the 2023 Smith River Complex fires in Northern California.

During the 2023 event, PacifiCorp enacted an emergency de-energization of roughly 14,000 customers in Crescent City, California, and surrounding areas. Electricity was quickly restored to customers on a temporary basis using large generators to power substations that serve the communities, while the company continued to monitor the fires, which burned through its transmission corridor. Power was eventually permanently restored to all customers after crews performed necessary repairs.

“We are extremely proud of the tireless efforts of our response crews, support staff and leadership who worked together to make this unprecedented action possible,” said Allen Berreth, PacifiCorp’s vice president of transmission and distribution operations. “Balancing safety and reliability during times of extreme wildfire activity is a challenge, but with the support of the communities we serve, we’re showing it’s possible.” 

Presented to EEI member companies twice a year, the Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process. The awards were presented during EEI’s Board of Directors and CEO meeting held in conjunction with EEI’s annual meeting and thought leadership forum.

“America’s electric companies work around the clock to restore power following severe storms and other extreme weather events,” said Dan Brouillette, EEI president and CEO. “PacifiCorp’s commitment to restoring power in a safe, efficient manner to the communities it serves following the Smith River Complex fires is admirable. PacifiCorp and its response team are extremely deserving of this well-earned recovery award.”

As the threat of wildfire continues to grow in the American West, PacifiCorp supports efforts by states it serves to find holistic solutions that protect communities.

About EEI:

EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for nearly 250 million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The electric power industry supports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the United States. In addition to our U.S. members, EEI has more than 70 international electric companies, with operations in more than 90 countries, as International Members, and hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members.

About PacifiCorp 

PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electrical providers in the United States, serving more than 2 million customers. The company operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming and as Pacific Power in California, Oregon and Washington. PacifiCorp provides safe and reliable service through a vast, integrated system of generation and transmission that connects communities with the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit www.pacificorp.com. 

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June 27, 2024

Media contact: Larry Bingham, 971-239-6499,

ry.Bingham@oha.oregon.gov">Larry.Bingham@oha.oregon.gov

OHA study confirms gap in behavioral health treatment beds across Oregon, details financial path to expanding capacity

SALEM, Ore.– Oregon needs up to 3,700 adult mental health and substance use treatment beds to close existing gaps and meet future service projections, according to a final Oregon Health Authority (OHA) study of the state’s behavioral health continuum of care.

The findings are part of an assessment that Governor Tina Kotek directed OHA to commission last year. The report was produced by Public Consulting Group (PCG), a public sector solutions implementation and operations improvement firm that has produced similar studies in Washington and other states.

The findings inform an ongoing funding and implementation effort that state leaders are committed to pursue, which could take several biennia to complete.

According to the final Behavioral Health Residential + Facility Study report, closing the gap could require investments of as much as $170 million per year over the next five years and the creation of approximately 650 new beds per year.

The final report includes a new five-year funding recommendation that recognizes the importance of:

• Increasing the behavioral health workforce to support expanded capacity.
• Improving access to mental health and substance use disorder support services to help individuals stay within their communities.
• Expanding supportive and transitional housing opportunities.

State health officials will continue to work with Governor Kotek and the Legislature to apply the study’s findings and guide investments toward closing the gap in treatment services.

“We don’t get to choose between adding beds, and adding workforce. We must do both in order to make real change in our behavioral health system. It’s important to note that capacity in Oregon’s behavioral health system is dynamic, and the data in the report represent a point-in-time snapshot of one part of a broader continuum of care,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke.

“This report provides us with critical data to inform how we prioritize the creation of more treatment beds and it also underscores the broader understanding that we need to continue to invest in solutions that reduce the number of beds needed,” Clarke said. “We do this through investing in protective factors and earlier intervention - additional community-based programming, crisis and outpatient programs, in addition to other supportive services - to prevent people who are experiencing mental illness or substance use from progressing to a level of severity in their illnesses that would require treatment in a more acute setting.”

The final report follows the draft preliminary report released in February.

At the direction of OHA, the final report reflects updated data for the facilities within scope for this study. Although there is no perfect methodology for determining the appropriate number of high-acuity beds in a behavioral health system, PCG used state and national data sets, findings from peer-reviewed literature and surveys of treatment facilities to estimate mental health and SUD treatment bed capacity and needs within the continuum of care. PCG worked at the direction of OHA to include Oregon-specific data.

Even as the report was finalized, state officials were moving quickly to supplement capacity and have already identified several short-horizon “priority” projects, which are likely to bring community beds online within the next year or two and to address what are considered critical service gaps. OHA is working to publish a dashboard later this summer that will track and highlight progress toward new beds coming online.

Over the past four years, the Oregon Legislature has invested more than $1.5 billion to expand behavioral health treatment capacity, raise provider payment rates and stabilize the treatment workforce. Oregon’s current capacity shortfall would be even greater without these investments.

According to the report, recent legislative investments from HB 5202 (2022) and HB 5024 (2021) have supported the creation of 356 new licensed mental health residential beds (exclusive of adult foster homes), SUD residential, and withdrawal management beds, which are under construction and scheduled to open by the third quarter of 2025.

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The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office conducted a high-visibility patrol mission in the Columbia River Gorge on Saturday, June 22, that resulted in 18 traffic stops, three citations, 15 warnings and one felony arrest.

Patrol deputies worked the areas of I-84, the Historic Columbia River Highway, Larch Mountain and Crown Point. They focused on enforcing traffic laws with an emphasis on speed reduction and street racing. 

In recent years, dangerous driving activity along the Historic Columbia River Highway has been the cause of several crashes, including one on June 12, 2024, when deputies responded to a car that had crashed and came to rest 150-feet down a ravine. Excessive speed is believed to be a contributing factor in that crash, which resulted in one person being seriously injured.

During Saturday’s mission, a felony arrest was made after a motorcyclist eluded deputies. A sergeant observed a motorcycle with no license plates. Before the sergeant could attempt to stop the motorcycle, the motorcyclist saw the sergeant and sped off. Another deputy turned on their emergency lights, but the motorcyclist continued. MCSO did not pursue the eluding motorcycle. A short time later, deputies discovered the motorcyclist had crashed on Larch Mountain Road and ran into a wooded area. After about 20 minutes, he came out of the woods and surrendered. He was treated on-scene for injuries sustained from the crash and was charged with felony and misdemeanor elude.

Additionally, deputies wrote three citations during the enforcement mission. In one case, a driver was issued a ticket for excessive speeding. They were traveling 63 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone in Corbett.

The Sheriff’s Office has also received reports that people congregate near the Vista House at Crown Point after the park closes at 9 p.m. Crown Point has become a popular location for illegal street takeovers and racing. During the mission, deputies visited Crown Point and advised all visitors that the parking area was closed, and they needed to leave.

Future enforcement missions are planned throughout the summer to prevent dangerous driving behaviors in the Columbia River Gorge and rural neighborhoods in east Multnomah County. 

Tillamook County, Ore. 27 June 24- Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section leading investigation of officer involved shooting in Tillamook County. 

On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 6:37pm, Tillamook Police Officers, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Oregon State Troopers attempted to stop a white Toyota Tacoma in the parking lot of Fred Meyer near Highway 101 and Makinster Rd.  Officers had probable cause to arrest the suspect for previously eluding law enforcement over the last few days.  During the traffic stop, the suspect fired a pistol striking multiple law enforcement vehicles.  An exchange of gunfire ensued between the suspect and officers from the Tillamook Police Department and deputies from Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office.  The suspect fled the scene and was pursued by TPD, TCSO and OSP.  The pursuit traveled Southbound on Highway 101 for approximately five miles before the suspect’s vehicle was partially disabled by deployed spike strips.

The suspect, now known as Joey De La Rosa Rodriguez (37) of Damascus, received non-life-threatening injuries during the exchange of gunfire.  The suspect was treated at a local medical facility before being lodged at the Tillamook County Jail for felony warrants issued by Clackamas and Yamhill Counties and Attempt to Elude. 

No law enforcement members were injured during this incident. 

Pursuant to the Tillamook County Deadly Physical Force Plan (SB 111 2007), the Oregon State Police is investigating the officer-involved shooting, and any criminal charges concerning the suspect during the incident.

Involved law enforcement members have been placed on paid administrative leave by their respective agencies.  Any further information will be released by the Tillamook County District Attorney’s Office or the Oregon State Police.

# # #

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

YACHATS, OR, July 4th – The Yachats Lions Club will host their “KTP Day” 4^th of July Pancake Breakfast on July 4^th from 7:30am – 11:00am at Yachats Lions Hall at 344 4^th Street, Yachats OR 97498. There's a $10 suggested donation to welcome folks for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast (pancakes, sausages, ham, eggs, milk, OJ & coffee)!

This “Keep the Promise Day” event is part of a series of KTP Day events throughout Oregon. The goal is to celebrate the Lions’ connection to Helen Keller and their promise to address preventable blindness and hearing loss, in partnership with their Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF).

All proceeds from Yachats Lions Club's annual fundraisers and their Yachats Lions Thrift Store makes giving back to their local community possible. They support Lions community service projects, which include scholarships to graduating seniors, food pantries, school programs, Yachats Youth & Family Services, South Lincoln Resources, Yachats Fire Department, and eyeglasses & exams for children & adults. With the motto “WE SERVE,” Yachats Lions Club is celebrating 74 years of service to Yachats and South Lincoln County.

Last year at the pancake breakfast, the Lions served over 400 people and raised about $2,000 which helped fund scholarships for Waldport High School students ($5,000 given in total for this year).

Together, the Lions Clubs of Oregon, the statewide nonprofit OLSHF, and partners offer access to people for critical sight-saving surgeries and treatments, secure new eyeglasses, help people who can’t afford eyeglasses and hearing aids, and manage the largest vision screening program in the US. 

To learn more about the Yachats Lions Club and their work in the local community, you can visit yachatslionsclub.org and check out the event page at 

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Clackamas County, OR - June 27, 2024

The Boards of North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District (NCPRD) and North Clackamas School District (NCPRD) have unanimously approved a property transfer agreement for the Center located at 6031 SE King Road. This decision, made during a joint Board meeting on Thursday, June 26, marks a significant step in ensuring continued services for vulnerable children and families in our community.

Key points of the agreement include:

1. NCSD will acquire the property from NCPRD for $2.375 million in cash.

2. The building and property will be transferred in "as is" condition.

3. NCSD will provide $1 million in credit for NCPRD's use of fields and facilities for community programs. This credit will be applied at current discounted Class A rates for youth programming for up to seven years or until it is exhausted.

4. The County has committed $1 million to NCSD for capital improvements to the building.

5. An intergovernmental agreement will be developed to outline the conditions and procedures for facility use.

6. The sales agreement is expected to be finalized by September 30, 2024.

This collaboration between NCSD and NCPRD demonstrates our shared commitment to supporting our community.  The transfer of ownership will allow for the continued operation of essential services at the Wichita center and critical funding support for NCPRD to continue recreation programs for North Clackamas youth at NCSD fields and facilities.

Media contact:

North Clackamas School District - 

Cindy Detchon detchonc@nclack.k12.or.us

North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District -

The Lincoln City Police Department plans to conduct a Pedestrian Safety Operation on Tuesday, July 9^th, 2024, on Hwy 101 in the area between N 10^th Street and N 14th Street.

The primary focus of this operation is to raise awareness of pedestrian safety in drivers. The use of a decoy pedestrian will allow the Lincoln City Police Department to educate and enforce pedestrian right-of-way laws. The operation will be conducted between the hours of 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Warning signs will be posted prior to entering the pedestrian safety operation zone. 

LCPD last conducted a pedestrian safety operation on September 19, 2023. During that operation, nine citations and three written warnings were issued for violations of the crosswalk laws (Failing to stop for pedestrian in crosswalk or Passing vehicle stopped at a crosswalk). 

Drivers need to be aware of pedestrians when approaching crosswalks while traveling through Lincoln City and ODOT has installed several safe pedestrian crossings, with lights and pedestrian refuges in the center of the roadway.  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 caused from traffic collisions.

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

Submitted By:

Sergeant Torin Liden 

Lieutenant Jeffrey Winn

WHEN TO CALL 911 AND OTHER RESOURCES

In times of stress, it is important to know who to contact in order to get the right help when you need it most. Did you know when you call 911 and it is not an emergency, you are breaking the law and tying up resources that may be needed to save a life? 911 should be used for life-safety emergencies, but there are other agencies that can help you with non-life-threating concerns. 

Who Should I Contact? 

911

Call 911 for any immediate danger to life, limb, or property. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

• House or building fire
• Medical emergencies, i.e., chest pains, trauma injuries
• Someone threatening or attacking you
• A crime is in progress
• Aggressive dog attack
• You hear gun shots in your area
• Vehicle accident
• There is an impaired or unsafe driver

Non-Emergency Dispatch

Call to make a report or for non-life-threatening concerns. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

• Unpermitted neighborhood burning of yard debris, illegal firework use, etc.
• Lost or loose animal in your neighborhood
• Noise disturbances
• Vehicle break-ins
• Minor crimes such as theft or vandalism

Non-Emergency Dispatch Numbers in Lincoln County

• Central Oregon Coast Fire and Rescue: 541-574-5810
• Depoe Bay Rural Fire Protection District: 541-574-5809
• East Lincoln County Fire Protection District: 541-336-5555
• Lincoln City Police: 541-994-3636
• Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office: 541-265-0777
• Newport City Fire Department and Newport Rural Fire Protection District: 541-574-5808
• Newport City Police Department: 541-574-5807
• North Lincoln Fire and Rescue District 1: 541-994-3636
• Oregon Department of Forestry (Toledo District): 541-265-4231
• Oregon Department of Forestry: 541-929-9154
• Oregon Department of Transportation (Lincoln Co Highways): 503-362-0457
• Oregon State Police Dispatch: 503-375-3555
• Pacific West Ambulance: 541-574-5814
• Seal Rock Rural Fire Protection District: 541-574-5811
• Siletz Valley Rural Fire Protection District: 541-574-5812
• Toledo City Police and Fire: 541-336-5555

Yachats Rural Fire Protection District and South Lincoln Ambulance: 541-574-5813

Local Emergency Alerts

Check Lincoln Alerts and other sources for updated information on local emergency events and disasters.

• Sign up to receive alerts straight to your email or through call/text: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/login
• View sent messages here: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/notif
• Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/lcemergencymanagement
• Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office website: www.co.lincoln.or.us/215/Sheriffs-Office
• The Call Center may be active during an emergency: 541-265-0621

Other Agencies and Resources

Refer directly to the agency to make a report, verify information, or request resources, such as:

• Non-emergency ambulance transfers
• Copies of police/fire reports
• Power outages
• Driving directions or road closures (tripcheck.com)
• Local burn bans

When calling 911: 

• Speak clearly and be as calm as possible.
• State what emergency services are needed and why (fire, police, ambulance).
• State the exact physical address of where the emergency is happening.
• If you do not know the exact address, look for landmarks such as mile markers, addresses on mailboxes, street or highway signs, nearby parks, businesses, etc.
• If calling from a cell phone while driving, pull to the side of the road and park before calling.

If you can’t speak or hear when calling 911:

• Leave the phone off the hook after your call, do not hang up.
• Make noise so that the call taker knows you have an emergency.
• If calling from a landline (a hard-wired phone) your address should appear on the call taker’s screen. If calling from a cell phone, the call taker may get latitude/longitude close to your location.
• Text 911 and give clear identifiers to where you are located and what the emergency is.

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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PORTLAND, Ore. – Two big milestones are happening in Portland Community College’s literary scene. PCC is launching the 50th issue of Alchemy literary magazine and the 40th issue of Pointed Circle. The longevity and quality of these student-produced magazines reflect the dedication of staff and the student talent. 
 

PCC serves as a launchpad for aspiring creatives, with three active literary magazines featuring fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and visual art. These magazines are edited, designed, and produced by student editors across the Sylvania, Rock Creek, and Cascade campuses. In 2023, then Alchemy editor Hannah Rae Whittle was awarded a full-ride scholarship to Smith College.
 

“Serving on these editorial teams has a tremendous impact on our creative writing students, giving them real-world editorial experience that not only serves as actual resume material for writers but also launches a few of them into ongoing editorial work,” said Justin Rigamonti, Pointed Circle advisor and Carolyn Moore Writing Residency Program coordinator. “In fact, all of the PCC alum residents at the writers house have been former editors of one of PCC's lit magazines, and that isn't a fluke—these courses are a doorway into the national writing community, showing our students what publication is all about, giving them hands-on experience with how the literary industry works.” 
 

Alchemy is a 110-plus-page magazine showcasing prose, poetry, and visual art by PCC students and contributors from around the globe. Each year, a Graphic Design Program student designs the cover. The magazine has earned accolades, including a gold medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for its 2015 issue and a silver medal in 2007.

Alums featured in the magazine include U.S. Poet Laureate William Stafford, Gloria Bird (founding member of the Northwest Native Writers Association), Kesha Ajose-Fisher, the 2020 Oregon Book Award for Fiction winner (“No God Like the Mother”). The 50th issue features work from 27 students, 12 alumni, three faculty/staff members and two Carolyn Moore Writers House residents.

Since its inception in 1984, the Pointed Circle has been curated by Cascade Campus students. Staff say it is an innovative, diverse and prestigious anthology for an international readership. The magazine encourages writers and artists of all genres to submit their work, and it is produced by students registered in related coursework. 

The magazine’s 40th issue includes contributions by PCC students, faculty and alumni, and includes selections from the first three years of the Carolyn Moore Writer’s House, including work by award-winning writers Ismet Prcic (winner of the 2013 Oregon Book Award for Fiction), Jae Nichelle (viral poetry star and author of the 2023 collection “Gods Themselves”), and Jose Hernandez Diaz (winner of the 2023 Benjamin Saltman Award).

Then there is PCC’s cornerstone literary center — Carolyn Moore Writers House in Tigard.

Access to top talent is an effective way to inspire the next wave of literary talent. The house attracts respected literary artists from around the country to spend time creating and discussing their craft with students. Resident Poet Jae Nichelle and author Mariah Rigg hosted a cross-genre morning workshop amidst the aroma of coffee and donuts on a recent spring morning. They were discussing writing and doing generative practice with PCC creative writing student Gigi Giangiobbe and a group that joined them.

“The Carolyn Moore Writers House workshop was great,” Giangiobbe said. “We chatted and got to know each other a bit, then discussed a writing prompt and went off in our own corners or patches of grass and wrote. We reconvened and some of us read our piece to the group…It was inspiring. I will definitely be on the lookout for other writing workshops in the future.”

Learn more about other PCC student literary periodicals at https://www.pcc.edu/literary-magazines/

Alchemy and the Pointed Circle anniversary edition are available at the PCC Bookstore for $5. Visit: https://www.pcc.edu/bookstore/

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

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

Vancouver, Wash. – Each year, the Clark County Auditor’s Office publishes a voters’ pamphlet which is mailed to all households in Clark County. It includes candidate statements and photographs and local ballot measures with supporting and opposing statements written by citizen committees. 

A legislative body placing a measure on the ballot shall appoint a committee to write a supporting statement and another committee to write an opposing statement.

At its June 25, 2024, public hearing, the Clark County Council voted to place three charter amendment proposals on the Nov. 5, 2024, general election ballot. Each proposal would have one statement for committee and one statement against committee.

The first proposed amendment would change the sheriff’s salary to be 8% higher than the highest step of the undersheriff salary range.

The second proposed amendment would clarify the redistricting committee and redistricting plan, including, but not limited to, increasing the number of committee members, clarify the process of committee selection, identifying a qualified person for the redistricting master, and provide clarity to the process for the redistricting plan. Redistricting is the process of redrawing county district boundaries following the release of the U.S. Census.

The third proposed amendment clarifies the process for an initiative, including, but not limited to, identifying the six subjects that may not be proposed, identifying initiatives that may require additional expenditures and revenue sources, and overall review.

To see the ordinances relating to the proposals, visit https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings and follow the links to the June 25, hearing.

Clark County citizens who wish to be appointed to any of the statement for or statement against committees are asked to contact Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, at Michelle.Pfenning@clark.wa.gov or by phone at (564) 397-2232. 

The deadline to contact the County Manager’s Office to volunteer is 5 pm Friday, July 5, 2024.

The voter-approved 2008 bond is scheduled to retire in 2026

Salem, Ore., June 26, 2024— The Chemeketa Community College Board of Education unanimously voted to approve Resolution No. 23-24-13, calling for a General Obligation Bond Measure to be included in the November election. Voters will decide whether to approve this bond measure which will provide funding for the following key initiatives:

• Expanding career and technical education: Increase capacity in healthcare, the trades, and emergency services.
• Brooks Center reconfiguration: Expand programming for healthcare and emergency services.
• Building 33 renovation: Create a new trades center for apprenticeship programs (plumbing, HVAC, sheet metal) on the Salem Campus.
• Building 7 renovation: Modernize the 1981 structure for health and wellness programming, complementing its current physical education use and reconfiguring it with federal matching funds to serve the community as a disaster resource site.
• Classroom modernization: Keep pace with technological and academic best practices.
• Parking lot improvements: Enhance safety across Chemeketa's campuses/centers.
• Woodburn Center: Introduce a new science lab which would allow students to complete associate degrees locally. (The Center does not currently have a science lab.)
• Student engagement: Create spaces to support student services, focusing on Salem Campus’s Building 2 and athletic fields.

If passed, the new Bond rate will remain the same as the expiring 2008 Bond rate, which is $0.27 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For a home valued at $280,000, the property owner would continue to pay $75.60 per year, or 20 cents per day. If passed, the 2024 bond will generate $140 million in revenue designated for campus/center improvements.

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For more than 50 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 30,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

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

Date: Wed, July 10, 2024

Time: 7 pm

Location: Kiggins Theatre Vancouver, Wa

Tickets: $15-$45

Event Website: https://www.scienceontaporwa.org/events/kiggins_july_10_pest-control/

What if we could control for pests with vibrations instead of chemicals?

Pesticides, as we all know, can wreak environmental havoc. Yet, the treehopper insect is the fear of vineyard operators in the PNW, as it spreads devastating red blotch disease. And brown marmorated stink bugs are the bane of hazelnut crops. What alternatives are out there for farmers?

What if we used the knowledge that bugs talk to each other via vibrations, especially during mating time? Researchers have developed a device called the “Pied Piper”, which can be taught bug “languages” and then used to mimic them. It then “communicates” with insects by luring them out into the open, and confusing them into missing their mating window. A nonlethal, targeted, organic option that eliminates pesticide runoff into the environment and can be reused.

At this Science on Tap, learn about how this approach could be applied to other pests (researchers are expanding the Pied Piper’s repertoire to other bugs, like brown marmorated stink bugs) and what work has been done so far.

Vaughn Walton serves as a leader in OSU’s Horticultural Pest Management team in diverse integrated pest management programmatic areas.  His work includes research in integrated pest management (IPM) for small fruit and on tree crops. Walton employs both ecologically and mechanistic information to manage these pests from a whole-system perspective.

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

Longview, WA – Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responded to a brush fire in the 500 block of Oak Point Rd just before 6:30 Wednesday evening.  Reports of a burning slash pile (logging debris) that ignited surrounding grass and brush; the fire moved slowly uphill from the pile.  The initial size of the fire was estimated to be 1/3-1/2 acre in size.  Crews had the fire under control at 7:20pm.  The DNR remained on scene for several hours lining and monitoring the fire.  Three brush engines, two water tenders, a Chief officer, and two brush engines and one supervisor from DNR responded to the fire.  Cowlitz County Sheriff Deputies also responded for traffic control.  No injuries were reported. 

Please be advised that the Bulletin does not include all calls for service to which officers respond. Many calls do not require that a report be written; such as:

•Traffic Stops

•Advising/Referring a Person to the Proper Agency to handle their request

•Restoring the Peace

•Premise Checks

•Welfare Checks

•Flagged Down by Citizen

Please be advised that the Bulletin does not include all calls for service to which officers respond. Many calls do not require that a report be written; such as:

•Traffic Stops

•Advising/Referring a Person to the Proper Agency to handle their request

•Restoring the Peace

•Premise Checks

•Welfare Checks

•Flagged Down by Citizen

June 26, 2024

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

Health Licensing Office accepting applications for sign language interpreters seeking licensure

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Health Licensing Office (HLO) at Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is accepting applications for individuals seeking a permanent board license to perform sign language interpreting services.

The call for applications follows the Board of Sign Language Interpreters’ adoption of permanent administrative rules setting minimum licensing requirements, which became effective June 8, 2024:

1. Permanent Rule Filing
2. Permanent Rule Filing – OAR 816-025-0010 ONLY

Those applying for a permanent license should complete the appropriate application and follow the directions on how HLO will accept applications, identification, supporting documentation and fees. Applications can be found through the HLO website, or by clicking here.

Qualification requirements for a permanent license may be different from the qualification requirements for a temporary license. Holding a temporary license does not guarantee an individual will be granted a permanent license.

The HLO is extending the limited waiver on enforcement through Dec. 31, 2024. This means HLO is exercising its discretion to not take disciplinary action against individuals who are required to be licensed and choose to work under the limited waiver on enforcement (i.e., not obtain a permanent license). The limited waiver of enforcement is narrow – the waiver only applies to the singular issue of providing sign language interpretation services in Oregon without a license.

The HLO may impose discipline for any other violation of the HLO or Board rules or statutes. The limited waiver of enforcement ends Dec. 31, 2024. On Jan. 1, 2025, any individual not covered by an exception and providing sign language interpreting (SLI) services must have a permanent license to avoid enforcement action by the HLO.

Questions about licensing and qualification can be directed to Michael Brennan, rennan@oha.oregon.gov">michael.a.brennan@oha.oregon.gov or 503-373-1986. An article about the new rules for sign language interpreters can be found on the HLO website.

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Members of the media are welcome to attend the prescribed burn. If a reporter would like to be at the training, you must email and text Gearhart Fire Captain Josh Como at 406-750-9343 by 10 a.m. Friday. 

You must provide Chief Como with your name, media affiliation and size needed for protective gear. You must wear comfortable boots and the required PPE.

Aircraft/Drones are not allowed. Photos of the “Shoot House” are not allowed.  

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Who: Oregon Military Department is conducting a prescribed burn in partnership with Northwest Oregon Wildfire School (NOWS). More than 100 volunteer firefighters will participate in the prescribed burn.

Where: Camp Rilea, 33168 Patriot Way, Warrenton, Oregon 

When: Noon Sat., June 29 and Noon Sunday, June 30

Why: NOWS 2024 prescribed burn will reduce fuels and vegetation on a wildfire prone area. This area is near a machine gun firing range and during exercises wildfires may occur. This prescribed fire will reduce the opportunity of future uncontrolled fire. Volunteer firefighters will gain experience fighting wildland fires in this exercise. 

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DALLAS (OR) – Travis Michael Boatright, 38, was sentenced today to serve consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of Rape in the First Degree involving three separate child victims by a Polk County jury on June 18, 2024. 

Boatright, of Dallas, was sentenced by Polk County Circuit Judge Monte S. Campbell according to Oregon’s presumptive life sentence for persons convicted of two or more major sex crimes and Oregon’s Measure 11 minimum mandatory sentencing law and determinate sentencing laws. 

After deliberating for less than an hour, the jury unanimously found Boatright guilty of three counts of Rape in the Frist Degree; two counts of Sodomy in the First Degree, five counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, five counts of Rape in the Second Degree, and one count each of Using a Child in a Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct, Luring a Minor, and Solicitation for Hindering Prosecution. He will not be eligible for any form of early release or sentence reduction. 

The case was investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police. It was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Erin Brady of the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Tuesday, July 2, at 2 p.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Finalize letter portion of Eastern Oregon Steep Slopes questions package (Substantial decision item)

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing ogram@odf.oregon.gov">adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.

Vancouver, Wash. - As part of Vancouver's search for its next City Manager, the City is hosting two Community Q&A sessions with the finalists for the position.

“Providing an opportunity for the community to meet the finalists for our next city manager is an important part of the overall hiring process,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “The questions and priorities raised by the community will help the Council make this critical hire.” 

During these moderated discussions, candidates will share their thoughts about the future of Vancouver, be asked about community priorities identified in a recent city manager survey, and answer questions submitted by community members. Questions can be submitted now at beheardvancouver.org/cmrecruitment. Written questions will also be collected from audiences the day of the respective event.

The names of the finalists will be released the week of the events.

Community Q&A schedule 

Thursday, July 18 

Doors: 6:00 p.m. 
Event: 6:30-8:00 p.m.  

Firstenburg Community Center 
700 NE 136th Ave. 

Please RSVP to the event to help us plan 

Friday, July 19 

8:30-10:00 a.m. (doors 8 a.m.) 

Co-sponsored with Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber 

Hilton Vancouver Washington 

310 W. 6^th Street 

Pine/Spruce Room 

Spanish interpretation will be available, please contact us for other interpretation needs.  

Please RSVP to the event to help us plan 

The City has contracted with Bob Murray and Associates to help manage the national recruitment and hiring process, with the goal of an appointment in August. Find the latest information about the recruitment process, including the job description, at CityofVancouver.us/CityManagerRecruitment.   

The City is seeking a new city manager due to the recent retirement announcement from City Manager Eric Holmes. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    

DATE: June 26, 2024

Arrest made in convenience store armed robbery

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit detectives arrested two individuals yesterday afternoon for their involvement in the robbery of a local convenience store.

On June 24, patrol officers responded to the US Market in the 2900 block of 12^th ST SE at approximately 10:00 p.m. on the call of an armed robbery. Employees reported they were robbed at gunpoint by two young men who demanded cash and merchandise. The duo then fled the scene in a car.

Using surveillance video of the incident, officers identified the involved vehicle and suspects. On Tuesday afternoon, June 25, the Salem Police SWAT team served a search warrant at an apartment in the 1200 block of Peace ST SE. Barry Johnson, age 23, and a 16-year-old male juvenile were taken into custody.

A search by officers and detectives resulted in the seizure of two semi-automatic rifles, ammunition, and some of the merchandise stolen in the robbery. Detectives also determined the car used to commit the crime was a stolen vehicle. 

Johnson was booked into the Marion County Jail on the following charges:

• Robbery, first-degree
• Unlawful use of a motor vehicle

The 16-year-old suspect was lodged at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center.

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MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University officially joined the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) this month after a rigorous application process. COPLAC advances the aims of its member institutions and drives awareness of the value of high-quality, public liberal arts education in a student-centered, residential environment. Western is the only public university in Oregon to hold membership currently. 

Established in 1987 and now consisting of 30+ colleges and universities in 28 states and 1 Canadian province, COPLAC represents a distinguished sector in higher education. Some campuses have received designation from state legislatures or public university systems as the state’s public liberal arts college or the public honors college for the liberal arts. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Western Oregon University to COPLAC. It was clear from our site visit interactions with members of the WOU campus community, the materials submitted as part of the application process, as well as your leaders' engagement with members of the consortium, that WOU's institutional values and commitment to a 21st-century liberal arts education perfectly align with COPLAC's,” said COPLAC President Tuajuanda C. Jordan. “We look forward to working in partnership with WOU to enhance the accessible liberal arts educational experience consortial members provide to students across the U.S."

Executive Director of COPLAC Cole Woodcox agrees with Jordan’s assessment of Western’s commitment to its role as a welcoming, supportive undergraduate-serving institution. Woodcox shares, “We believe WOU will contribute substantially to the COPLAC community and particularly strengthen the network of public liberal arts institutions in the Western region. We look forward to working with WOU–together we can be better universities with one another.”

"Becoming a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges underscores our commitment to academic excellence and innovation,” said Western Oregon University President Jesse Peters. “This affiliation offers opportunities for collaboration, access to shared resources, and the exchange of best practices. It enhances our ability to prepare students for successful careers and engaged citizenship, reaffirming our dedication to excellence in liberal arts education."

Prospective membership criteria include university commitment to the mission and values of COPLAC and to collaborative work that supports the public sector of higher education, representing access, affordability, and community engagement while providing students with a holistic and integrative liberal arts and sciences undergraduate experience that prepares students for lifelong learning and civic engagement in a democratic society. See the complete list of criteria.

About COPLAC

COPLAC serves both external and internal constituencies. It communicates to state and federal policymakers the vital importance and benefits of providing students with comprehensive public higher education in the liberal arts and sciences. It collaborates with major national higher education organizations like the Association of American Colleges and Universities to advance the aims of liberal learning in a global society. The COPLAC office is located on the campus of the University of North Carolina Asheville. The staff works actively with member institutions to improve the quality of liberal arts and sciences education on member campuses.

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where You Belong.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Celebrate Pride Month by donating lifesaving blood with the Red Cross 

Join us for our first annual June Pride Drive in Portland on June 28! 

(PORTLAND, OR) June 26, 2024—The American Red Cross Cascades Region is proud to host our first annual June Pride Drive at the Portland Red Cross Chapter office. Our theme is “Everyone Is Welcome.”  Sign up to make an appointment HERE and join us at the event at 3131 N Vancouver Avenue on June 28^th from 8am to 7pm.  

Background: 

On Monday, August 7, the American Red Cross became one of the first blood banks in the country to implement the FDA’s new blood donor eligibility guidance which eliminates blood donation policies based on sexual orientation. This allows the Red Cross to begin welcoming more gay and bisexual men as blood donors. The Red Cross celebrates this historic move as significant progress that will result in a blood donation process that is more inclusive than ever before and keeps the blood supply safe.

• Story opportunity:

Jeff Lonergan is a Red Cross employee and a new blood donor thanks to the FDA changes.  He’ll be at the event and will share what this change means to him personally. 

You can find more details about this change on our website here: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2023/new-inclusive-screening-process-expands-blood-donor-eligibility.html

Key points of interest:

• Now welcoming new donors: The American Red Cross is now welcoming more donors to its lifesaving blood mission through the use of the FDA’s new blood donation eligibility criteria.
• Historic change: All donors will now answer the same eligibility questions regardless of gender or sexual orientation and will be assessed for blood donation based on individual risk factors, not on sexual orientation. 
• Backed by science: Years of data have demonstrated that this new eligibility screening process ensures a safe blood supply patients can feel confident in. 

Blood statistics:

Every 2 seconds someone in this country needs blood. Every 15 seconds someone needs platelets. Please help us keep blood on hospital shelves and make a blood or platelet donation a priority. Book a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.  

Those who come to give on June 28, 2024, will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, a Pride lapel pin, refreshments, and one lucky winner will win a $50 Gift Card to The Sports Bra!  See RedCrossBlood.org/DoGood for details. 

Blood donation B-Roll Red Cross NHQ. 

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on social media at @RedCrossCascades. 

PORTLAND, OREGON - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s assistance with obtaining identifying information regarding an unknown male who may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation. Photographs and an informational poster depicting the unknown individual, known only as John Doe 48, are being disseminated to the public and can be found online at the FBI website at http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/ecap.

Initial video of the unidentified male, John Doe 48, first recorded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in December of 2023. The EXIF data embedded within the video file indicated that the file was produced in October of 2023.

John Doe 48 is described as a White male between the ages of 45 and 65 years old, with dark hair, and a gray beard. He has a tattoo on each of his forearms. He is seen in the back of a 2018-2019 Nissan NV Cargo Van wearing a blue t-shirt and a dark-colored hat. He is heard speaking English in the video.

Anyone with information to provide should submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov/ or call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The public is reminded no charges have been filed in this case and the pictured individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This individual is being sought as part of the FBI’s Operation Rescue Me and Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) initiatives. Operation Rescue Me focuses on utilizing clues obtained through in-depth image analysis to identify the child victims depicted in child exploitation material, while ECAP seeks national and international media exposure of unknown adults (referred to as John/Jane Does) who visibly display their faces and/or other distinguishing characteristics in association with child pornography images.

UNKNOWN INDIVIDUAL - JOHN DOE 48 — FBI

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Portland, Ore., June 26, 2024 – The spirit of community and environmental stewardship shone brightly this past weekend as hundreds of Portland residents participated in SOLVE’s 8th annual Pick It Up, Portland! event series presented by Pacific Power. Over two days, 400 volunteers removed almost 5,000 pounds of trash from Portland’s streets, making a tangible impact on the city's cleanliness and beauty.

Event Overview:

Kickstarting summer in the Rose City, Pick It Up, Portland! mobilized the community for a significant cleanup mission. On Friday, June 21st, cleanups at four key locations (Eastbank Esplanade, Downtown Portland, Sellwood Riverfront Park, and Holladay Park) set the stage for a city-wide cleanup on Saturday, June 22^nd.

“We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers who came out for Pick It Up, Portland! Their dedication and hard work have made a substantial difference to our city’s appearance and health. Events like these highlight the power of community action and the positive impact we can achieve when we come together with a common purpose. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event.” – Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE.

Event Highlights and Volunteer Impact:

Total Impact: This year, 400 volunteers collected 4,855 pounds of trash. This collective effort significantly enhanced the cleanliness and appeal of neighborhoods across Portland and underscored the community's dedication to maintaining a healthy and inviting city.

Friday, June 21: Cleanups at key locations, including Eastbank Esplanade, Downtown Portland, Sellwood Riverfront Park, and Holladay Park.

Saturday, June 22: Community-driven efforts saw volunteers tackle litter and beautify neighborhoods across the city, spanning from NW Portland to SE Foster, from NE Marx Drive and 82nd Avenue to West Linn, and the Springwater Corridor.

Why It Matters:

Litter poses a significant threat to the well-being of our streets, neighborhoods, and waterways. Through Pick It Up, Portland!, SOLVE aims to mitigate these impacts by creating opportunities for residents, businesses, and volunteers to actively contribute to their community's welfare. The result is a cleaner, more beautiful Portland that reflects the pride and care of its residents.

Sponsors:

Pick It Up, Portland! 2024 was sponsored by Pacific Power with additional support from AAA Oregon/Idaho, Burgerville, the City of Portland, Here Is Oregon, Klarquist, KOIN, Lithia, Metro, Plaid Pantry, TriMet, and Urban Renaissance Group. 

About SOLVE 

SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

BEND, OR — Mark your calendars! On Saturday, July 20, the High Desert Museum will unveil its annual Art in the West exhibition and silent auction featuring a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary artworks. This year’s exhibition boasts 113 pieces crafted by acclaimed painters, sculptors, photographers and more, hailing from all corners of the country.

Each work is inspired by the High Desert—a sprawling region stretching from the eastern slopes of the Cascades and Sierras to the Wyoming Basin and Colorado Plateau. This juried fine art exhibition serves as a canvas for artists—who must be invited to submit their work—to channel their interpretations of the region’s landscapes, history, cultures and wildlife. From oil paintings to acrylic masterpieces, pastel sketches to charcoal wonders, the mediums are as diverse as the artist’s inspirations. 

“The exhibition’s expanding array of artwork, spanning diverse subjects and mediums, continues to captivate visitors,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “These interpretations of the West unveil fresh perspectives, enriching our understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary region.”

This year’s Art in the West Jury’s Choice Award winner is Monte Yellow Bird Sr., also known as Black Pinto Horse. Yellow Bird is an Arikara/Hidtsa from the Three Affiliated Tribes and grew up in White Shield, North Dakota. The award-winning, internationally recognized artist says that he uses his heritage as creative inspiration, incorporating his tradition and spirituality through contemporary forms of visual art expression and education.

His winning 23.5” x 13” acrylic painting Buffalo Hunt Under the Three Stars is one of two Yellow Bird works featured in this year’s Art in the West exhibition.

The 2024 Art in the West Curator’s Choice Award goes to acclaimed artist and past winner Analee Fuentes for her 53” x 17” hand-cut paper collage on canvas, The Gift. She won the Art in the West Curator’s Choice Award for the first time in 2019 for her piece Hosmer Brook Trout. Fuentes attributes her appreciation of Oregon's natural beauty to her Mexican-American heritage, which allows her to see landscapes through a lens of bright colors and rich patterning.

Museum visitors can also look forward to enjoying artworks by the 2023 Curator’s Choice winner and Bend local, Taylor Manoles. Her 2024 featured oil paintings, Onward and John Day River, depict spectacular scenes of the High Desert. Another Art in the West featured artist, Ben Stallman, creates his meticulously detailed works by burning wood. Notably, Stallman has created wood-burned guitars for musical icons Chris Stapelton, Morgan Wallen, Tyler Childers and the Jonas Brothers. Other featured artists include renowned painter Richard York, celebrated photographer Richard Bergeman and Bend watercolorist Stuart Breidenstein. 

The entire 2024 collection will be on exhibit at the High Desert Museum and available for viewing through the Museum’s online auction page at highdesertmuseum.org/aiw. A gallery guide will go live beginning July 13, and online bidding will start on July 20 at 9:00 am, with the opportunity to purchase artwork outright. The auction is exclusively online, and shipping is available. 

The bidding concludes and the exhibition closes on Friday, September 20 at the Art in the West Closing Party at the Museum. Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with participating artists, watch live demonstrations and enjoy food and libations. The event begins at 6:00 pm and the auction closes at 7:00 pm. Register today at highdesertmuseum.org/aiw-closing-party. 

Art in the West is made possible by Western Art Collector and American Art Collector magazines with support from Tetherow and Central Oregon Radiology Associates. 

ABOUT THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM: 

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

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The Marine Board, Sheriff’s Offices across the state and the Oregon State Police will be participating in Operation Dry Water, July 4-6, as part of a nationally coordinated effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence of intoxicants (BUII).   

Boating under the influence of intoxicants means prescription drugs, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, or any other substance that impairs a person’s ability to make sound judgments and safely operate a boat. The effects of drugs and alcohol are amplified on the water, due to the combined impacts of environmental stressors like sun glare, wind, wave motion and other factors. Alcohol also dehydrates the body making sudden immersion into cold water at an even greater risk for drowning. 

Impaired boaters face serious penalties. The consequences of a BUII conviction include possible jail time, a $6,250 fine and loss of boating privileges. Marine officers can legally obtain blood, breath or urine if a boater fails field sobriety tests. The US Coast Guard’s nationwide statistics for 2023 noted alcohol use as the leading known contributing factor in boating accidents where the primary cause was known and was listed as the leading factor in 17% of deaths.

“Recreational boating is a relatively safe activity when boating sober, wearing life jackets, and staying aware of the surroundings,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. So far this year, the common denominators for boating fatalities are operator inattention, not wearing a life jacket and operator inexperience.

If you see an impaired operator or someone who is operating in a way that threatens others’ safety, call 911 to report it. 

For more information about Operation Dry Water, visit www.operationdrywater.org.
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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County residents can help prevent fires, injuries and pollution by properly disposing of fireworks after their Fourth of July celebrations. While fireworks sales begin this week, fireworks cannot legally be discharged in unincorporated Clark County until July 4.

Improper disposal of fireworks puts waste and recycling workers at increased risk of injury from fires in their trucks and at transfer stations. And fireworks debris, if not properly cleaned up, can be washed into storm drains that lead to streams, rivers and lakes. Fireworks contain heavy metals and other chemicals that can harm fish and wildlife. To prevent waterway contamination, residents should sweep up and dispose of fireworks debris as soon as possible and avoid using fireworks near waterways. 

Failing to clean up fireworks residue is littering, a violation of Washington law and Clark County ordinance. Clark County Public Works does not provide additional street sweeping after the Fourth of July.

Tips for proper disposal of used fireworks:

• Do not place any fireworks or any part of fireworks in your recycling cart. 
• All used fireworks should be treated as garbage and disposed of as follows:
  • Put used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight. Remove them from the water and put them in a garbage bag and into your garbage cart. 
  • Dump the water onto grass, dirt or other landscape where it won’t flow into a storm drain or waterway. Do not pour onto pavement or into the street.

Tips for proper disposal of unused fireworks:

• Do not put unused fireworks in your garbage or recycling carts; they are explosives and can cause serious harm to workers and the environment.
• Do not take them to the transfer stations; workers cannot accept explosives.
• Do take unused legal fireworks to one of these designated drop-off sites between 8 am and 5 pm Monday-Friday, except holidays. Appointments may be required. Fireworks must be given directly to personnel, not left in a lobby or outside. Check in with office staff prior to bringing fireworks into the building.
  • Clark County Public Safety Complex, 505 NW 179th St., Ridgefield. 564.397.2186. By appointment only.
  • Camas-Washougal Fire Marshal’s Office, 605 NE Third Ave., Camas. 360.834.6191. By appointment only.
  • Vancouver Police Department, 360.487.7500.
    • East Precinct – 520 SE 155th Ave.
    • West Precinct – 2800 NE Stapleton Road

Do not attempt to move or transport homemade explosive devices or altered fireworks for disposal. They will not be accepted at the above locations. Call 911 and report them for removal.

If a firework fails to ignite, an adult should approach it carefully after at least 15 minutes and place it in a bucket of water. After soaking overnight, remove it from the water and treat it as an unused firework.

Residents should use fireworks only during legal discharge times, which vary across the county. It is illegal to discharge any fireworks in the city of Vancouver. For more information about fireworks regulations and tips for celebrating safely, visit the Clark County fireworks webpage. 

To report illegal fireworks use, call 360.597.7888. The call center, which is operated by Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA), will be available 5 pm to 1 am July 3, 1 pm to 1 am July 4, and 7 pm to midnight July 5-6. Please do not call 911 or 311 to report fireworks nuisance issues. Only call 911 for visible fire or injuries. An online form for reporting illegal fireworks use will also be available on the CRESA website, www.CRESA911.org, beginning June 28. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Climate Project Environmental Justice Coalition will meet at 3:30 pm on Monday, July 1. 

The Environmental Justice Coalition (EJC) consists of 15 community-based organizations. The group is helping the county meet the public engagement and environmental justice requirements of new state Climate Change Planning legislation, in which the county is now required to add a Climate Element to its Comprehensive Plan. The legislation emphasizes that planning and policy decisions related to climate change do not impact us all in the same way. The EJC is one of three advisory groups supporting the county’s Climate Project.

EJC meetings are held at 3:30 pm the first Monday of each month. While EJC members typically attend virtually, meetings are held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in Room 698 of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join virtually through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/environmental-justice-coalition. 

The meeting is open to the public and includes a brief public comment period. A recording of the meeting will also be available for viewing afterwards.

To learn more about county climate planning, sign up for project updates, submit a comment, review meeting recordings, or learn about future environmental justice coalition meetings, please visit the project website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.

The county’s Climate Project is being funded by a state grant. The Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

Coos Bay, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management’s Western Oregon Resource Advisory Council will participate in a meeting at the Coos Bay District Office on July 10, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pacific Time and field tour to the Loon Lake Recreation Site and other public lands in the Coos Bay Area, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT.

“We are excited to tour through the coastal forest and visit one of our most popular recreation sites with our advisory council members,” said Heather Whitman, Roseburg District Manager. “The advisory council members provide important input to the agency on recreation and forest management, and nothing beats seeing the work in the field.” 

Before departing on the field tour, the RAC will conduct an in-person meeting, open to the public with a virtual participation option available on the Zoom platform. Topics for discussion include an update on the Secure Rural Schools grant application process and hearing from District Managers about current events in Western Oregon. The public is invited to attend, and a comment period is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. PT. Virtual participants must register for the Zoom meeting at: https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_aVYZROCdQIOn2f41Gsiyqw  

During the field tour, advisory council members will visit public lands east of Coos Bay, off Highway 38. At the Loon Lake Recreation Site, they will discuss recreation management, infrastructure improvements, and fee collection. The advisory council members will also tour BLM-managed forests to discuss forest management and habitat creation. 

Members of the public are welcome on the field tour. Those planning to attend must RSVP via email to m1harper@blm.gov at least one week before the field tour and must provide their own transportation and meals. Anyone attending who needs a reasonable accommodation, such as sign language interpretation, should let Megan Harper, Advisory Council Coordinator, know when RSVPing at m1harper@blm.gov or (541) 751-4353. 

The Western Oregon Resource Advisory Council meets multiple times a year. It is one of several citizen advisory councils throughout Oregon/Washington. The council’s 15 members are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior and represent a broad range of public land interests, including environmental, local government, recreation, timber, and tribal interests. The Western Oregon Resource Advisory Council advises the Bureau of Land Management’s Coos Bay, Medford, Roseburg, Northwest Districts, and parts of the Lakeview District.

For more information about the Western Oregon RAC, visit:  www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/oregon-washington.

-BLM-

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

It’s one thing for a governmental agency to say they’re transparent and use tax dollars wisely. It is another thing to prove it. 

Well, recently Clark County Fire District 6 did exactly that by achieving a “clean audit” by the Washington State Auditor General’s Office. 

“It’s important that our taxpayers know we are good stewards of their tax dollars.  We take this responsibility seriously and the audit results reflect that,” says Fire Chief Kristan Maurer. “These sound financial practices have helped us improve services for the communities we serve.”

Auditors take into consideration many factors when investigating the finances of a public agency. They study purchases, payroll, inventories, open meeting compliance and the overall financial health of the District.

In the fall of 2024, the District will be re-rated by the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau to evaluate its Protection Class Rating, which could result in lower insurance premiums for homeowners within District 6.  “Our taxpayers make a significant investment in emergency services in Fire District 6,” says Chief Maurer. “It’s our job to do everything we can to get the best rating possible.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

[LA PINE, Ore. June 26, 2024]—The American Red Cross has opened a shelter due to the Darlene 3 Fire south of La Pine. The shelter is currently open and available to individuals and families who need assistance. 

The Shelter is currently open at the following location: 

La Pine High School

51633 Coach Rd, La Pine, OR 97739

To find a shelter, visit redcross.org/shelter, check the Red Cross Emergency App or call 1 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

The Red Cross is working closely with emergency management and government officials in the impacted areas to ensure evacuees have a safe place to go. We want to remind people to take the following steps in the event of any wildfires this season:

• Take evacuation notices seriously: Level 1 “Be Ready”.  Level 2 “Get Set”. Level 3 “Go Now”. 
• Pack a Go Bag with necessities for you and your family, learn more about what to put in that bag HERE.
• Fill your car's gas tank in case an evacuation notice is issued. 
• Create a meeting place if you get separated from your family.
• Listen to local radio and television stations or follow emergency responders online for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.  
• Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled.    

All Red Cross assistance is provided free of charge and made possible by the generosity of the public. To donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters big and small, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. To become a Red Cross volunteer visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media. 

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The GoFundMe campaign is raising funds for preservation of the 150-year-old Oregon Trail pioneer home and surrounding acre of heritage trees, as both are in danger of demolition.

Banks, Oregon – June 26, 2024 – The Banks Historical Society and its Friends of The Wilkes House committee today announced the launch of the Save the Wilkes House campaign. The goal of the campaign is to preserve the oldest site-built Oregon Trail pioneer home in Banks, Oregon along with the acre of old, heritage trees that surround it. Built in the early 1870s, this beautiful, historic home and urban forest are currently in danger of being torn down and developed into an industrial site. The Banks Historical Society has created a GoFundMe to raise funds that will help secure the house and acre of land for the creation of a city park, cultural center and museum.

The beautiful, 150-year-old landmark home belonged to the Wilkes family, the Banks area's first permanent Euro-American settlers who came on the Oregon Trail with the Barlows in 1845. They made their land claim – on which most of the City of Banks now sits – in 1847. Historical records indicate the Wilkes family lived harmoniously alongside the Atfalati-Kalapuya people, who used the land along Dairy Creek for their summer encampments. Recently uncovered historical information, first-person accounts and Native American objects found in an archeological survey in the area indicate there was a rich, cultural exchange that took place on this property, and a more formal archeological exploration is warranted.

The site is in full view of, and mere steps away from, the trailheads for the Banks-Vernonia State Trail and the new Salmonberry Trail now under construction – an 82-mile rail-to-trail project connecting Banks to the Oregon Coast. The planned Council Creek Regional Trail will also run near the property. 

As a park, museum and cultural center, The Wilkes House and land would be a boon to tourism, enhancing local business at the north end of Banks and Oregon’s beautiful wine country and cycling routes. It would enhance the proposed Westside development in Banks next door to the site and create a cultural hub and educational resource for the community for generations to come.

Saving this Historic Site

Unfortunately, current development plans for the site include the construction of a water treatment plant that would necessitate the destruction this landmark home and treed property. The Banks Historical Society and Friends of the Wilkes House are advocating for the proposed water treatment plant to be located elsewhere so this beautiful, historic property can be preserved. 

The Banks Historical Society seeks to partner with the City of Banks to preserve the Wilkes House on its original acre of land so that it will be eligible for historical landmark designation and grants for historical preservation.

Written testimony and recorded audio from members of the Banks Historical Society at the June 11th, 2024 Banks City Council work session are available on the City of Banks website calendar.

About the Fundraising

The all-volunteer, non-profit Banks Historical Society is raising funds via GoFundMe to save the historic Wilkes House in-situ, and the funds will go toward legal representation; an arborist to do a tree inventory; repayment to the Banks Historical Society for the cost of hiring a building inspector for a structural evaluation of the house; outreach to tribal governments, universities and other organizations involved in historical preservation and the hiring of additional specialists as needed to assist in the cause. Any remaining funds will go directly toward securing the house, having seed money for grant opportunities and to begin renovation projects once an agreement with the City of Banks is obtained.

For more information on the project and ongoing updates, visit the Banks Historical Society Facebook page. If you would like to get involved, please contact the Banks Historical Society at ankshistoricalsociety@gmail.com">bankshistoricalsociety@gmail.com or (503) 389-8967.

AMBOY, WASHINGTON – North Clark Historical Museum is in upper Amboy at 21416 NE 399^th St. in the renovated 1910 United Brethren Church. The Museum was incorporated in 1988 and opened to the public in June of 2000. 

Open Days:

Saturday, July 13^th                           Open 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday, July 14^th                              Open Noon – 4:00 pm    

Saturday, July 27^th                           Open Noon – 4:00 pm

Tours are available upon request:           contact NCHM to schedule

Board meetings: 

Thursday, July 11^th                 7:00 pm via Zoom                            Business Meeting            Contact Museum for link

Wednesday, July 24^th              2:00 – 4:00 pm In House               Business Meeting/Work Session 

First Friday Open Mic Music Night:          No Open Mic in July        

Open Door Stitchery Circle          Saturday, July 13^th           1:00 – 4:00 pm

Bring your project to work on, visit with others, learn something new, share ideas, make a new friend.

Territorial Days Exhibit          History of the event from 1961 to current.  1^st Queen’s dress & cape on display.

2024 Raffle Quilt, “Winter Magic” is on display and tickets are available to purchase.

No Admission Fee.          Donations appreciated.                Wheelchair accessible.

For more information, please contact 360-247-5800 and leave a message or email museumnch88@gmail.com.

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

 

Oregon State Correctional Institution is hosting a graduation ceremony for the first graduating class from Corban University. 

Oregon Department of Corrections, Corban University and Paid In Full Oregon have partnered to bring a four-year Bachelor of Science degree program to the Oregon State Correctional Institution.  Corban University is a private Christian university in Salem, Oregon, accredited by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities.  

Paid In Full Oregon is a non-profit organization founded with the purpose of partnering with DOC and Corban University to provide Adults In Custody a fully accredited bachelor’s degree. Paid In Full Oregon raises all of the funds for this program. There are no costs to students. The graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Psychology, Social Service, and Leadership.  

Present at the graduation will be the college graduates, friends and family, faculty and administrators.   

When

June 28, 2024

Check in at 11:30 am

Event 1:00 PM – 2:00 pm

Depart Facility by 3:00 pm

Where

Oregon State Correctional Institution

3405 Deer Park Drive SE

Salem, OR 97310

RSVP to Nathan Warren via email no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024. A background check is required for access into the facility. A list of equipment, tripods, batteries, microphone, cameras, etc. is required.

Oregon State Correctional Institution is a medium-security facility located three miles east of Salem, and it was established by action of the 1955 Legislature and became fully operational June 1^st, 1959.  

June 20th marked the first official day of summer, but June 24 put an exclamation point on that milestone this year. Your Hillsboro firefighters responded to five separate fires in our service area and served as mutual aid partners to our regional fire departments and districts. While many service calls are medical emergencies, these incidents remind us that fires can happen anytime. We encourage our community members to practice fire safety this summer season.

Beginning at just before 9:00 am, firefighters were dispatched to reports of a car fire in the 8000 block of NE Quatama St. En route, dispatchers provided additional information that smoke was billowing from underneath a vehicle parked in an attached carport to a home. Firefighters knocked down the fire quickly and prevented it from spreading into the house.

Around 11:45 a.m., firefighters responded to a residential fire in the 1000 block of SE Baseline Street. Multiple 911 callers reported seeing flames and heavy smoke coming from the back of the house. Some neighbors tried to help put out the fire, while others knocked on the home’s doors to ensure everyone could evacuate safely. Sadly, one person suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital. 

At 6:12 p.m., a caller reported to 911 that a battery charger had caught fire inside a home and ignited other surrounding contents. The fire was extinguished and contained in one room, thanks to an aggressive fire attack. Two people were inside the house when the fire started and were not injured.

Two hours later, minutes before 8:00 pm, Hillsboro fire crews on Engine 1, Engine 3, Engine 5, and Engine 6, were dispatched to assist Banks Fire District 13 with a structural fire as a mutual aid resource. 

Lastly, at 11:04 pm, firefighters responded to a residential fire at a duplex in the 2000 block of NE Barberry Court. A neighbor who called 911 to report the fire initially believed they saw the glow from a fire pit but quickly realized that a large fire was burning that consumed the entire back of the home and extended inside. The fire was upgraded to a first-alarm incident, which brought additional firefighters and resources from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and Cornelius Fire Department. 

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue reminds community members of these important fire safety tips:

• Working smoke alarms can save lives.
• Create and practice your home escape plan. Know two ways out of every room. Designate a meeting place outside your home.
• Use the proper, manufacturer-approved cables and devices to charge your rechargeable batteries. Be alert to the charging systems and unplug them when the system indicates the batteries are sufficiently charged. Do not use extension cords.
• While cooking, always remain in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended.
• Smother cooking fires by putting a lid on the pot or pan and turning off the power source if you can safely.
• Never re-enter a home to retrieve pets or belongings. Alert firefighters to pets that may still be inside.
• Call 911 from outside using your cell phone or a neighbor's phone.

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue is grateful to partner with our regional fire and EMS departments and districts, including the 911 center, law enforcement, and public utilities. Together, we can prevent fires and reduce injuries throughout our communities. 

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June 25, 2024

Media contacts:

Erica Heartquist, Oregon Health Authority, ica.J.Heartquist@oha.oregon.gov">Erica.J.Heartquist@oha.oregon.gov, 503-871-8843

Jake Sunderland, Oregon Department of Human Services, land@odhs.oregon.gov">Jake.Sunderland@odhs.oregon.gov, 503-877-0170

Oregon begins the remaining pandemic unwinding renewals with new changes helping Oregonians keep coverage

SALEM, Ore. — With over 91 percent of the state’s 1.5 million renewals complete, more than four out of five Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits.

There are four monthly “waves” of renewals left in the unwinding process. The first of these remaining four batches started this month, asking for a response by the end of September.

An update in May to the ONE Eligibility system people use to apply for and manage their medical benefits enabled Oregon to use an improved process for the remaining renewals. These changes are a substantial set of small adjustments that together will make it easier for the people of Oregon to keep their medical benefits. This includes changes to make medical eligibility and renewal notices easier to read and to give more details about decisions. People in the June “wave” of renewals are the first to experience these process improvements.

Oregon’s 82.5 percent renewal rate continues to be the third highest in a national comparison of state renewal rates by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy organization. Oregon’s high renewal rates are due to proactive efforts by the state to keep people covered, including extended response timelines, and the upcoming launch of OHP Bridge for adults with higher incomes.

Members who have not received a renewal yet should:

• Keep their address and contact information up to date.
• Check their mail or ONE Online account for their renewal letter.
• Do what the renewal letter asks as soon as possible. Anyone concerned they missed their letter should get help with their renewal using one of the options listed below.
• Members who did not respond to renewals can still re-open their case three months after it closes if they are still eligible, and they can reapply at any time.

June OHP renewal data

As of June 18, 2024, 1,330,708 people have completed the renewal process. This represents around 91.7 percent of all OHP and Medicaid members.

• 1,097,801 people (82.5 percent) were renewed and kept their benefits.
• 221,958 people (16.7 percent) were found ineligible.
• 10,949 people (0.8 percent) had a reduction in their benefits. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue Medicare Savings Programs that help pay their Medicare costs.

Although most people are keeping coverage during the post-pandemic medical renewals, approximately 234,000 people have or will need to consider other coverage options due to lost or reduced benefits.

• People who do not have coverage through an employer or Medicare may be able to enroll through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace and get financial help. Most people who enroll through HealthCare.gov qualify for this help.
• The Marketplace is sending information to people who are no longer eligible for OHP benefits, advising of other potential coverage options.
• People who have recently lost OHP benefits can enroll anytime until November 30, 2024, or within 60 days of their benefits ending.
• For more information and ways to get help signing up for Marketplace, Medicare, or employer coverage, see “What to do if OHP is ending” below.

Need help renewing your benefits?

1. Learn more about how to renew your Oregon Health Plan medical coverage.  You can log into your online portal and complete your redetermination work at benefits.oregon.gov.
2. Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages. Wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m., PST.
3. Visit or call a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office. People can find their local office at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx.
4. Visit a community partner for free, in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda (Spanish).
5. Download the Oregon ONE Mobile app via the app store to keep track of your renewal, find a local office, or upload a document.

What to do if your OHP is ending:

• First, review the case summary in your letter to make sure the information used to make the decision was correct. If that information has changed, notify the state via one of the options above If the information on file for you is correct and you disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing. Learn more about hearings.
• Explore options through an employer. If you, your spouse or a parent are working, you may be eligible for health coverage through that employer. Talk to your manager or Human Resources department to see if you qualify. You will have a special enrollment period to enroll mid-year due to loss of OHP benefits.
• If you have or are eligible for Medicare: For help understanding and choosing the right Medicare options, go to https://OregonHealthcare.gov/GetHelp to find an insurance agent or a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA). You can also call SHIBA at 800-722-4134.

If you need to sign up for Medicare for the first time, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 to enroll by phone or find a local office. You can also enroll in Medicare online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.

• Nearly 80 percent of Oregonians qualify for financial help through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to answer a few quick questions, find out how much you can save and find out how much coverage may cost you. You can also call the Marketplace Transition Help Center at 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).
• Need free local help finding other coverage? Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to find professional help near you.

OHA and ODHS are committed to transparency and will continue to send monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians. Check our ONE Eligibility Operations Dashboards for more frequent updates on medical renewal data and wait times for callers to the ONE Customer Service Center.

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After a nationwide recruitment, the Battle Ground City Council has selected three final candidates to interview for the position of City Manager.  The final three candidates were selected by the Council during an Executive Session that was held on June 17th.      

Mayor Troy McCoy and the City Council invite and encourage the community to join them for a meet and greet event on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.  The reception will be an informal event held at Battle Ground City Hall, 109 SW 1st Street – 2nd Floor, from 5:30- 7:00pm.  The candidates will be introduced and will mingle with attendees.  The attendees will have the opportunity to provide their impressions as part of the selection process.

The final round of interviews will be held on Wednesday, July 10^th.  

The finalists, in alphabetical order, are: 

Robert Maul
Robert Maul currently serves as the Interim Community Development Director/Planning Manager for the City of Camas, WA.  He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography from the University of Northern Colorado. Mr. Maul has over 23 years of experience in public service.

Kris Swanson
Kris Swanson currently serves as the Interim City Manager for the City of Battle Ground. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Ms. Swanson has over 33 years of experience in public service. 

Joseph Valtierra
Joseph Valtierra currently serves as the Senior Manager for the Multnomah County Human Services: Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services Division in Portland, Oregon.  He earned a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University in Seattle, WA.  Mr. Valtierra has over 20 years of experience in public service. 

The City Council contracted with Prothman, an executive recruitment firm, to begin the nationwide recruitment process in April 2024, after former City Manager Erin Erdman accepted a position with the City of Kennewick, WA.  The Council received a total of 19 applications for the position.    

The City Manager is appointed by the Council and, in accordance with the city's adopted council-manager form of government, serves as Chief Administrator for the city. 

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Easton Menear, Raya Menear, and Quincy Menear. They are children who went missing from Corvallis on April 23. They were found June 20. 

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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Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Darlene 3 Fire burning near La Pine in Deschutes County. The fire sparked around 1 p.m. Tuesday, one mile south of La Pine on the east side of Darlene Way. The fire is estimated to be 250 acres in size. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has levels 3 and 2 evacuations in place near the fire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Incident Management Team has been activated along with two structural task forces from Linn and Marion counties. The OSFM is mobilizing four additional task forces who will arrive in the morning. 

“This fire has quickly grown within the last few hours, pushed by gusty winds and high fire conditions. The Emergency Conflagration Act allows us to send the full power of the Oregon fire service to protect life and property,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “As we enter the hot and dry summer months, I am asking Oregonians to do everything they can to prevent wildfires.”

Following ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined that threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.

The governor's declaration allows the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.

The Oregon State Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team has been mobilized. Along with the local responding agencies, the two task forces from Marion and Linn counties are headed to the scene and will be briefed tonight at 9 p.m.

For the latest on evacuations please check the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office map or follow the agency on social media. For fire information please check out the Central Oregon Fire Info blog or follow Central Oregon Fire Info on social media. 

Bureau of Planning and Sustainability partnered with community organization NTEN to submit application with support from both Mayor Wheeler and Commissioner Rubio 

Portland, Ore.— Portlanders now have more opportunities to bridge the digital divide after the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability’s (BPS) Community Technology team was announced as a recipient of the United States Conference of Mayors’ 2024 Talent for Tomorrow: Digital Equity Challenge Grant worth $250,000. The successful application was submitted with the partnership and support of Mayor Wheeler and Commissioner Rubio, and community partner NTEN. The ten competitive grants awarded by the Conference of Mayors in partnership with Comcast are aimed at enhancing local workforce and career readiness initiatives in cities across the country. Each grant is designed to foster digital access, improve economic mobility, and promote digital skills and creativity within underserved communities. 

“I am honored to be supporting yet another great example of a successful community partnership. These types of relationships are pivotal to bridging the digital divide not only in Portland, but statewide as well,” said Commissioner Rubio. “NTEN’s background in fellowship work will help the Digital Equity Service Corps hit the ground running. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on Portlanders.” 

Community partnerships make Portland strong 

Portland was competitive in this process because of the City’s already established relationship with NTEN and their extensive work and experience with fellowship programming. Funding from the grant will help NTEN create the Digital Equity Service Corps (DESC) to focus on supporting Digital Inclusion Fellows who are community leaders embedded in trusted local organizations. These fellows play a vital role in delivering culturally tailored workforce development programs and digital skills training to community members with the ultimate goal of fostering and strengthening community partnerships and to increase involvement in digital-equity work. NTEN will employ equity-rooted criteria when making fellowship selection. 

A legacy of leadership 

Support from City Council was crucial to winning this grant. Portland’s continued investment in digital equity initiatives under the leadership of Mayor Wheeler and Commissioner Rubio have made Portland a nationally recognized leader in digital-equity forums; most recently receiving the NDIA Visionary Digital Equity Trailblazer award. 

“This grant marks a significant step towards narrowing the digital-adoption gap in Portland. The pivotal support from the United States Conference of Mayors will help equip our community with essential digital skills and foster inclusivity in our rapidly evolving digital economy,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. “Thanks to BPS’s partnership with NTEN and support from Commissioner Rubio, we are poised to lead on national digital equity efforts.” 

Digital equity in Portland 

For more information on digital-equity initiatives in the city of Portland, please visit the BPS website: https://www.portland.gov/bps/com-tech. For more information on the DESC, please visit the NTEN website: https://www.nten.org.  

About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability 

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) develops creative and practical solutions to enhance Portland’s livability, preserve distinctive places and plan for a resilient future. BPS oversees a world-renowned waste and recycling system and leads the country in its commitment to digital equity, open data, and protecting communities in the application of technologies. Staff collaborate with partners on neighborhood, economic, historic, and environmental planning and provide research, policy, and technical services to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change. The bureau also oversees the innovative Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF). 

(Salem) – Isabella Sebastian Villalobos, age 8, went missing with her parents Betty Villalobos Reyes and Andres Sebastian Francisco from Portland on Nov. 29, 2022. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that Isabella may be at risk and is searching for her to assess her safety.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Isabella and to contact, 911, local law enforcement or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) if they believe they see her. 

Isabella is believed to be with her parents Betty Villalobos Reyes and Andres Sebastian Francisco. They may be in Oregon, Colorado or Mexico. 

Name: Isabella Sebastian Villalobos
Pronouns: She/her 
Date of birth: July 17, 2015  
Hair: Dark brown/black  
Eye color: Brown  
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Case #24-4724
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: #1469198 

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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Oregon City officials announced that the start of the city’s popular “Concerts in the Park” series will coincide with a brand new 4th of July celebration, creating a “one-of-a-kind experience for the community.”

“This celebration is a long-awaited return of Independence Day festivities after many years,” said Taylor Miller with Oregon City, the driving force behind the event. “The free community event is set to be an evening of patriotic fun for the whole family,” he added.

Commissioner Adam Marl was the driving force behind bringing a July 4^th celebration back for Oregon City residents and said this event and the efforts behind it mean a lot to him. “As someone who came to this country at a young age, I know we are blessed to call America home. People have been asking for things to do in Oregon City on Independence Day for years, and the only options have been in neighboring communities. I’m grateful to my colleagues on the City Commission for supporting my vision for a community-wide celebration of our nation’s independence. I also want to thank our incredible parks staff for their work in making this vision a reality,” he said.  

The night kicks off with live music from the CJ Mickens band. Mickens is a popular act in the Portland region, having won the 2012 Portland Idol contest after appearing on the second season of American Idol.

After the concert, Mayor Denyse McGriff and Commissioner Marl will address the crowd, leading into the National Anthem. A glow stick party will follow as attendees wait for a dark sky so the City can light up the night in what officials promise to be a “dazzling Red, LIGHT and Blue Laser Spectacular.”

The festive atmosphere will be enhanced by a variety of treats from a diverse range of local food cart vendors, including OC Brewing Company's Beer Garden, will add to the festive atmosphere. Residents are encouraged to bring their blankets, lawn chairs and patriotic spirit for an unforgettable evening of music, community and celebration.

Event Details: 

- Date: July 4, 2024 

- Time: Concert from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by the laser light show at dark 

- Location: End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, 1726 Washington St., Oregon City 

- Parking: Onsite parking is available for $5 (cash only) 

- Food & Beverage Sales: Starting at 5 p.m. 

The celebration is a new addition to the City’s already popular free Concerts in the Park series, which attracts large crowds each Thursday in July and much of August for the diverse variety of music acts.

“The concerts are a true community event,” said Miller. “We can put these concerts together and keep them free thanks to the support of local sponsors, many of whom come back every year.”

Presenting Sponsors this year include: Oregon City Subaru, Hillside Chapel & Funeral Services, South Ridge Center, and OnPoint Community Credit Union. Event sponsors are Oregon City Counseling, Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, Embold Credit Union, Country Financial, Floyd Family Orthodontics, and Holman-Hankins-Bowker & Waud Funeral Service. Special appreciation goes to our Friends of the Concerts: Citizens Bank, Commissioner Mike Mitchell, Oregon City Optimist Club, and McLoughlin Neighborhood Association. 

 The full schedule for the 2024 Summer Concert Series is as follows: 

- July 4: CJ Mickens Band 

- July 11: Beat Division – Hits of the New Wave 

- July 18: Barracuda – Heart Tribute Band 

- July 25: Hit Machine – Top 40’s and Pop Cover 

- August 1: Taken by the Sky – Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band 

- August 8: Jennifer Batten and Full Steam Band – 80’s Rock and Pop (former guitarist for Michael Jackson) 

- August 15: Brewer’s Grade – Grammy award-winning Country music artist 

More information, including maps and park rules, can be found at www.orcity.org/concertsinthepark.

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Shelby Wright at (503) 378-2191 or shelby.wright@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Meeting Minutes

     Approve minutes from the April 25, 2024, Meeting

3. Fire Policy Committee

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – Chris Heppel, Chair

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Matthew English, Chair

d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Andrew Ashpole, DPSST No. 47945; Newport Police Department– Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 16, 2024.

B. Katelyn Bailey, DPSST No. 56238; Wasco County Sheriff’s Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 16, 2024.

C. Matthew Barbee, DPSST No. 47086; Tigard Police Department– Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 16, 2024.

D. Carl Bell, DPSST No. 55552; Gladstone Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 16, 2024.

E. Alexis Bynon, DPSST No. 61122; Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency – Revoke

Six (6) to one (1) vote to recommend to the Board by the TPC on May 1, 2024.

F. Shawn Carnahan, DPSST No. 39921; Columbia County Sheriff’s Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 16, 2024.

G. Mark Clark, DPSST No. 53303; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on May 8, 2024.

H. Sean Considine, DPSST No. 64682; Central Point Police Department – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 16, 2024.

I. Robert Gorman, DPSST No. 36970; Oregon State Police – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 16, 2024.

J. Joshua Gray, DPSST No. 60266; DOC/Columbia River Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on May 8, 2024.

K. Sterling Hall, DPSST No. 58719; Pendleton Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 16, 2024.

L. Paul Johnson, DPSST No. 39931; Klamath Falls Police Department– Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 16, 2024.

M. Britany Kent, DPSST No. 58596; Washington County Community Corrections Center – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on May 8, 2024.

N. Kevin Lanier, DPSST No. 57215; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 16, 2024.

O. Quinn Lindley, DPSST No. 56901; Monmouth Police Department – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 16, 2024.

P. Brandon Martinez, DPSST No. 47202; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility– Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on May 8, 2024.

Q. Law Enforcement Memorial Wall Nomination; Merle W. Bethscheider, (EOW 1965) – Silverton Police Department

Determine eligibility for addition to Oregon’s Law Enforcement Memorial Wall

R. Approval for Changes to the Basic Corrections Curriculum

S. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085

Codifying Board Approval of Changes to the Course Breakdown for the Basic Corrections Local Academy Curriculum

T. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0500

Agency Name Change Correction 

U. Committee Appointments

Police Policy Committee

•  
  • Patty Lofgren– Public Member, Appointment to the PPC, 1^st term effective July 25, 2024.

Corrections Policy Committee

•  
  • Mike Hartford– Oregon Association of Community Corrections Directors Representative, Appointment to the CPC, 1^st term effective July 25, 2024.

Telecommunications Policy Committee

•  
  • Noah Juarez– Telecommunicator Representative, Appointment to the TPC, 1^st term effective July 28, 2024.

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Dan Lenzen, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Committee Appointments

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

•  
  • Matt Schulz– Health Care Industry Representative, Appointment to the PSIPC, 1^st term effective July 28, 2024.

6. Policy Option Packages – Agency Director, Phil Castle

7. Agency Updates - Agency Director, Phil Castle

8. Next Meeting Date: October 24, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
 

Administrative Announcement

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

At about 4:30 AM this morning (June 25^th, 2024), McMinnville PD officers were dispatched to the Linfield University campus in McMinnville on a “welfare check” call for service.  There was a football camp taking place on the campus and teams from various schools had been participating since Saturday.

During the initial investigation, officers learned there had been an incident involving the head football coach of Westview High School (WHS), which is located in the Beaverton School District.  Initial information indicated that the head football coach allegedly started waking up students on the WHS team in the early morning hours by shaking and/or slapping them while they were sleeping.  The officers further learned that in addition to being the head football coach at WHS, he is also a fulltime Police Officer with the Hillsboro Police Department.

The McMinnville Police Department is actively investigating the incident to determine if there are any potential criminal offenses.  We notified both the Hillsboro Police Department and the Beaverton School District, and both have placed him on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.  Both the Hillsboro Police Department and the Beaverton School District are cooperating with our investigation.  Since this is an active investigation, we are not able to publicly share further details about the incident, except to say that we are not aware of any students being physically injured during the incident.

We are actively working on contacting involved students and their parents as part of our ongoing investigation.  Anyone with firsthand knowledge of the incident, that has not yet been contacted by McMinnville Police, is encouraged to contact the McMinnville Police Department either through the front office at 503-434-7307, or through the non-emergency dispatch number of 503-434-6500.  You can reference McMinnville PD case number 24MP2141.

WEST LINN, OR – June 25, 2024 – The City of West Linn is pleased to announce Kaylie Klein will join our team as City Attorney beginning September 9, 2024. Klein, a West Linn resident, has worked for the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) for the past eight years, and is currently serving as Special Counsel to Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum.

Klein earned her JD from the University of Oregon School of Law and has ten years of experience practicing law. At the Oregon DOJ, Klein has honed a specialty practice in energy and administrative law, counseling the Attorney General on environmental, natural resource, and climate matters, as well as coordinating multistate Attorney General lawsuits that protect our land, air, and water. Other areas in her portfolio include healthcare access, statewide public health issues, tribal relations, criminal justice reform, voting and election education, ballot title work, and more.

Klein is an Oregon lead for a national initiative on youth mental health and overall wellness launched by the 2024 National Association of Attorneys General President, Ellen Rosenblum. Klein received the Excellence in Justice Award for exceptional legal service to state agency clients. She is a mom to two amazing kids, loves the outdoors, and is a diehard fan of the University of Michigan, her undergraduate alma mater.

Mayor Rory Bialostosky expressed enthusiasm: “We are proud to welcome Kaylie as West Linn’s City Attorney. Kaylie brings invaluable work experience from her time as a top legal advisor to the Oregon Attorney General and numerous state agencies. I am extremely confident that she will serve the City Council, City staff, and West Linn community well in her new role starting in September.”

Klein said, “I am pleased to accept the offer from Mayor Bialostosky and City Council to be West Linn’s first in-house City Attorney. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Oregonians through my work at the Oregon Department of Justice for the past eight years, and I believe my experience there will serve me well in this new role. Now, I look forward to turning my attention even closer to home and serving the people in my West Linn community. The opportunity to work on the legal and policy aspects of major projects that will have a lasting positive impact in West Linn is especially exciting and meaningful. I look forward to getting to know our city leaders and staff in September!”

The City welcomes questions and looks forward to ongoing dialogue with community members. Contact City Manager master@westlinnoregon.gov">John Williams and staff by email, or call or drop by during business hours. Press queries should be directed to dchoi@westlinnoregon.gov or 971-303-1236. 

For more information about employment opportunities with the City of West Linn, visit www.westlinnoregon.gov or www.governmentjobs.com/careers/westlinn.

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PRESS RELEASE #2

A24-11996 HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

JUNE 25, 2024

The suspect in the June 19, 2024, homicide investigation at Streeters Resort in Silver Lake has been identified as 86-year-old Ronald Brant, who was a resident at the resort. Through witness interviews, detectives with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office learned that Brant had recently been cautioned about unwanted advances toward another female resident at the resort. During the June 19^th incident, Brant approached resort owner Timothy Russell, age 56, and shot him multiple times.  Brant also shot at Russell’s wife, who was not hit.

Brant then reportedly entered a female resident’s trailer – the subject Brant had been cautioned about regarding his unwanted advances.  Brant also tried to shoot this subject, but his pistol malfunctioned.  Brant assaulted the female subject, who was able to defend herself from Brant’s attack, as he then fled to his own motorhome.

As the first deputies arrived on scene, one set containment on Brant’s motorhome while the other deputy rendered first aid to Mr. Russell.  Mr. Russell did not survive his injuries.  A deputy heard a gunshot from inside Brant’s motorhome at this time. 

Detectives obtained a search warrant for Brant’s motorhome.  Lower Columbia SWAT responded to the scene and located Brant inside his motorhome. Brant was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Troy Brightbill

Chief Criminal Deputy

Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office

Vancouver, Wash. – On June 17, 2024, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) was involved in an officer-involved shooting. Four officers were placed on Critical Incident Leave. Four officers discharged their firearm, and multiple officers witnessed the incident. All officers were wearing body worn cameras (BWC) at the time of the incident and the patrol vehicles were equipped with front-facing in-car cameras. 

Following an officer-involved shooting involving the Vancouver Police Department, the department will release a Critical Incident Video, which includes portions of video captured from department body worn cameras and patrol vehicle cameras. The release of these videos is at the discretion of the Chief of Police and is separate from the Independent Investigation Team (IIT) investigation.

The Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT), led by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, is conducting an independent investigation of this incident. The Vancouver Police Department is not involved in the officer-involved shooting investigation. VPD will conduct an administrative investigation/review after the SWIIRT investigation is completed.

The Critical Incident Video can be viewed on the Vancouver Police Department website: Critical Incident Videos -The City of Vancouver, WA

The Vancouver Police Department will not be commenting on the investigation or the content in the Critical Incident Video. Release of the video is to provide some visual context of the incident as the Vancouver Police Department understands the events to have occurred, according to the video and incident information at the time.  

The Vancouver Police Department values the sanctity of human life and the dignity of all persons, and any loss of life is tragic. 

Please be aware the video contains graphic images and viewer discretion is strongly advised.

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Vancouver, Wash. – The City is being awarded a nearly $17.5 million RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) federal grant to help new plans for the Height District Project become a reality.  

“The development of The Heights District is vital to the future of Vancouver, and the Grand Loop is a central feature,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “Being awarded a grant of this magnitude will enable us to construct part of the new street network, which is a key piece of infrastructure within the former Tower Mall site that will support the first phase of development and bring much-needed affordable housing to the community. We are grateful for Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) for their support of the $17.5 million RAISE Grant.” 

The funding will be used to construct two segments of the Grand Loop, a two-way complete street with a linear park on one side of the street. The Loop is a reconfiguration of Blandford Drive that extends from MacArthur Blvd, across Devine Road into the Vanco Golf Range and loops back around to Devine Road. 

Two more segments of the Grand Loop will be constructed in a future phase to extend back over to MacArthur Blvd to create one loop around the former Tower Mall site. The Grand Loop will knit the new development together and connect the Heights District with the surrounding neighborhoods on bike and foot, creating a more pedestrian- and bike-friendly environment.

“Investing in projects like this one – to build thriving new districts within Vancouver, produce more housing, especially for underserved residents, and create new jobs and opportunities – is exactly why I created the RAISE grant program in the first place,” said Senator Murray.

“Every city in our state needs affordable housing, including Vancouver. This grant helps build the essential infrastructure needed to support 1,300 new affordable homes including new roads, bike lanes, ADA-accessible sidewalks, and a robust wastewater system,” said Senator Cantwell.

The RAISE grant program funding is a testament to congressional support for this transformational project as Vancouver continues to experience rapid growth, and to prioritize efforts to improve livability and meet the demand for more affordable housing. 

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(Astoria, OR) — The Oregon Military Department and cooperating Clatsop County Fire Agencies will conduct a prescribed burn starting at Noon Saturday, June 29 and Noon Sunday, June 30 at Camp Rilea. Smoke may be visible to the public for a couple of days. 

“We take the public’s safety and well-being very seriously,” said Josh Como, City of Gearhart Fire Chief.

“The Northwest Oregon Wildfire School (NOWS) 2024rx prescribed burn will reduce fuels and vegetation near a machine gun firing range. During exercises wildfires often occur and this prescribed fire will reduce the opportunity of future uncontrolled fire,“ he said. 

Clatsop County Environmental Health has been notified about the upcoming burn. “We encourage people to pay attention to local air quality reports and avoid breathing smoke if they can,” said Lucas Marshall, environmental health supervisor. 

“Anyone who can see or smell smoke is advised to take precautions to limit their exposure.  People in smoky areas who have underlying respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, or asthma should limit outdoor activities, along with children and the elderly,” Marshall said.

If you are advised to stay indoors, keep your windows and doors closed. If you have an air conditioner, turn it on and ensure the fresh-air intake is closed and the filter is clean to help prevent smoke from entering. Indoor air pollution can be reduced through use of an air purifier with a HEPA filter. If you are outside in a smoky area, consider wearing an N95 mask to help protect your lungs.

Visit AirNow.gov to find out what the air quality is where you are and the steps you can take to protect yourself in smoky areas.

Agencies involved in the planning and hosting of the training include Camp Rilea Oregon Military Fire Department (OMD), Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Knappa Rural Fire, Astoria Fire, Lewis & Clark Rural Fire, Warrenton Fire, Gearhart Fire, Seaside Fire, Cannon Beach Rural Fire, Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (Oregon DPSST) and the Oregon Fire Marshal (OSFM).

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SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry welcomed two new members at its June 6 meeting. 

Bob Van Dyk, of Forest Grove, and Heath Curtiss, of Silverton, were appointed by Gov. Tina Kotek to complete the terms of two departing board members, Chandra Ferrari and Karla Chambers, which run through March 2025. The Oregon Senate confirmed their appointments on May 31.

Van Dyk has been involved in forest policy since 1997, first as a private citizen and later while employed by a fisheries conservation group.  His work includes participation in smaller planning efforts, such as that for the Forest Grove Watershed; medium planning efforts, such as that for the Elliott State Forest; and statewide efforts, such as the Private Forest Accord, a process which he co-chaired for the conservation community.  He taught at Pacific University for 20 years after completing an undergraduate degree in history from Duke University and a doctorate in political science from the University of Washington.

"Oregon's is blessed with awesome forests that make our state a great place to live,” Van Dyk said. “But too often we've taken more from our forests than we should have, leaving us with a list of imperiled species.  And now climate change and related fires make it even harder to find sustainable policies. Fortunately there seems to be an increased interest in putting aside old battles to find pragmatic solutions, and I look forward to contributing to that effort through service on the board."

Curtiss, of Silverton, serves as General Counsel for Hampton Lumber. Heath grew up in the mountains of northeast Oregon, earned his degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics from Oregon State University, and graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School with a certificate in environmental law.  Before working at Hampton, Heath was General Counsel for the Oregon Forest Industries Council and an attorney at Stoel Rives, LLP, specializing in natural resources law and policy. Heath also serves on the Oregon FFA Foundation Board.

“Oregon is home to some of the most sustainably managed forests on the planet” Curtiss said. “Maintaining healthy and productive forests in a way that continues to provide a multitude of environmental and social benefits will require a balanced approach that is informed, inclusive, and reflective of the needs and realities of our forests and the communities that depend on them. I believe most Oregonians want the Board of Forestry to strive for such balance and I’m looking forward to being part of the discussion.”

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30-million-acre forestland base.

The Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT), led by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, is conducting the Independent Investigation of the Vancouver Police Department’s (VPD) officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred on June 17^th, 2024.

The involved officers are being identified as follows:

Sergeant James Kelly

• The Vancouver Police Department hired Sgt. Kelly in August 2015. He previously worked as a reserve deputy for the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s and as a police officer for the Longview Police Department. His assignments at VPD have included patrol and working as a detective in the East Neighborhood Response Team. Sgt. Kelly was promoted to Sergeant in January of 2022 and is currently assigned to West Patrol.

 Officer Jason Haigwood

• The Vancouver Police Department hired Ofc. Haigwood in November of 2019. His assignments at VPD have included patrol, collateral duty as a member of SWAT, and collateral duty as a Sexual Assault Investigator. He is currently assigned as a K9 handler with his K9 partner Remi to East Patrol.

 Officer Justin Reiner

• The Vancouver Police Department hired Ofc. Reiner in May of 2020. He previously worked as a police officer for the Maui Police Department. His assignments at VPD have included patrol and collateral duty for the Public Order Specialist Team. He is currently assigned to West Patrol.

 Officer Philip Wilkening

• The Vancouver Police Department hired Ofc. Wilkening in July of 2020. His assignments at VPD have included patrol and collateral duty as a member of SWAT. He is currently assigned to East Patrol.

All four officers remain on critical incident leave. During the incident, VPD K9 Remi (assigned to Ofc. Haigwood) was shot in the tail. The K9 was transported to an emergency veterinary hospital, where he underwent surgery on his tail. K9 Remi was released from the hospital on June 18^th and is recovering at home and is doing well.

On the date of the incident, investigators completed scene documentation and evidence collection. Investigators are now in the process of reviewing Body-Worn Camera (BWC) video files and statements from the involved officers.

Per WAC 139-12-030, which governs independent investigations, additional updates will be provided weekly.

PORTLAND, OREGON - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is issuing this announcement to inform the public of an emerging criminal tactic used to further defraud cryptocurrency scam victims. 

Using social media or other messaging platforms, fraudsters posing as lawyers representing fictitious law firms may contact scam victims and offer their services, claiming to have the authorization to investigate fund recovery cases. To validate the contact, the “lawyers” claim they are working with, or have received information on, the scam victim’s case from the FBI, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or other government agency. In some instances, scam victims have contacted fraudsters on fake websites, which appear legitimate, hoping to recover their funds.

To further the recovery scam, the “lawyers” may:

• Request victims verify their identities by providing personal identifying information or banking information to get their money back;
• Request victims provide a judgment amount they are seeking from the initial fraudster;
• Request victims pay a portion of initial fees up front with balance due when funds are recovered;
• Direct victims to make payments for back taxes and other fees to recover their funds; or
• Reference actual financial institutions and money exchanges, to build credibility and further their schemes.

Between February 2023 and February 2024, cryptocurrency scam victims who were further exploited by fictitious law firms reported losses totaling over $9.9 million, according to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Tips to Protect Yourself

• Be wary of advertisements for cryptocurrency recovery services. Research the advertised company and beware if the company uses vague language, has a minimal online presence, and makes promises regarding an ability to recover funds.
• If an unknown individual contacts you and claims to be able to recover stolen cryptocurrency, do not release any financial or personal identifying information and do not send money.
• Law enforcement does not charge victims a fee for investigating crimes. If someone claims an affiliation with the FBI, contact your local FBI field office to confirm.

Additional Resources

• This PSA is an update to Alert Number I-081123-PSA, published on 11 August 2023, titled, “Increase in Companies Falsely Claiming an Ability to Recover Funds Lost in Cryptocurrency Investment Scams.” 
• For more information on cryptocurrency investment schemes, see PSA Alert I0100322-PSA: Cryptocurrency Investment Schemes.

Victim Reporting

If you believe you have been a victim of a cryptocurrency scheme or other fraudulent scheme, please file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. If possible, include the following:

• Information regarding how the individual initially contacted you and how they identified themselves. Include identifying information such as name, phone number, address, email address, and username.
• Financial transaction information such as date, type of payment, amount, account numbers involved (to include cryptocurrency address), name and address of the receiving financial institution, and receiving cryptocurrency addresses.

Link to IC3 Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

June 25, 2024 

Contact: 

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292 

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov 

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Releases First Strategic Plan   

Growing Oregon Together lays out a comprehensive five-year plan for early education and care 

SALEM, ORE. –The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) released the 2024-2029 strategic plan along with its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan. Outlined in the plans are the agency mission, vision, and values that reflect the agency’s mandate, along with key goals and objectives to guide the work for the next five years. 

The multi-year plans are designed to be both ambitious and achievable in the interest of fostering coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals in Oregon. 

“Today we released a bold vision for our young agency,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “I’m proud to share these plans, which I believe will be transformative and will serve as a roadmap to help guide programs, operations, and priorities over the next five years toward doing what we do best – strengthening Oregon’s early childhood system to change the trajectory of a child’s life while positively impacting caregivers, the early learning workforce, and our economy.”  

The Growing Oregon Together plan drew upon community conversations and feedback from more than 700 partners, providers, and families in addition to input from more than 200 staff members. Guided by the plan, DELC aims to build upon the strong foundation established over the last year since the agency’s inception. Outlined in the plan are six key goal areas and affiliated objectives for the next five years: 

• Access 
• Tribal Sovereignty 
• Infants and Toddlers 
• Workforce 
• Relationships  
• Foundations 

Woven throughout Growing Oregon Together and the DEI Action plan is an unwavering commitment to advance the agency values of equity, respect, trust, relationships, safety, continuous improvement and integrity with an emphasis on communities who have been historically underserved. Together the two plans outline high-level priorities, increase accountability, and will serve as a guidepost to ensure the agency is meeting the needs of care providers, families, and communities across Oregon.   

“We’ve gone through tremendous change over the last year with standing up our new agency,” said Director Chatterjee. “Now, these guiding documents will help to deepen DELC’s commitments to the communities we serve while advancing our mission to foster coordinated culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals.” 

DELC’s values are integrated throughout the programmatic goals, objectives, and cross-agency strategies which will be used to help monitor and communicate progress. The plans are living documents and may evolve based on community needs and available resources. As DELC moves forward with implementation the agency will report out on the progress made to develop and launch programs and policies that advance DELC’s vision to ensure all children, families, early care and education professionals, and communities are supported and empowered to thrive.  

The full version of Growing Oregon Together and the DEI Action Plan are available on the DELC website.  

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Vancouver, Wash. – Washington State Secretary of State Steve Hobbs earlier this month presented Clark County Elections Director Cathie Garber with the state’s Elections Administrator of the Year award. 

In presenting the award, Secretary Hobbs noted that, “the award is presented to an elections administrator who has shown particularly effective leadership and management skills.” Hobbs further stated that Garber is widely recognized by others as a leader, and that her work in elections administration and serving voters sets an example for others. 

“This year’s recipient is one of the most prestigious county elections administrators that we have in the State of Washington,” said Hobbs.

“Cathie is passionate about the importance of the work we do. She knows elections are part of the foundation of our democracy,” said Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey. “With an amazing reservoir of kindness and patience, in one-on-one discussions, Cathie has persuaded hundreds of skeptical, and sometimes hostile and angry, voters to have faith in the integrity of the elections process.”

Garber has served as Clark County’s Elections Director for 13 years and previously worked as an election official in the state of Oregon for 14 years. Garber plans to retire in January 2025.

A total of 403 students made the Clackamas Community College honor roll and 1,155 students made the president's list for spring term 2024.

To be named to the honor roll, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or better. To be named to the president's list, students must earn a 3.75 grade-point average or better.

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Note: Attached are the honor roll and president’s list and cities of residence.

Zamperla, the manufacturer of the AtmosFEAR ride that experienced a stoppage event on 6/14/2024, has completed the inspection of the ride, including software, hardware, and structure.  No mechanical, technical, or maintenance issues were found.  Software data reflects that the incident was not the result of operator error. A state-qualified independent inspector has also performed a full inspection, clearing the ride to resume operation immediately.  Oaks Park has suspended the operation of the 360° mode and, until further notice, will instead offer riders the option of either a 180° or 260° experience.

What: Join Mayor Ted Wheeler and the City of Portland’s Transition Project Manager Shoshanah Oppenheim as they formally introduce new city leaders and mark the six-month countdown to Portland’s voter-approved form of government.  
Read background information

When: Thursday, June 27 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.  Broadcast media may arrive as early as 12:15 p.m. if time is needed to set up equipment.                                        

Ways to attend:

• In person: Portland Building, 1120 SW 5^th Ave., Room 100 (Lizzie K. Weeks room)
   
• Watch: Watch this event on the City’s YouTube channel.
   
• Participate virtually: RSVP to istine.llobregat@portlandoregon.gov?subject=RSVP%20to%20Zoom%20Webinar%20on%20June%2027">Christine Llobregat, public information officer, to join a Zoom webinar to watch as well as participate in the Q&A segment.

Format:  25 minutes of comments from City of Portland participants, 20 minutes Q&A for journalists, 15 minutes 1:1 media availability with participants (Please contact Christine ahead of time or when you arrive at the event).

City of Portland participants: Mayor Ted Wheeler, Transition Project Manager Shoshanah Oppenheim, City Administrator Michael Jordan, and the new deputy city administrators: 

• Priya Dhanapal (Public Works service area)
• Donnie Oliveira (Community and Economic Development service area)
• Sonia Schmanski (Vibrant Communities service area)
• Mike Myers (Public Safety service area)
• Sara Morrissey (City Operations service area)
• Jonas Biery (Budget and Finance service area)

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Overnight, our firefighters responded to a residential fire in a duplex on NE Barberry Court in Hillsboro. Just after 11:00 p.m., a neighbor behind the home saw an orange glow and initially thought it was from a fire pit. As they approached the fence separating the two homes, they saw heavy black smoke and a fire growing quickly outside the back of the home. Minutes after the first call to 911, many other neighbors called 911 and reported that the fire appeared to have spread inside the home. 

Upon arrival, Hillsboro Fire Engine 5 immediately assessed the situation and found flames consuming the back and side of the home. They swiftly requested that dispatchers upgrade the fire to a first alarm to bring additional firefighting resources to fight the fire. A second fire engine arrived shortly after the first arriving crew and connected to a fire hydrant to supply firefighting water. Firefighters strategically deployed multiple hose lines to attack the fire from the exterior rear and side while other firefighters tactically attacked the fire inside the home. Additional crews accessed the roof to cut ventilation holes to help clear smoke and heated gas from inside. Firefighters meticulously searched for and extinguished hot spots in the attic space and walls to ensure the fire was completely out. 

Firefighters thoroughly searched the house and found one patient who required medical assessment. That patient was transported to a hospital. All other residents from the affected fire unit and the adjacent duplex unit evacuated safely from the structure. No other injuries were reported. 

A Hillsboro Fire investigator responded to the incident and is working to determine the cause of the fire. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.  

Hillsboro Public Safety chaplains responded to the scene to support and assist the residents impacted by the fire, which displaced ten people.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Hillsboro Police, AMR Ambulance, Cornelius Fire Department, and Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains assisted Hillsboro Fire & Rescue. Thanks also to the Cornelius Fire Department for providing emergency response coverage of one of our fire stations during the incident.

Incident video of firefighters being decontaminated at the fire scene can be found here.

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PFR responds to three commercial fires this afternoon.

Portland Fire & Rescue responded to 3 separate commercial fires during the afternoon and early evening hours today. The first, and most significant fire, was dispatched out at 4:04. This fire was located at the Shin Shin Foods commercial operation. There was an additional fire at the Metro Waste Transfer Facility that was dispatched at 5:43 PM along with a commercial fire at a auto parts store being dispatched at 6:29 PM. There were no reported injuries at any of these fires. 

The fire at the Shin Shin Noodle factory eventually elevated to a 4^th alarm assignment placing nearly 100 firefighters on scene working at extinguishing the flames. This fire was elevated to a 2^nd alarm before anyone had arrived with the closest Battalion Chief requesting a second alarm assignment as they crossed the Willamette River on the Broadway Bridge because of the size of the smoke column with heavy dark smoke twisting as it rose from the building. The first arriving crews were able to connect to a hydrant and stretch hose 15’ to 20’ on the interior of the building but the fire grew too large, and they were forced to withdraw, bringing all their tools and hoses with them as they left the building. At this point, there was fire throughout the 100-year-old 26000 sq. ft building with fire and smoke pushing out through cracks in the external brick walls. The command officer declared that all companies were to prepare themselves for a defensive operation with many large bore hose lines applying water into any opening that included the roof areas that had been burned off by the fire. 

Truck crews extended their arial ladders while engine companies hooked up to fire hydrants and supplied the trucks with water. The location of this building along with the need for significant amount of water posed a bit of a challenge for the crews and multiple engines were being used to pump the water through thousands of feet of hose to get to the tip of the nozzle and then placed onto the fire. At one point, one of the aerial ladders was lowered to the ground level and was flowing nearly 2000 gallons a minute alone into the structure. 

Early in the fire there was a concern for the structural stability of the building. With the roof completely burned off and cracks in the exterior walls, the command officer directed all members to work outside of any potential collapse zone, which is 1 ½ times the height of the wall. During this worktime, the fire growth was slowed but the inability to get water to locations on fire due to internal walls and the positions of the hoses outside. This large warehouse was a noodle manufacturing company with lots of flammables stored closely within the building allowing for easy fire growth. As the fire was slowly growing and the crews working for extended lengths of time, the command officer called for a 3^rd and 4^th alarm assignments to have enough members on scene to perform the required work needed but have a chance to go to rehab and return to the task after a short break.

While crews were actively addressing the fire at the noodle warehouse, a commercial fire was dispatched to the Metro Waste Transfer Facility located in N. Portland. Crews arrived to find a large pile of trash and waste on fire. They worked to extinguish the flames and were able to release crews not needed when the third fire of the evening hit. This 3^rd fire turned to be a very small incident if anything but at one time there were 3 active fires going on with one at a 4^th alarm response level. PF&R called 8 members back in to work to upstaff two engines to address this depletion of our available workforce throughout the city. There was also the addition of 3 chiefs to the fleet of available members, so the city remained safely covered during this extended incident.

The fire at Shin Shin was reported to have been a grease fire that started in the elevated commercial size hood vent. PF&R Fire Investigations Unit will work with the owner’s representative in the investigation process. The fire at Metro is undetermined currently. The final fire was a non-incident with nothing to investigate. There were no reported injuries, and all employees of the noodle factory were safely able to exit the structure uninjured.

Portland Fire would like to thank the dispatchers and staff at BOEC for their assistance throughout all these calls. PF&R also appreciates the assistance from Pacific Power and Northwest Natural in assuring the utilities were shut down and reducing any danger to those working around the building. At one point, after the power had been cut by the lineman, the fire burned through an elevated powerline which fell to the ground near a crowd of firefighters working. The Portland Water Bureau was able to increase the water pressure in the main serving the 4^th alarm fire which allowed our aerial master streams and many ground level hand lines to operate successfully. Thank you to the Logistics Section of Portland Fire & Rescue as multiple Emergency Vehicle Technicians responded to the scene to ensure the rigs would safely operate throughout the duration of the fire. Lastly, PF&R would like to acknowledge the assistance of ODOT in monitoring the smoke concentration in the southbound lanes of I5 to ensure the safety of the evening commuters.

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Board of Education Members Highlight President’s Accomplishments at June 18 Meeting

Salem, Ore., June 24, 2024— The Chemeketa Community College Board of Education has completed its annual performance review of President Jessica Howard, awarding her an "exceptional" rating across all evaluation categories. These categories include Board communications, management competencies, communications, team success facilitation, community engagement, educational planning and leadership, business, finance, facilities, and college personnel.

Despite challenges such as low enrollment, the Board commended Howard for her adept leadership and focus on both immediate goals and long-term needs. They highlighted her efforts to expand community and educational relationships, resulting in new partnerships that significantly benefit Chemeketa students.

The Board praised Howard's dedication to equity for all students, her effective communication skills, and her emphasis on initiatives that promote student achievement. They noted, “Jessica demonstrates excellent communication skills internally and externally, explaining issues in clear and understandable terms. Student achievement remains a paramount focus for Jessica, and she consistently communicates this priority. She is highly respected at local, state, and national levels and is sought after to serve on various committees and task forces that align with the College’s mission.”

Over the past year, Howard has successfully managed finances, fluctuating enrollment, and essential facility needs. Under her leadership, Chemeketa has increased the number of state and federal grants, providing additional resources to students and contributing significantly to the college budget. Notable expansions under her leadership include the Bachelor of Applied Science in Leadership and Management and upcoming Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, enhancing access to education in high-demand areas.

Howard has also been instrumental in redesigning student services to meet the diverse needs of Chemeketa’s students and proactively positioning the college for future success. She continues to attract and retain qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment where all staff members feel valued and involved in long-term planning.

Her leadership style is marked by transparency and effective collaboration with all stakeholders. This has garnered Chemeketa both local and national recognition. The Board expressed their gratitude, stating that Howard’s leadership has had a profoundly positive impact on Chemeketa Community College. Her ability to work effectively with all stakeholders has earned the college significant recognition. The Board thanked Howard for her outstanding leadership.

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Beaverton, Oregon – On Sunday, June 23, 2024, BPD officers stopped 32-year-old Dean Allen Bromley of The Dalles, Oregon for a traffic violation near the Elmonica Max station in north Beaverton. Bromley initially identified himself as Leroy Miller born in 1999. Bromley, who identified himself as Miller, was not able to tell officers how old he was, saying he was 22 or 23 years old. When officers moved to detain Bromley for providing false information to a police officer, he fled on foot. 

Beaverton Police Department officers set up a perimeter to contain Bromley and radioed for a drone to respond. Washington County Deputies from the Remote Operated Vehicle Team responded. 

The Remote Operated Vehicle Team, otherwise known as ROVT, is an interagency team comprised of law enforcement officers and deputies from the Hillsboro Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Beaverton Police Department.

Currently, the team has 12 members who are trained to operate the 25 drones and an avatar robot assigned to the team. The avatar robot is a tracked vehicle used for building searches and is equipped with a camera and a two-way communication device. 

Within minutes of the ROVT drone deployment, the licensed pilot, a Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy, located Dean Bromley hiding in heavy brush. Using the drone’s camera, the Washington County ROVT operator was able to vector in Beaverton Police Officers and Washington County Deputies to Bromley’s location. 

Bromley was taken into custody and correctly identified, not as Leroy Miller, but Dean Bromley. Bromley was lodged at the Washington County Jail on a felony warrant out of the State of Washington’s Department of Corrections for Escape.

#BPD#

June 24, 2024

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

On Dobbs anniversary, abortion remains legal and protected in Oregon

2022 SCOTUS decision impacted national landscape, but recent ruling on mifepristone offers hope for ongoing safe, effective abortion access

PORTLAND, Ore. — As the nation recognizes the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 24, 2022 decision that removed constitutional protections for abortion, Oregon remains committed to ensuring people have  access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including abortion.

The second anniversary of the High Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, is a stark reminder of the challenges states face in protecting access to reproductive health care. But key actions in Oregon – and another, more recent High Court decision – offer hope for anyone inside and outside the state seeking to exercise their legal and protected right to abortion.

Governor Tina Kotek said, “The two-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision is a sobering reminder that we cannot afford to lose ground ensuring access to safe, effective and legal reproductive health care in Oregon.”

On June 13, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, the challenge to the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. In a unanimous decision, justices ruled that the plaintiffs in the case did not have standing to challenge the FDA’s actions, and so mifepristone continues to be available.

The ruling left in place federal regulations that permit patients to order mifepristone virtually and by mail delivery. However, the decision leaves open the possibility for future litigation seeking to restrict access to mifepristone.

Should litigation seeking mifepristone restrictions come to pass, a contingency plan Oregon put in place could temporarily keep the abortion drug available: The state secured a three-year mifepristone supply and developed a plan to equitably distribute it to eligible prescribers, ensuring patients seeking abortion services in Oregon will continue to have access to this safe and effective method.

“OHA will continue to ensure that people in Oregon have access to safe, effective reproductive care – including abortion services – when and where they need it,” said OHA Director Sejal Hathi, M.D.

Oregon’s mifepristone stockpile is just one of several actions the state has taken in recent years to keep comprehensive reproductive health services, including abortion, in place and accessible:

• Reproductive Health and Access to Care Act (HB 2002) – This comprehensive law, passed during the 2023 legislative session, protects and expands access for those seeking and those providing reproductive health and gender affirming care.
• Reproductive health infrastructure investments – Also during the 2023 legislative session, Oregon allocated $3.4 million to OHA as part of Public Health Modernization to support reproductive health infrastructure This funding created an Abortion Access in Oregon website and provided infrastructure grants to clinical service providers across the state.
• Lawsuit over unnecessary abortion medication restrictions – As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine litigation was underway, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum joined Washington State’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson in co-leading a multi-state lawsuit against the FDA to protect enhanced access to mifepristone. The outcome of this lawsuit was Judge Thomas Rice’s decision barring the FDA from making any changes that could reduce the availability of mifepristone in the 17 states that signed on to the lawsuit.
• Amicus brief in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine – Gov. Kotek and 21 other governors filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of abortion rights in Food and Drug Administration, et al., v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine. In this brief, the Reproductive Freedom Alliance governors argued that if the Court reverses FDA approval of mifepristone and limits access to the vital medicine, it could undermine Governors’ ability to provide adequate healthcare services and would have far-reaching implications beyond reproductive healthcare.

“These activities and initiatives demonstrate Oregon’s recognition of reproductive health services as basic and essential health services,” Dr. Hathi said.

Individuals can access free or low-cost reproductive health services at local health departments, Planned Parenthood clinics, federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics across the state. To find a clinic, visit: healthoregon.org/rhclinics, dial 211, or text HEALTH to 898211.

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At 2:45 pm on Monday, June 24, Bend Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported brush fire along the northbound Parkway just north of Butler Market Road.  First arriving crews found a brush fire being pushed to the south by gusty winds.  The progress of the fire was quickly stopped, with railroad tracks to the east and a canal to the south providing natural fire breaks, and the fire was held at ¼ acre.  The Butler Market onramp and the BNSF railroad tracks were closed for fire operations, but have since reopened.  

Upon investigation, it was found that a train had recently passed through the area, traveling to the south.  A small fire along the tracks was also reported in the Redmond area.  BNSF employees stopped and inspected the train and one of the train cars was found to have a locked up brake.  The car was removed from the train at the railyard for repairs and the train continued south.  

Fire season has arrived, do you have a plan in the event of an evacuation?  Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts at https://www.deschutes.org/911/page/sign-deschutes-alerts and create your emergency plan now.  You can find information on how to create your family's emergency plan at https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/fire-and-life-safety-information/emergency-preparedness

Successful listing effort led by Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability with support from Commissioner Carmen Rubio and Oregon’s congressional delegation, led by Congressman Earl Blumenauer

Portland, Ore.— Portlanders have more to celebrate this Pride Month 2024. The National Park Service announced the listing of two new LGBTQ+ sites on the National Register of Historic Places: Erv Lind Field and McMenamins Crystal Hotel (historically Hotel Alma). These listings mark Oregon’s second and third LGBTQ+ National Register designations, following the 2020 designation of the Darcelle XV. With approximately thirty sites nationwide listed in the National Register for LGBTQ+ history, Portland now proudly hosts 10% of these significant designations.

Recognizing the city’s lack of LGBTQ+ history on the National Register, the City of Portland launched the LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project in 2022. This initiative, funded by the National Park Service and the State Historic Preservation Office, prioritized nominating the Crystal Hotel and Erv Lind Field for their significance to diverse LGBTQ+ communities. The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) led the successful efforts to secure these historic designations with the immense support and leadership of Commissioner Carmen Rubio and members of Oregon’s Congressional delegation, particularly Congressman Earl Blumenauer who co-chairs the Congressional Historic Preservation Caucus.

“Portland's lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer communities have a long and complex history that must be preserved for future generations,” said Commissioner Carmen Rubio. “While community historians and scholars have documented this history for many years, the LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project marks our City's first initiative to recognize and protect LGBTQ+ historic sites.”

“For decades, I’ve fought to make Portland America’s most livable city. Protecting our historic places is central to this effort,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer. “The designation of Erv Lind Field and Crystal Hotel to the National Register of Historic Places builds on our endeavor to preserve LGBTQ+ landmarks in Portland—a project started with the successful designation of Darcelle XV as the first LGBTQ+ venue in Portland. It is fitting we add two more landmarks this Pride Month, giving us that much more to celebrate.” 

“Enshrining Erv Lind Field and Crystal Hotel as National Historic sites recognizes the significance these two locations have within Oregon’s LGBTQ+ community,” said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. “I applaud these new classifications, and will continue working to uplift LGBTQ+ history and culture here in Oregon and across the nation.”

“As we work together to build a more equal and just society for our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors in Oregon and across our country, we need to celebrate the work of queer activists and allies who came before us,” said U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, author of the Equality Act. “Adding Erv Lind Field and Crystal Hotel to the National Register of Historic Places is an important step in protecting the history of our LGBTQ+ community in Oregon. Their boundary-breaking work to make Oregon more inclusive in the face of intense prejudice will fortify us in the work to come.”

“Portland has a thriving and vibrant LGBTQ+ community and I’m thrilled to see that their history will be honored by designating Erv Lind Field and Crystal Hotel to the National Register of Historic Places,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Both of these landmarks were important gathering places for LGBTQ+ Portlanders at a time when they faced widespread persecution and discrimination. Oregonians and Portlanders can take pride in the ongoing work and advocacy that help to make our city and state inclusive and welcome to all—no matter who they are or who they love.” 

Erv Lind Field

Erv Lind Field, located in Normandale Park in Portland’s Rose City Park neighborhood, was constructed by the Portland Parks Department (now Portland Parks & Recreation) specifically for the 1948 national softball championship tournament. This field is notable for being the first and only sports facility in Oregon to be constructed primarily for a women’s major-league team of any sport. Home to the national women’s championship team Erv Lind Florists between 1948 and 1964, the field also served as one of the earliest and longest lasting gathering spaces associated with LGBTQ+ Portlanders, diversifying available public spaces during the period referred to as the “Lavender Scare,” when intense anti-LGBTQ+ measures attempted to shut down known LGBTQ+ venues and purge LGBTQ+ employees from civil servant positions. As noted in the National Register nomination, “The achievements of the Erv Lind Florists brought a certain level of pride and star power that was unmatched by another Oregon team.”

“Players and enthusiasts have long known Erv Lind, Dotty Moore Pennant Shop, and all those teams made a place for which Portland stands,” said Fern Wilgus, former softball player on Dottie Moore Pennant Shop’s team and longtime supporter of the nomination. “All can be proud of Portland’s women’s softball history.”

Crystal Hotel

The existing National Register nomination for the historic Hotel Alma, now McMenamin’s Crystal Hotel, was amended to include the building’s LGBTQ+ associations between 1969 and 1985 as an additional basis for its historic significance. The existing nomination briefly noted the building’s multiple LGBTQ+ franchises and connection to the area south of W Burnside, referred to as the “Burnside Triangle,” but did not establish LGBTQ+ history as an area of importance. Now, 15 years after the building’s initial listing in the National Register, the amendment establishes Hotel Alma’s significance as a mixed-use building with multiple LGBTQ+ businesses, such as the Majestic Hotel and Club Baths, which fostered a uniquely welcoming atmosphere in the area during a time when LGBTQ+ Portlanders were “typically shunned or even could be actively persecuted in most spheres of life,” as described in the nomination. 

“This is a sentimental moment, not only for this history project, but for our entire Portland community,” said Jason Damron, LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project advisor and Pacific University Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Sociology & Gender Studies. “For places and spaces like the former Majestic Hotel and Club Baths, we should revel in the diverse ways queer people found each other while facing seemingly insurmountable ignorance and prejudice.”

Preserving Diverse Histories

“LGBTQ+ Portlanders have long been involved in preservation,” said Cayla McGrail, the associate project manager for the LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project. “As a queer preservationist, these listings carry special meaning in pushing the bounds of the National Register of Historic Places to include histories that have been long excluded from official recognition. Portland has now proven to be a leader in advancing the emergent work of celebrating LGBTQ+ history.”

The success of Erv Lind Field’s new nomination and Hotel Alma’s nomination amendment sets examples for future nominations to the National Historic Register in Portland and across the county for recognizing diverse social histories.

About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) develops creative and practical solutions to enhance Portland’s livability, preserve distinctive places and plan for a resilient future. BPS collaborates with community partners to provide comprehensive land use, neighborhood, district, economic, historic and environmental planning, and urban design; research, policy and technical services to advance green building, energy efficiency and the use of solar and renewable energy, waste prevention, composting and recycling, a sustainable food system, digital equity and community technology; and policy and actions to address climate change.

Woodland Middle School Triumphs in Multi Language Learning
Record Number of Students Pass WIDA Exam

Monday, June 24, 2024-Woodland, WA-This year, Woodland Middle School’s dedicated multi language learner (ML) team helped a record number of ML students demonstrate their English fluency by passing the WIDA exam than in any prior year. WIDA, the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment, is known for its rigorous standards in assessing English language proficiency and has become a formidable challenge for students across several states which use the model.

At Woodland Middle School, Pamela Dietrich, ML teacher, and Amy Booker, her paraeducator, led their students to unprecedented success on the WIDA exam. This year, more students at Woodland Middle passed the WIDA than ever before, a testament to the duo's innovative approach and relentless dedication.

To ensure each of the team’s 90 students receives the proper attention, Dietrich meets with the ML teachers from both of Woodland’s elementary schools at the start of the year to review each student’s status. “There are several different levels of proficiency for new students,” explained Dietrich. “Some might not know any English at all while others may be bilingual but still struggle with certain words.”

Analyzing past WIDA scores allows Dietrich to tailor her teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of her students, categorized as newcomers, mid-level bilinguals, or advanced learners. “Woodland’s ML teachers are passionate and amazing which is important because teamwork between all four of us across the district is critical for our students’ success,” said Dietrich. “The strong collaboration with three other multilingual teachers helps create a unified front to ensure we elevate language learning for our Spanish-speakers in every grade.”

In addition to classroom lessons, the entire staff schoolwide works as a team to demonstrate inclusivity shone through various initiatives. “I work with my students’ other teachers so we can create the necessary accommodations for areas where there might be language barriers,” said Dietrich. “For example, some students’ families cannot speak English, so our teachers make sure the homework they assign isn’t teaching a new lesson where our ML students cannot have parental assistance; instead, the assignment will focus on reinforcing a lesson taught in class.”

Woodland’s schools also ensure all documents are provided in both English and Spanish. The middle school has a bilingual secretary who has made a huge difference for Spanish-speaking families, “Spanish-speaking families now have someone who they can talk to in their natural language,” said Dietrich. “Maria has been amazing to help enhance the inclusive environment the school fosters.”

During the 2022-23 school year, Woodland Public Schools adopted a messaging application called Talking Points which allows teachers and families to directly message each other.  “The application’s auto-translation feature became a game-changer, bridging the communication gap between school and home,” said Dietrich. “Talking Points enabled Spanish-speaking families to stay informed about homework and school events, and the app even reads messages aloud for family members who might not be literate.”

Having helped her children’s father earn his American citizenship, Dietrich’s personal connection to the immigrant experience enriched her teaching and makes her a relatable and trusted figure for her students. “I openly discuss the challenges navigating the immigration process with my students so they know they can talk to me whenever their family may encounter difficulty with the process,” she said. “I’m an open book with my students so I can be a safe person for them to talk about whatever they’re going through.”

The school's innovative use of technology, such as iPads with translation capabilities, and Amy's multilingual support in classrooms, further empowered newcomers to acclimate and thrive. “The iPads will translate what an English-speaking teacher is saying in real-time which allows ML students who aren’t fluent, yet, to attend their classes,” said Dietrich. “Amy will also join ML students in their classes and team-teach wherever necessary, so our students receive the support they need throughout the day.”

Dietrich started teaching in Woodland over 20 years ago as a long-term elementary substitute teacher, but her dream job had always been to become a multilingual teacher. After teaching kindergarten, sixth grade and fourth grade, Dietrich earned her master’s degree in multilingual teaching. “That was my ultimate goal so I could be prepared to take on a multilingual teaching position if one became available,” she said. That time finally arrived seven years ago when the ML teacher at Woodland Middle School left and Dietrich took over the position.

In addition to earning higher degrees, Dietrich has traveled to many Spanish-speaking countries to participate in Spanish Immersion programs. “So far, I have visited Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico and will be visiting Honduras this summer,” she said. “I plan to study Spanish in as many Spanish-speaking countries as possible!”

When Dietrich takes part in the programs, she stays with a local host family so she can learn more about the country and its culture including norms, food, and family dynamics. “I specifically target countries where my students are from,” she explained. “I incorporate my students into helping with my trip-planning, too!”

Dietrich’s journey from a long-term substitute to achieving her dream job as a multilingual teacher is a story of passion and perseverance. Her vision for an inclusive model that supports students within the general education classroom while still providing intense WIDA preparation is set to continue next year.

Booker grew up in Brazil and decided to try working as a paraeducator when her husband urged her. “My husband tries to help me get out of my comfort zone and he really wanted me to find my passion,” she said. “I remember when I attended school in Brazil, I spent the first two years not talking to anyone – commonly known as the ‘Silent Phase.’ I’m able to incorporate my experience to help our newcomers adapt more quickly.”

Booker soon discovered she shared Dietrich’s love of ML teaching. “I want our students to feel safe, comfortable, and excited to learn,” she said. “I’ve discovered my passion is helping students connect, learn, and thrive.”

The success story of Woodland's multilingual program is not just about passing assessments; it's about building a community that values and leverages linguistic diversity. Dietrich, Booker, and the rest of Woodland’s ML team have created a nurturing environment where being "linguistically gifted" is celebrated, and where every student is given the opportunity to excel.

Learn more about how Woodland Public Schools educates our students and serves the community by visiting our dedicated news webpage at www.woodlandschools.org/news/wsd 

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At 11:42 a.m. today, neighbors called 911 to report a fire in the back of a home on the 1100 block of SE Baseline Street spreading quickly. Neighbors attempted to extinguish the fire, while others nearby tried to help evacuate the residence. Callers to 911 reported hearing explosions, but it was unconfirmed about what callers had heard. Given the information reported to 911, the call was upgraded to a first alarm to bring additional firefighting resources. 

Engine 1 arrived and quickly deployed firefighting hoses to the rear of the home to extinguish the fire. Firefighters confirmed that the fire had not extended into the house as reported to 911 and was contained to the home's backyard. When the second fire engine, Engine 5, arrived, they found one adult patient outside in front of the house who was reported to be in cardiac arrest. Firefighter paramedics from Engine 5, Truck 5, and AMR paramedics assessed the patient, quickly loaded the patient into the ambulance, and transported the patient to the hospital with life-threatening symptoms. No other injuries were reported.

Firefighters extinguished the backyard fire quickly and spent additional time overhauling it and putting out hot spots. They searched the home and confirmed that no one was inside. 

A Hillsboro Fire investigator responded to the incident, and a fire investigation is ongoing. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.  

A public safety chaplain responded to the scene to support and assist the residents and neighbors impacted by the fire.  

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue was assisted by Hillsboro Police, AMR Ambulance, Cornelius Fire Department, and Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains. 

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Thursday, July 11, 2024, 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson Street, Vancouver, WA 98661

Free admission. Delicious tacos and tasty beverages available for purchase from Bribe my Belly mobile food truck and Hot to Trot Mobile Beverage Bar. Local favorite Fadin' by 9 brings some fantastic bluegrass vibes (www.fadinby9.com). Limited seating provided but feel free to bring along a lawn chair or picnic blanket. Bring along ID if visiting the 21 and over beer garden.

Visit thehistorictrust.org/calendar or VancouverSummerFest.com for information on future concerts and other fun summer events. 

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on June 21, 2024, at 5:13 p.m., Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a single vehicle had crashed into Foster Lake and was fully submerged. 

Upon arrival, Deputies found a 1997 Toyota 4Runner submerged in the lake with an unknown number of occupants. Witnesses, Sweet Home Fire Department and Deputies attempted to locate occupants and initial efforts were unsuccessful. Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team responded and located a single occupant, identified as Robert Anderson, 22, of Sweet Home deceased in the vehicle. 

Deputies learned Anderson was traveling west on North River when the vehicle struck the embankment on the north side of the road. This caused the Toyota to overturn before entering the lake. At this time, it is unknown what caused Anderson to initially leave the roadway.  The investigation is ongoing, and Deputies are looking into contributing factors. 

The Multi-Agency Investigation Team (MAIT) and Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team were called to assist with the investigation, including the recovery of the vehicle. Deputies were also assisted by Sweet Home Fire Department, the Sweet Home Police Department, and Linn County Road Department.  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 967-3950. 

The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services today announced that eight community groups have been selected to receive this year’s round of Community Watershed Stewardship Program (CWSP) grants to restore the natural environment, develop leadership skills in underserved communities, and create positive change in neighborhoods and open spaces.

Portland City Council earlier this month approved the program’s budget that awards a total of $100,000 in grants each fiscal year for the next five years.

"I am proud of Environmental Services’ approach to watershed health,” said Commissioner Mingus Mapps. “These grants connect past, present, and future generations to the careful stewardship and conservation of our land and water resources.”

This round of annual grants begins July 1 and builds on the program’s 30-year history that has invested $2.1 million to support more than 340 community-led projects. The Environmental Services’ program is operated in partnership with Portland State University’s Indigenous Nations Studies Department.

“As Portlanders, we are deeply connected to our natural spaces,” said Environmental Services Director Dawn Uchiyama. “The Community Watershed Stewardship Program engages youth from underserved communities to gain leadership skills, build connections between people and nature, and restore the natural systems that soak up stormwater and provide multiple other benefits in the neighborhoods where we live.”

Uchiyama hailed one of last year’s grant recipients for a project completed this month. Khanh Le, project manager with Division Midway Alliance, engaged refugee youth in East Portland through workshops about the importance of watersheds, led a natural area field trip, a neighborhood cleanup, and worked with a local artist who led the youth in creating a mural at their office. “This is a program that creates a lasting impact on young lives and an enduring impact to the community,” she said.

This fiscal year’s grant recipients are:

·      Love is Stronger will lead youth in natural area stewardship, paddling, and environmental education, and offer stipends to engage youth in building lasting stewardship skills.

·       Friends of Tryon Creek will work on an Indigenous Technical Ecological and Cultural Knowledge (ITECK)-centered stream restoration project. The group will engage their youth workforce, as well as participants from two other non-profits - the Blueprint Foundation and Wisdom of the Elders. They will work together to gain skills while improving stream conditions to help young salmon return to the upper reaches of Tryon Creek.

·       Portland Refugee Support Group will hold workshops with a new cohort of refugee students who will learn plant identification and stewardship techniques that improve watershed health. 

·       ELSO Inc. will train a cohort of Black youth in culturally relevant watershed science, in preparation to share that knowledge with younger youth at camp and after-school settings.

·       Peninsula School will replace asphalt and install an outdoor science and nature play space. The project will include working with Harper’s Playground and Elbow Room to emphasize an accessible design.

·      Community Pulse will lead stormwater and river protection education workshops for Slavic immigrant youth. Partnerships include the Slavic Community Center of Northwest.

·      Salmon Watch will offer hands-on education programming that teaches the life cycle of salmon, environmental stewardship, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

·      Bridgeport Church will provide a garden and stewardship space for environmental education, and community gathering for newly sheltered residents and neighbors. Partners include Beacon PDX and Growing Gardens.

Find out more about the Community Watershed Stewardship Program at portland.gov/BES/CWSP

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

• The updated intersection and traffic signal will open to the public on July 1. Go to McGilchrist Street SE to learn more.
• The next phase of construction will close McGilchrist from 22^nd Street to 19^th Street for installation of a new culvert supporting Pringle Creek.
• Businesses in the area will remain open and can be accessed by 19^th Street or 22^nd Street.

Salem, Ore. — In a major milestone for the McGilchrist Street project, the intersection at 22^nd Street and McGilchrist Street will open to travelers on July 1, 2024. The updated intersection will provide better connections along 22^nd Street from Mission Street SE to Madrona Street SE. 

The project is partially funded of the 2022 Safety and Livability Bond to enhance traffic flow, improve stormwater infrastructure, and increase pedestrian safety throughout the important corridor. 

The project isn’t finished  yet! A new closure on McGilchrist Street SE, between 19^th Street SE and 22^nd Street SE, will take effect on July 1, 2024.

The closure is necessary to replace the culvert for the east fork of Pringle Creek. The culvert is being replaced to mitigate flooding issues in the area during heavy rains. Business access will be available from 19^th Street SE or 22^nd Street SE while the project is underway.

Details:

Location: McGilchrist Street SE at 22^nd Street SE to 19^th Street SE

Date and Time: Monday, July 1, 2024, continuing to the Fall of 2024.

Affected Areas: The McGilchrist Street closure will include travel lanes and sidewalks within 650 feet of the intersection.

Caution: Drivers are urged to use 12^th Street, 25^th Street, 22^nd Street, Madrona Street, and Mission Street to access businesses in the area or as detours.

Find details about the McGilchrist Street Project or other Safety and Livability Bond Projects at the City of Salem’s website. 

The Active Construction Map provides up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem.  

To report issues, contact the City of Salem’s Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6211 or vice@cityofsalem.net">service@cityofsalem.net.

PF&R and DCMA host David Campbell Memorial Ceremony
Media Invitation

• David Campbell Memorial Ceremony
• 10 AM
• June 26
• Firefighter section of Lone Fir Cemetery – 649 SE 26th

Portland Fire & Rescue along with the David Campbell Memorial Association (DCMA) will host the annual David Campbell Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday June 26 in the Firefighter Section of the Lone Fir Cemetery located at 649 SE 26^th at 10 AM. This event honors the 77 Portland Firefighters who have died while serving the City of Portland. In addition to the traditional ceremonious tolling of the bells for each member that passed away, there will be some significant awards presented by the DCMA for outstanding valor over the past year for members that were on duty along with recognizing a member for their off-duty valor.

The David Campbell Memorial Association is the caretaker of the legacy and memory of Portland Firefighters who have given their lives in service to the citizens of Portland, Oregon. Chief Campbell died in the collapse of the Union Oil Plant building as a result of a fire. Chief Campbell recognized the danger to the members on the inside as they battled the blaze while in command on the outside of the building. He borrowed a coat, entered the structure, successfully evacuated all Portland Firefighters on the interior prior to the collapse of the building which took his life. The DCMA was established in 1913, two years after the death of Fire Chief David Campbell.  Their goal was to safeguard the memory of Chief Campbell and award medals of valor for acts of bravery by Portland Firefighters that exemplified Chief Campbell himself.  

The on-duty valor award named in honor of Fire Chief Campbell will be awarded this year to a member that exhibited incredible bravery on a residential fire. The David Kingsley Award, recognizing a member for their off-duty valor will also be presented this year with members of the Kingsley Family present. David Kingsley, like Campbell, in a remarkably selfless act during WWll, gave his parachute to a fellow squadron member so they could survive an imminent plane crash while Kingsley rode the plane into the ground. These awards are not given out each year, so to have both the Campbell and the Kingsley presented is quite remarkable. Additionally, this will be the first occasion of the Kingsley Family being present since our discovery of his niece living in the Portland Metro Region last year. There will also be parchment awards presented to three different stations for work performed on a fire where 28 residents were saved from a fire at a care facility.

The location this year will be in the Firefighter Section of the Lone Fir Cemetery. With significant vandalism to the David Campbell Memorial within Portland Firefighters Park on W. Burnside, the event will be held at Lone Fir. DCMA is in talks with the City of Portland and in the process of raising funds to repair and upgrade the park and memorial.

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DOWNLOAD PRESS KIT: https://bit.ly/fountainofcreativity 

Portland, OR — Arlene Schnitzer was quoted as saying “a city without an art community has no soul.” A new exhibition opening at the Oregon Historical Society on June 28, A Fountain of Creativity: 20th Century Northwest Artists and the Legacy of Arlene Schnitzer, honors Schnitzer’s influence on the history of Portland. The exhibition includes a range of bold, evocative, and influential works created by Pacific Northwest artists from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation — many of which will be on public display for the first time. 

Featuring notable artists such as Louis Bunce, Carl Morris, Hilda Morris, Mike Russo, and Mel Katz, this original installation, which will be debuted in two parts, reflects the enduring legacy of Arlene Schnitzer and the Fountain Gallery and the ways that her work has helped feed the soul of Portland and of arts and culture across the state.

During the late twentieth century, the arts community in Oregon was small, isolated, and offered few opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their work. While the Portland community valued public engagement with arts and culture, establishing an art museum, symphony, and a public library, local artists were isolated from the wider national art community due to a lack of commercial gallery space to show and sell their work.

Decades later in 1961, Arlene Schnitzer, along with her mother Helen Director and friend Edna Brigham, started the Fountain Gallery. The commercial art gallery, named after its location near the Skidmore Fountain, became a hub for Pacific Northwest modern artists and helped raise the status of the Portland art scene.

“I’m happy that the Oregon Historical Society wanted to share my mother’s legacy with old friends and many new citizens,” said collector, philanthropist, and son of Arlene Schnitzer, Jordan D. Schnitzer. “Focusing on my late mother Arlene Schnitzer’s Fountain Gallery — the first contemporary art gallery in Portland — these artists’ voices, embodied in their art, inspire us, challenge us, and tell the story of contemporary art in our community.”

Jordan Schnitzer purchased his first work of art when he was 14 years old from the Fountain Gallery. It was through Arlene Schnitzer and the Fountain Gallery that his initial acquisition turned into a lifelong pursuit to collect, share, and promote the visual arts. Jordan Schnitzer is now recognized as one of the Top 200 Collectors globally (ArtNews). His collection, consisting of more than 22,000 works, functions as a living archive to preserve art for future generations and share it with the public through groundbreaking exhibitions, publications, and programs.

The first part of this two-part exhibition will debut on June 28, 2024, and will run through January 2, 2025. It will feature artworks from 1915 into the early 1960s and will provide cultural and historical context on the Pacific Northwest arts scene prior to the opening of the Fountain Gallery in 1961. The second part, on view from October 25, 2024, through May 4, 2025, will highlight many of the artists who worked closely with Arlene Schnitzer throughout the Fountain Gallery’s 25 years supporting the local arts scene.

“Art gives you a different perspective on history,” says OHS Curator of Exhibitions Megan Lallier-Barron, “People’s lived experiences at a point in time are captured and preserved in art and allow us a means for reflection and interpretation in the present.”

The Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open daily in downtown Portland, from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday. Admission is free every day for youth 17 and under, OHS members, and residents of Multnomah County. Learn more and plan your visit at ohs.org/visit.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For 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 rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view. 

About the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation
Founded in 1997, the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation collection, one of the most notable in North America, functions as a living archive to preserve art for future generations and share it with the public through groundbreaking exhibitions, publications, and programs. Today, the Foundation has organized over 160 exhibitions and has loaned thousands of works to over 120 museums, dramatically improving access to art, especially in underserved communities. 

Union County, Ore. 22 June 24- On Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 4:20 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy 203, near milepost 7, in Union County.

The preliminary investigation indicated Ford Explorer, operated by William Justin Curtiss (38) of Union, left it's lane of travel for unknown reasons, overcorrected across the roadway and struck a bridge abutment. The Ford rolled several times, ejecting the operator, before coming to rest along the shoulder of the highway.

The operator of the Ford (Curtiss) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Union County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.

# # #

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

This year’s 4^th of July Pilot Butte public fireworks display will commence at approximately 10pm on Tuesday, July 4^th, 2024.  In preparation, the Oregon State Parks Department and Bend Fire & Rescue ask that the community observe the following restrictions to Pilot Butte State Park from July 1^st through July 5^th. 

• The access road to the summit will be closed to all vehicle traffic. The gate closes at 10pm on June 30^th as part of the normal park operations. It will remain closed until the afternoon of July 5^th due to fireworks operations. 
• All the trails and roadways will be accessible to pedestrians only starting 10:00 pm on June 30^th. With the exception of the summit, which will be closed to all but authorized personnel and equipment. Please respect the barriers that will be placed across the road and pathways to prevent access to the summit. This is for everyone’s safety and security. 
• Access to ALL trails and roadways (top to bottom) on Pilot Butte will be closed on July 4th at sun up through the afternoon of July 5th. No access will be permitted with security and law enforcement on site to enforce restrictions. This is for the safety of the set-up crews and visitors to the park. The area will reopen when the clean-up process has been completed. 
• Signs/fences and security will be placed at the closure points on the Butte. Please respect the closed areas and do not attempt entry, for your own safety and the safety of those working to set up the fireworks. Visitors will NOT be allowed into the closed areas at any time.
• The main parking area at the base of Pilot Butte, off Linnea Drive, will be open during the fireworks show. But we ask that you do not block any emergency access roads or public/private streets, as this can delay a response to an emergency.
• Pilot Butte will re-open for all pedestrian visitors the afternoon of July 5^th after all fireworks and equipment have been secured and removed from the site. 
• Oregon State Parks and Bend Fire & Rescue remind everyone that pets are not permitted in the park during the show.  

The fireworks are presented each year as a gift to the community from Subaru of Bend and their partners. Thanks also to the local Scout troops that help clean up the fireworks each year after the show. A huge thank you to the local fire crews from the US Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry for assisting with the fire safety on the butte during the show. Without their support each year this show would not be possible.

For more information, please contact Oregon State Parks at (541) 388-6055 
or Bend Fire & Rescue at (541) 322-6386.

Longview, WA.  Units from Longview Fire Department, Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue, Medix Ambulance, and Longview Police responded to the report of a building fire in the 300 block of Oregon Way late Sunday evening.  Bystanders reported windows blowing out and flames extending to the roof. 

Longview Fire arrived to find a small commercial occupancy heavily involved in fire.  Crews positioned hose lines in a defensive position to fight fire from the exterior while protecting the neighboring buildings from the extending flames.  Units from Cowlitz 2 arrived and worked with Longview Fire to force-entry through exterior steel doors, allowing for the fire to be extinguished.  Crews determined the occupancy was safe for entry to extinguish any hotspots and to begin their investigation. 

“This is an example of a high-risk situation outside of our normal residential fires,” stated Longview Fire Battalion Chief Matt Amos.  “The fire was allowed to burn for an extended period of time due to no indicators to alert the passing public.”  Chief Amos credited the coordination of resources that minimized the impact on the community. 

ServPro provided board-up services to ensure the occupancy was secure until the owner could return to the scene the following day. No injuries were reported.  The fire is still under investigation by Longview Fire’s Investigation Team.

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Evergreen Virtual Academy - 06/24/24
 

EVERGREEN VIRTUAL ACADEMY NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS JUNE 25, 2024, 6:30PMEvergreen Virtual Academy Board Members are Hereby notified that a Work Session of the Board Will be held via Zoom Webinar athttps://evergreenvirtual-org.zoom.us/j/86346138790
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE: June 23, 2024 

CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

Fourth suspect in animal abuse case arrested 

Update 06/23/2024 | 9:00 p.m. 

Over the weekend, Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit detectives took into custody the fourth suspect involved in the killing of a cat in a southeast Salem neighborhood.  

Officers responded to the call of the shooting death of a family pet in the early morning hours of May 10. The family’s video surveillance captured a recording of the animal’s killing. 

In the weeks following the incident, three juvenile suspects (ages 15, 17, and 17) were identified and faced criminal proceedings in juvenile court.  

On Saturday afternoon, June 22, the suspect determined to be the shooter was arrested at his residence without incident. The 16-year-old male juvenile was lodged at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center on the charge of first-degree aggravated animal abuse. 

All further inquiries concerning any of the juvenile arrests must be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

# # #

Additional juvenile in custody

Update 06/12/2024 | 8:00 p.m.

Today, Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit detectives arrested another juvenile in the animal abuse case. 

A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody at his residence in northeast Salem on the following charges:

• Aggravated animal abuse, first-degree
• Tampering with evidence
• Interfering with a peace officer

The juvenile was transported to the Marion County Juvenile Department. The case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information about the case can call the Salem Police Tips Line at 503‑588‑8477.

All further inquiries concerning any of the juvenile arrests made to date must be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

# # #

Originally published 06/05/2024 | 3:15 p.m.

Juveniles involved in animal abuse case referred to detention

Salem, Ore. — In the early morning hours of Friday, May 10, officers responded to the report of a cat that was shot and killed in the 2200 block of Lee ST SE. A surveillance system recorded the incident showing several suspects involved. 

The case received much attention from the community after the cat’s owner released a video of several suspects with their pet. The recording showed one of the individuals shooting the cat several times.

Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit detectives have identified two local teens connected to that incident. The male juveniles, each 17 years of age, were referred to the Marion County Juvenile Department on Tuesday, June 4, each charged with first-degree aggravated animal abuse. One of the teens was also referred on the charge of evidence tampering.

Detectives have been investigating this incident and interviewed multiple individuals. However, the suspect who shot the animal remains unidentified and the weapon has not been recovered.

Initially, some tips were received, and detectives again ask for the public’s help to identify the primary suspect. Those with information about the case can call the Salem Police Tips Line at 503-588-8477.

# # #

News outlets: This media release is available in Spanish here.

On Sunday, June 23, 2024, shortly before 1:00 a.m., law enforcement personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 5500 Block of Skyline Rd SE in Salem after a 911 caller reported a juvenile had been shot.

Attempts to provide emergency medical assistance to the juvenile were not successful, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. The (16) year old juvenile's name will not be released.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Detectives identified David Ayon-Urbano (18) of Salem as the suspect in this investigation. He was arrested for Murder in the Second Degree and additional charges. He is scheduled for arraignment on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Court Annex. 

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Salem Police Department for their assistance and all the detective’s investigative work. All further inquiries will be handled by the Marion County District Attorney's Office

Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call Detective Jessica Van Horn at (503)584-6211. 

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The Multnomah Education Service District Board Equity and Inclusion Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/88959711460?pwd=unuDAaMrMIHcRtB41oj8mWRrLDy5KN.1
Passcode: 213378

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Steven Dietrich Illmann, died June 22, 2024. Illmann was incarcerated at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) in Madras and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the medical examiner will determine cause of death.

Illmann entered DOC custody on June 16, 2022, from Lane County with an earliest release date of August 31, 2026. Illmann was 60 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 14,500 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 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.

Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) is located four miles east of Madras in central Oregon. DRCI is a multi-custody prison that currently houses 947 minimum-custody incarcerated adults. DRCI provides a range of correctional programs and services including education and trades programs, mental health treatment, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work crews. Construction began in October 2005 with the first minimum-security adults in custody (AICs) arriving in September 2007. DRCI is the largest minimum-custody facility in the state.

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On the evening of June 22, 2024, at 20:07, Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to the intersection of Lower River Road and NW Gateway for a reported motor vehicle accident.   On arrival, fire crews found a serious accident involving two cars.   One car had gone off the roadway and down a steep embankment, fire fighters used ladders to access this car. Using mechanical extrication tools, one female had to be cut from the car that had gone down the embankment.  American Medical Response ambulances transported one female and one male patient, both in serious condition to area hospitals.   In total, Vancouver Fire had two engines, two ladder trucks, one heavy rescue and one battalion chief one scene for a total of 15 fire personal.  Vancouver Police Department is investigating the accident. 

On Monday June 17th, 2024, the Sandy Police Department partnered with Fred Meyer loss prevention officers to conduct a retail theft sting at the Sandy Fred Meyer.

Five arrests were made, three of which also had outstanding warrants for their arrest.

• Ms. Jenny Van Norden, age 52 of Eagle Creek, OR  - Theft in the Second Degree
• Mr. Diego Paleo, age 20 of Boring, OR - Theft in the Third Degree
• Mr. Mark Shearman, age 43 of Portland, OR - Outstanding Multnomah County Warrant
• Ms. Nicole Detroit, age 35 transient - Theft in the Second Degree and Felony Warrant for Forgery in the First Degree out of Linn County.
• Mr. Shane Dunford, age 38 of Oregon City - Outstanding Gladstone Municipal Warrant. 

This mission spanned five hours, netting the five arrests. 

The Sandy Police Department participates in these shoplifting details to help deter retail theft in our community. Outside of these planned stings, SPD officers work closely with employees of local retail establishments to respond to and address any theft.

Theft, of any amount, is against the law. 

“The Sandy Police Department's mission is to fulfill the law enforcement needs of the people with the highest degree of fairness, professionalism and integrity, and protect the inherent rights of the people to live in freedom and safety.”

—

(Medford, Ore.) - Providence Medford Medical Center has canceled the bargaining session with the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) scheduled for June 24, 2024. The bargaining session was intended to include a federal mediator but, when no mediator was available, ONA nurses offered to meet with Providence Medford executives anyway, seeking to make progress on a fair contract as soon as possible.  

According to an email sent to ONA representatives on June 21, Providence decided not to participate in the bargaining session without the mediator and instead wants to reschedule for mid to late July.

“Providence has consistently accused ONA of canceling bargaining dates in the press, but here we see Providence doing the same thing they accuse nurses of doing,” said ONA Chief of Staff Scott Palmer. “Our nurses engaged in a good faith effort to continue working towards a resolution and a fair contract, but Providence said no.”

Hundreds of nurses and supporters have been gathered outside Providence Medford for the past 5 days, rallying for fair treatment and better working conditions. Despite the hardships imposed by both the three-day strike and the illegal two-day lockout, nurses have stood ready to return to the negotiating table in good faith.  

ONA remains committed to seeking a fair contract and we will respond to Providence’s request to push bargaining back to July once we have determined our bargaining team’s availability.  

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of 20,000 nurses, and health care 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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