SEATTLE – On Friday, August 21, 2026, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will join Facing Fentanyl, to unite families, communities, and organizations across the country in recognizing National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the national observance which honors and remembers the lives lost to fentanyl poisoning.

This year’s theme, “Power of the Parent,” recognizes the critical role parents and families play in shaping conversations, raising awareness, and helping protect loved ones. Their voices make a meaningful impact: One Nation. One Fight. Facing Fentanyl. Together.

This day serves as a nationwide call to action to increase awareness to the highly addictive and dangerous drugs containing fentanyl that continue to drive the opioid epidemic and take lives.

Fentanyl-related deaths have declined over the past several years, yet fentanyl remains the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45 years old. Last year, DEA intensified its fight against the deadly threat of synthetic opioids with the launch of its Fentanyl Free America initiative.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration held its inaugural Fentanyl Free America Summit in Orlando, Florida, last month including leaders in law enforcement, prevention, public health, education, recovery, faith communities, and more than 350 youth – to strengthen the nation’s coordinated response to the fentanyl crisis. 

The Fentanyl Free America Awards recognize individuals and organizations, nominated by their peers, for their important work in support of one or more of the three pillars of the Fentanyl Free America Campaign: Protect, Prevent, and Support.

• Protect by disrupting criminal organizations, maintaining a secure controlled substance supply chain, and strengthening public partnerships.
• Prevent overdose and poisoning deaths by expanding evidence-based education, empowering youth leaders, and building sustainable community prevention capacity.
• Support the families and loved ones impacted by fentanyl, engage faith-based communities, and ensure those affected by substance use have pathways to hope and healing. 

This year’s Fentanyl Free America Award recipients included two Pacific Northwest mothers who lost their children to fentanyl poisoning. These awardees have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and measurable impact in protecting communities from the deadly effects of illicit fentanyl. 

Sandy Snodgrass and Alaska Fentanyl Response won the organization award for Excellence in Prevention.

Alaska Fentanyl Response is a nationally recognized leader in fentanyl prevention, education, and advocacy whose impact has transformed communities across Alaska and beyond. Founded by clinical psychologist Sandy Snodgrass following the tragic loss of her son, Bruce Snodgrass, to fentanyl poisoning in 2021, Alaska Fentanyl Response has turned personal tragedy into a powerful movement for prevention, education, legislative action, and youth intervention. Sandy Snodgrass has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in the fight against illicit fentanyl by building one of the most impactful grassroots prevention efforts in the country. Drawing on her professional background as a clinical psychologist and her personal experience as a grieving mother, Sandy has developed and delivered science-informed prevention messaging that resonates with students, families, educators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers alike. In partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the organization has delivered more than 50 “One Pill Can Kill” presentations across over 30 schools, directly reaching more than 20,000 students throughout Alaska. These presentations educate middle and high school students about the dangers of counterfeit pills, fentanyl-laced illicit drugs, overdose prevention, and life-saving intervention strategies. Sandy works regularly with the DEA, local government leaders, U.S. Senators, the Alaska Governor, educators, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations to strengthen prevention infrastructure throughout the state. These partnerships have amplified the organization’s reach and ensured that prevention efforts are coordinated, strategic, and sustainable. Perhaps the organization’s most historic achievement is the passage of Bruce’s Law, named in honor of Sandy’s son. After years of tireless advocacy by Sandy and Alaska Fentanyl Response, the legislation was signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2025. Bruce’s Law authorizes a national public education campaign through the Department of Health and Human Services, establishes a federal interagency working group to improve overdose response, supports prevention education in schools, expands Naloxone access, and provides grant funding to community coalitions nationwide. Through measurable outcomes including over 20,000 students reached, statewide coalition development, federal policy advancement, and increased awareness of Narcan accessibility, Alaska Fentanyl Response has established itself as a model for fentanyl prevention in America. For its visionary leadership, youth engagement, collaborative partnerships, and measurable impact, they are deserving of the Fentanyl Free America Prevention Award. 

Laura Lynch, of Bellevue, Washington won the individual award for Excellence in Prevention.

Laura Lynch has emerged as one of Washington state’s most courageous and influential voices in fentanyl prevention, turning unimaginable personal tragedy into a mission that is saving lives, educating communities, and shaping public policy. Following the devastating loss of her 18-year-old daughter, Brillion Lynch, to fentanyl poisoning, Laura made the extraordinary decision to transform her grief into action. Laura has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fentanyl prevention by helping develop and deliver evidence-based education initiatives focused on the dangers of counterfeit pills and illicit fentanyl. Working closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division, Laura has become a trusted partner in one of the region’s most impactful public awareness campaigns. Alongside DEA Seattle leadership, including Special Agent in Charge Robert Saccone and Community Outreach Specialist Marcus Pickett, Laura has helped deliver more than 25 “One Pill Can Kill” presentations across over 20 public and private schools throughout Western Washington, directly educating more than 30,000 students. By sharing Brillion’s story, she helps students and parents understand that fentanyl poisoning is not an abstract crisis, it is a deadly reality impacting families in every community. She has presented to youth organizations, including local leadership groups such as Young Men's Service League, participated in DEA Seattle’s Family Summits on Fentanyl, and spoken to community coalitions, parents, educators, and civic leaders throughout Washington state. Laura has also built meaningful partnerships across education, public health, law enforcement, media, and government. She has worked tirelessly with U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to advocate for stronger federal legislation designed to protect families from fentanyl and other illicit substances. Her willingness to engage policymakers at the highest levels has helped elevate fentanyl prevention as a legislative priority. Her advocacy has also reached thousands through media awareness efforts. Laura has appeared in more than five local television news features, in addition to coverage from major regional media outlets, helping to amplify prevention messaging to families throughout the Pacific Northwest. Through measurable outcomes including more than 30,000 students reached, more than 25 prevention presentations delivered, statewide coalition building, national advocacy, and legislative engagement, Laura Lynch has demonstrated extraordinary impact. Her courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication have made her one of America’s most effective voices in fentanyl prevention, deserving of the Fentanyl Free America Prevention Award.

Submissions for all the nominees and award recipients can be found at https://www.dea.gov/fentanyl-free-america-awards. 

While overdose deaths continue to trend downward nationally, leaders throughout the summit emphasized that progress is not victory. Sustaining that momentum will require continued enforcement against terrorist drug cartels, investment in community-based prevention, support for recovery, and strong partnerships across every sector. 

DEA urges the public to remain cognizant of the extreme threat of fentanyl in our communities:

• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. 
• Just two milligrams, the equivalent of a few grains of salt, is a potentially lethal dose.
• The Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG, both designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations in 2025, are pressing fentanyl into counterfeit pills that look like prescription medications – such as oxycodone, Xanax, and Percocet – as well as mixing fentanyl powder with cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. 
• Many of the people poisoned by fentanyl had no idea they were even taking it.
• The only safe medications are ones that come from licensed and accredited medical professionals.

The DEA Museum and Faces of Fentanyl memorial exhibit are located at 700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Va., 22202. There is metered street parking around the building and a parking garage at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City across the street. 

If you would like to submit a photo of a loved one lost to fentanyl, please visit the Faces of Fentanyl web page, click on Add a Photo to the Exhibit | Faces of Fentanyl and follow the instructions.

For more information about fentanyl and how you can join the fight, visit Fentanyl Free America | DEA.gov and One Pill Can Kill. DEA resources are all available for public use. 

Help spread awareness about the dangers of fentanyl by posting a photo on social media using the hashtag #FentanylAwarenessDay.

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Beaverton Police detectives have arrested a Portland man in connection with an August 4th stabbing that left a 30-year-old man critically injured.

On August 4, 2026, at approximately 5:15 a.m., Beaverton Police officers responded to the area of SW 107th Avenue and SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway following reports of a stabbing.

Investigators determined the victim was stabbed following a confrontation with an individual associated with a dark gray Honda Odyssey. The victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Following an extensive investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 28-year-old Cory M. Klein of Portland.

On Thursday, August 13, Beaverton Police investigators located and arrested Klein in Southeast Portland. Investigators also located the 2006 dark gray Honda Odyssey believed to be associated with the incident.

On August 19, 2026, a Washington County grand jury indicted Klein on the following charges:

• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree
• Assault in the First Degree
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Klein remains in custody at the Washington County Jail at the time of this release.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Brian Loose at 503-526-2280 or loose@beavertonoregon.gov">bloose@beavertonoregon.gov.

Original Release

Released: August 12, 2026

Case No: 26-2160121

Beaverton Police Seek Public’s Help Following Stabbing Investigation

The Beaverton Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance as detectives investigate a stabbing that left one man critically injured last Tuesday morning.

On August 4, 2026, at approximately 5:15 a.m., officers responded to the area of SW 107th Avenue and SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway following reports of a stabbing.

The preliminary investigation indicates a 30-year-old man was stabbed after a confrontation with an individual associated with a silver van. The associated van is believed to be an early 2000’s silver colored Honda Odyssey.

The victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition.

Detectives are working to identify the suspect and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about the vehicle involved to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Brian Loose at 503-526-2280 or loose@beavertonoregon.gov">bloose@beavertonoregon.gov.

The Beaverton Police Department is working with the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office following the discovery of a vehicle associated with two Beaverton men who have been missing since September 2025.

The missing men are Eddie Curtis Hair, 67, and Scott Jon Smith, 68, who were last known to be traveling together in late September of 2025. Hair and Smith, who were close friends, were believed to be preparing for an outdoor trip involving camping, hiking, or searching for rare rocks.

On August 14, 2026, loggers working in the Jones Creek area off Highway 6 located a vehicle that appeared to have left the roadway and rolled down a steep hillside.

The vehicle was identified as the red 2005 Jeep Wrangler associated with Hair and Smith.

Human skeletal remains were located with the vehicle. Based on the information currently available, investigators believe the remains are likely those of Hair and Smith. Official identification of the remains has not yet been completed.

According to the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office the location and condition of the vehicle are consistent with a motor vehicle crash. The vehicle sustained significant damage after leaving the roadway, with debris located throughout the surrounding area.

Hair and Smith were reported missing after they failed to return from their trip and could not be reached. Since that time, Beaverton Police detectives have continued investigating their disappearance and attempting to determine their whereabouts.

The Beaverton Police Department is working closely with the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Medical Examiners Office as the investigation continues.

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The Beaverton Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a man suspected of assaulting a Latino man in what investigators believe was a bias-motivated attack.

On Friday, July 10, 2026, the victim, who is of Latino descent, was remodeling a local business in the 12700 block of SW 3rd Street in Beaverton when he was approached by the suspect.

During the encounter, the suspect told the victim, “You don’t belong here,” before tackling him to the ground and punching him multiple times in the face, causing injury. The victim and witnesses also reported the suspect yelled racial slurs during the time of the assault.

Based on the investigation, Beaverton Police have developed probable cause to arrest the pictured suspect for Assault in the Fourth Degree and Bias Crime in the First Degree.

The suspect is described as a white male adult, approximately 30 to 40 years old, with a heavy build.

Investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information that could assist with the investigation to contact the Beaverton Police Department at 503-526-2280 and reference case number 26-1911055.

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Update 8/18/26 1:20 PM. 

Infant Marcello Martinez was recovered today after a 3rd party notified his mother that Raul had turned over the child.  Law enforcement met with the 3rd party and recovered the child, who appears to be happy and healthy.

Raul Martinez was not located with the child and is wanted by law enforcement.  CCSO requests anyone with information on his whereabouts to call 911.  CCSO thanks the public's assistance and vigilance, along with help from partner agencies in the efforts to recover Infant Marcello.

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The Washington State Patrol has issued an AMBER Alert on behalf of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for seven-month-old Marcello Martinez, who was taken in the Vancouver area on August 16, 2026. Investigators believe Marcello may be in danger.

On August 16, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Hazel Dell area of Vancouver after a victim reported that Raul Martinez, 37, violated a Domestic Violence No Contact Order.

During the incident, Raul allegedly assaulted and robbed the victim. Raul also allegedly assaulted the victim’s seven-month-old baby, Marcello, and took him without permission. Raul is Marcello’s father.

Marcello is 24 inches tall, weighs approximately 16 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last known to be wearing a blue onesie with the words “Grandmas are the best” in neon lettering.

Raul is 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs approximately 180 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last known to be wearing tight sweatpants, a white shirt, and a blue/green jacket.

Investigators do not have a confirmed associated vehicle at this time.

If you see Raul Martinez or Marcello Martinez, call 9-1-1 immediately. Anyone with information about their whereabouts should contact the Clark County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 360-693-3111 and reference case number 26006104.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate this case. No additional information is available for release at this time.

On August 15, 2026, shortly after 1:00 a.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Hockinson Meadows Community Park, located at 10910 NE 172nd Ave., Brush Prairie, Washington, for a report of an 18-year-old male with a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Several vehicles were leaving the area as deputies, Vancouver Police Department officers, and American Medical Response (AMR) personnel arrived. AMR personnel determined the male was deceased at the scene.

The initial investigation indicates that a large group of people, mostly in their late teens, had gathered at the park. Witnesses reported that a handgun discharged while it was in the hands of 18-year-old James Gill, an acquaintance of the decedent. A Glock 17 handgun was recovered from the scene.

Gill was booked into the Clark County Jail on a charge of Second-Degree Manslaughter.

This remains an active investigation, and no additional information is being released at this time. The identification of the deceased as well as the cause and manner of death may be requested through the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.

08/20/2026 1:15 p.m.

Media Contact:

Lieutenant Ben Harvey, Corvallis Police Department

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

Corvallis Police Arrest Man on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

The Corvallis Police Department has arrested Gabriel A. Cleveland, 24, of Philomath, following an investigation involving the sexual exploitation and abuse of a 15-year-old girl.

Investigators learned Cleveland became acquainted with the victim through another juvenile and subsequently connected with her on Snapchat. During their communications, Cleveland sent the victim sexually explicit photographs and videos and asked for sexually explicit images of herself. The victim said Cleveland threatened to harm her if she did not comply with his demands.

Cleveland later arranged to meet the victim at a Corvallis park, where he provided her with marijuana and committed sexual offenses against her.

As a result of the investigation, Cleveland was arrested and lodged at the Benton County Jail on the following charges:

ORS 163.411 – Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree

ORS 163.670 – Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct

ORS 163.686 – Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree

ORS 163.427 – Sexual Abuse in the First Degree

ORS 163.425 – Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree

ORS 163.415 – Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree

ORS 163.433 – Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree

ORS 163.432 – Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree

ORS 167.057 – Luring a Minor

ORS 163.575 – Endangering the Welfare of a Minor

ORS 475C.345 – Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana Item

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Corvallis Police Department at 541-766-6924.

Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a house fire near downtown Eugene early Sunday morning. Just after 5 AM on August 16th, a caller reported thick black smoke coming from a vacant home in the 1400 block of Ferry St. 

Engine 1 from the downtown station arrived in under 4 minutes to find the single story home heavily involved in fire. Crews quickly went to work to suppress the fire and search for any potential victims. 

There were no victims located or injuries reported.  The fire required extensive overhaul and crews were on scene for over two hours. The fire is under investigation.  

Location Correction
Springfield, OR. August 15th, 2016. Eugene Springfield Fire responded Saturday afternoon to a mobile home fire at the Filbert Grove Mobile Home Park in North Springfield near RiverBend Hospital.

Just after 3 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a reported kitchen fire in a mobile home at the park. Engine 5 from the Gateway Station arrived approximately five minutes later and found a double-wide mobile home well involved in fire, with flames threatening a neighboring home.

Firefighters were advised on arrival that all occupants had safely evacuated. Crews immediately began attacking the fire while simultaneously conducting a search of the home to confirm no one remained inside.

Even when occupants or bystanders report that everyone has safely evacuated, searching the structure remains a high tactical priority for firefighters. Fire scenes can be chaotic, and there is always the possibility that an occupant remains inside or that another person entered the structure in an attempt to help. Fire crews work to independently confirm that no one remains in danger while suppression operations are underway.

Firefighters contained the fire to the home of origin, and no damage was reported to neighboring homes. No injuries were reported.

Eugene Springfield Fire Deputy Fire Marshals are on scene investigating the cause of the fire.

EUGENE, Ore.  August 14, 2026  Just after 9 a.m. Friday, Eugene Springfield Fire (ESF) was dispatched to a report of a possible brush fire in the 1800 block of Skyline Boulevard near Hendricks Park in Eugene.

While responding, firefighters received multiple reports from area residents who reported seeing smoke, with some callers also reporting visible flames. Crews arrived and patrolled the Skyline Boulevard and Hendricks Park area but were initially unable to locate any signs of an active fire.

Additional callers then reported a possible fire near the 2500 block of Potter Street. Crews continued searching the surrounding area and ultimately located a burning compost pile in the 2500 block of University Street near the Masonic Cemetery.

Firefighters quickly contained the fire to the compost pile. Flames had begun to spread to nearby large trees, but crews were able to prevent further extension. The fire is contained, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

The incident serves as an important reminder that compost piles can generate significant heat and, if not properly maintained, may spontaneously combust and cause a fire.

Fortunately, the fire occurred early in the day under overcast conditions and high humidity, which helped prevent significant fire spread. However, the location is within a high-risk fire area, and a similar incident occurring during hotter, drier weather or Red Flag conditions could pose a much greater threat.

Eugene Public Works supported ESF during the response. Deputy Fire Marshals also worked with the property owners and instructed them to relocate the compost pile to an area farther away from nearby trees.

On Saturday, August 15, 2026, shortly after 3:30 a.m., Grants Pass Police received a report of a physical fight involving several people in the 800 block of NE A Street. Grants Pass Police officers responded to the area to investigate.  Officers learned that two victims had sustained injuries after being struck with a crowbar and were requesting medical assistance. Grants Pass Police detectives were called to the scene to assist with the investigation.

During the initial response, officers developed probable cause to arrest two Grants Pass residents: Samantha Fillmore (30) and Jeremy Whelchel (45). Fillmore was taken into custody without incident. Whelchel was believed to be hiding in a nearby apartment. Officers maintained containment of the apartment until a search warrant was obtained and executed several hours later.

Upon serving the warrant, officers located Whelchel inside the residence and took him into custody. Both Fillmore and Whelchel were lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges of Assault II, Assault III, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Case Update
On August 14, 2026, at approximately 6:40 PM, Michael Cutts was arrested without incident, less than 24 hours after he was determined to be a person of interest in a major assault that left a victim hospitalized on August 13, 2026.  The timeline for this arrest was shortened significantly thanks in large part to ALPR technology and strong partnerships with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police.  The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners and all the community members who took an interest in this case.
 
Michael Cutts was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on multiple charges, including Assault II, Burglary I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Contempt of Court.

On August 13, 2026, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Grants Pass 911 received an emergency call reporting a major assault that occurred on Southridge Way in Grants Pass. A male victim was reported to be seriously injured and was transported to Three Rivers Community Hospital. Patrol officers and Major Crimes detectives from the Grants Pass Police Department responded to both the scene and the hospital.

The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are attempting to contact Michael Brinen Cutts (40) for questioning.

The Grants Pass Police Department is seeking assistance from community members who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Cutts. Please contact the Grants Pass Police Department and request to speak with a detective regarding case number 2026-00027750.

Gresham, Ore.— Gresham Police are asking for assistance from the public in locating a runaway child.  Lyric Burrell, age 12, was last seen Sunday night in the 1900 block of SE 6^th St in Gresham. 

Lyric is 5’5” tall and weighs 150 pounds.  She was last known to be wearing a pink bonnet, white shirt, grey sweatpants, and Ugg-style boots. 

Police are asking anyone with information about Lyric’s location to call non-emergency dispatch at 503-823-3333.

Video Brief available for download: https://vimeo.com/1219641823?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

JCSO 26-4291

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. - Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Criminal Investigations Division (CID) detectives are investigating the death of a 2-year-old child in rural Central Point. Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit (MADIU) detectives responded to assist.

At 4:30 AM, ECSO dispatch received a call for a missing child in the 9900 block of Blackwell Road in rural Central Point. JCSO deputies and Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers arrived on scene and immediately began searching for the child. At 5:41 AM the child was located deceased. Detectives are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

MADIU consists of detectives from JCSO CID, OSP, Medford Police Department, Central Point Police Department, Ashland Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney's Office.

This case is open and ongoing with detectives following additional leads. There is no further information available for release at this time.

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JCSO Case 26-2783

MEDFORD, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Special Victims Unit (SVU) detectives arrested a Medford man this morning at a business in the 500 block of the Medford Center. The suspect, Evan James Sutherlin, 20, of Medford, is lodged in the Jackson County Jail. He is charged with first-degree rape, third-degree sexual abuse, and first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.

The case started June 2nd, 2026, when JCSO deputies responded to a report of a then 19-year-old man sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in the Jacksonville area. From there, SVU detectives took over the investigation leading to his arrest.

As SVU detectives continue their investigation, they believe Sutherlin may have more victims. Anyone with information about the pictured suspect is asked to call SVU Detective Jill Wenzel at 541-770-8928.

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RELEASE DATE: August 17^th, 2026

INCIDENT: Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash

CASE NUMBER: 26-22325

INCIDENT DATE / TIME: August 17^th, 2026 at 2:08 pm

REPORTING DEPUTY: Lieutenant Jim Geiger

DECEASED: Mark Freeland, 68 years old

DETAILS:

On August 17, 2026, at approximately 2:08 p.m., 9-1-1 received a report of a vehicle crash in the 2500 block of Coyote Creek Road.

First responders arrived and located a single vehicle that had left the roadway and struck a large tree. The driver, identified as Mark Freeland, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The initial investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling outbound on Coyote Creek Road when, for an unknown reason, it left the roadway and collided with the tree.

Next of kin has been notified.

No further information is available at this time.

UPDATE: LOCATED - MISSING PERSON: LEWIS, OSIRIS JAXON
 

DATE OF REPORT: 08/13/2026

CASE: 26-21992

NAME: Osiris Jaxon Lewis

AGE: 16

SEX:  Male

RACE: White

HEIGHT: 5'10"

WEIGHT: 140

HAIR: Red/Bleached

EYES: Brown

INFORMATION: On 08/13/2026 we received a report that Osiris Jaxon Lewis had run away from their home located in O’Brien on 8/9/2026. Osiris does not have an active phone and was riding a black bike with a gold seat and brown hand grips. Osiris is known to frequent Grants Pass.

Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office at 541-474-5123 with any information. 

Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) responded to a reported structure fire on Lincoln Street. Several bystanders reported that approximately half of the residence was on fire.

While responding, KCFD1 crews were advised that it was unknown whether the homeowner was still inside the residence. Crews arrived on scene within four minutes and immediately began applying water to the exterior of the structure to slow the spread of the fire.

The first-arriving Captain completed a 360-degree assessment of the residence and identified the presence of a basement. Identifying basements and other structural features early in an incident is critical to both firefighter and occupant safety and assists the Incident Commander in developing an effective strategy for the incident.

Firefighters then made an aggressive interior attack and extinguished the fire while additional crews conducted a search of the residence for occupants. The search confirmed that no one was inside the home. During the operation, firefighters located a dog at the rear of the residence. The dog was safely removed and released to the Klamath Falls Police Department.

KCFD1 responded to the incident with 16 total personnel.  Klamath County Fire District 1 would like to thank Klamath 9-1-1, the Klamath Falls Police Department, Avista Utilities, and Pacific Power for their excellent coordination and prompt response to the incident.

KCFD1 also reminds the community of the importance of immediately calling 9-1-1 when a fire is discovered and providing dispatchers with as much information as possible regarding the location of the fire and whether anyone may still be inside the structure.

On 08/20/2026 at approximately 4:00 A.M, deputies responded with Lane Fire Authority to the 25000 blk of Ferguson Rd in Junction City, for a reported structure fire. First responding personnel confirmed the structure was on fire and appeared to be isolated to the back of the structure. Preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire appears to be suspicious in nature. Members of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Oregon State Police responded, and the cause of the fire is still being actively investigated. Further information will be provided at a later time.

If anyone has information regarding the fire, please contact the Lane County Sheriff’s office non-emergency number 541-682-4150.

Lebanon, Oregon

Lebanon Fire District firefighters responded to a reported structure fire around the area of River Drive mid-evening of August 15, 2026, at 2054. While crews were responding, the original 911 caller relayed to the dispatch center an updated location which was the 38000 block of Lawrence Drive. When the Battalion Chief arrived, he was directed to a pole barn type shop that had light smoke showing from the eaves. The BC began his 360 walk around and encountered the property owner trying to extinguish the blaze with a garden hose. Firefighters arrived and quickly deployed hoses and trained their streams to the interior of the structure where fire was burning. Firefighters had the fire under control in moments and stayed on scene an additional hour for overhaul and mop-up of the area.

 No firefighters were injured but the property owner was evaluated by a fire/medic crew for a minor burn sustained on the hand. Lebanon’s fire investigation Deputy Fire Marshal began investigating the blaze shortly after extinguishment and returned the following day for follow up.

Lebanon Firefighters would like to remind the community of the high fire danger in the county and across the state. Currently Linn County has a county wide burn ban which includes all backyard piles, barrel burning, charcoal fires and recreational fires. These restrictions remain in effect until the Linn County Fire Defense Board and ODF lift restrictions, which may not happen until significant rains.

Be Safe!

The Lincoln City Police Department will be utilizing grant funds to step up their enforcement efforts against drunk driving from August 19th through September 7th. This additional Labor Day period enforcement is being conducted in conjunction with national crackdown efforts that are designed to curb impaired driving, decrease crashes, reduce injuries, and save lives.

Many substances can impair driving. Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can impair the ability to drive because they slow coordination, judgment, and reaction times. Cocaine and methamphetamine can make drivers more aggressive and reckless. Using two or more drugs at the same time, including alcohol, can amplify the impairing effects of each drug a consumed. Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects. Read and follow all warning labels before driving, and note that warnings against “operating heavy machinery” include driving a vehicle. Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) continues to be a leading cause of motor vehicle crash injuries and deaths throughout the nation.

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are committed to the safety of our citizens and visitors. Our goal is simple: to save lives and prevent injuries caused by DUII crashes. These grant funds were made possible through the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

ODOT WORK ZONES
 

As you gear up for that final summer road trip or just make your way home from work, you may run into roadwork and traffic delays. That may mean reduced speed limits and traffic delays in work zones. Did you know 4 out of 5 work zone crash victims are NOT the workers? It is actually the drivers and their passengers traveling through the work zone areas. Inattention and speed are the most common causes of work zone crashes.

Work zones are dangerous for everyone even when workers are not visible. That is why Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) lowers the speed limits in work zones. Exceeding work zone speed limits can be especially hazardous for numerous reasons:

• Traffic patterns may change day to day
• Roads may be rough, uneven or covered with debris
• Temporary lanes may be narrow with abrupt edges
• Roadside equipment may obstruct views

Commuters are often caught off guard by work zone hazards. Distracted driving and driving over the speed limit reduces the necessary reaction time to avoid a crash. When you see orange signs, cones, and barrels on the roadway, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION! Those are your clues to be prepared for unexpected obstacles and stopped or slowing cars. Slow down, stay alert, and avoid distractions.

For more information about work zone safety, go to ODOT's website at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Safety/Pages/Work-Zone.aspx  

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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UPDATE: The missing 17-year-old has been located safely and unharmed. Thank you to everyone who assisted in getting the word out.

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(Original News Release)

Read online: https://www.mcso.us/public-information/mcso-deputies-searching-missing-endangered-17-year-old-seeking-publics-help

MCSO Deputies Searching for Missing Endangered 17-Year-Old, Seeking Public’s Help

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a missing endangered 17-year-old boy with autism.

Zahir Varona was last seen at his home in the 1100 block of NE 239^th Place in Wood Village. He is mostly non-verbal and enjoys going on walks. He does not have a phone.

Zahir is 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build. He is Hispanic, with short black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black sweater, Star Wars pajama pants and Converse sneakers.

If you see Zahir please call 9-1-1 immediately.

During the month of July, Newberg-Dundee Police officers dedicated 14 ODOT grant-funded hours to concentrated speed enforcement. Those direct patrols resulted in 38 traffic stops, 18 speed citations, and 26 warnings.

Across all of July, officers issued a total of 147 speed citations as a result of traffic stops throughout the cities of Newberg and Dundee.

The Newberg-Dundee Police Department reminds motorists to obey posted speed limits, eliminate distractions, and always wear a seat belt. Residents who wish to report ongoing speeding concerns in their neighborhood may contact the Newberg-Dundee Police Department at 503-538-8321.

The Newberg-Dundee Police Department will participate in a sober driving campaign beginning on August 19th through Labor Day Weekend.  This is a focused enforcement effort to detect and arrest motorists who are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  NDPD receives grant funding through the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact to staff additional officers, including our Drug Recognition Expert, for periodic traffic enforcement operations such as this.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. (19 August 2026) – On Monday, August 17, 2026, at approximately 11:47 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 138. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver Kia Rondo, operated by Carl Leslie Earhart (80) of Independence, was traveling northbound on Interstate 5 when it left the roadway for unknown reasons.  The vehicle struck a group of trees, rolled over, and caught fire. 

The operator of the Kia (Earhart) was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

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

OSP was assisted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Sutherlin Police Department, Douglas County Fire District No. 2, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.   
 

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

CLATSOP COUNTY, Ore. (19 AUGUST 2026) – On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 12:40 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 30 near milepost 80 in Clatsop County approximately 16 miles east of Astoria. 

The preliminary investigation indicated that a gray Ford F-350 pickup, operated by Roger Dale McGilvey (73) of Ocean Park, Washington, was eastbound on Highway 30 when it rear-ended a tan Chevrolet Malibu sedan operated by Benny Roy Parker (86) of Astoria, which was stopped and waiting to turn onto Valley Creek Lane from Highway 30. The Malibu was pushed into the westbound lane, where it was struck by a westbound silver Honda Accord operated by Karl Edward Groenke (43) of Ocean Park, Washington.  

The operator of the Chevrolet (Parker) was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The operator of the Ford (McGilvey) and the operator of the Honda (Groenke) sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Knappa Fire Department, Astoria Fire Department, Medix Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.      

# # #

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched early this morning to reports of a residential structure fire on NW 97th Avenue after a neighbor called 911 reporting heavy fire coming from the roof of the home. The caller was unsure whether anyone was inside.

The first arriving firefighters reached the scene approximately eight minutes after the initial 911 call and found heavy fire involving the front of the residence, with flames extending from multiple windows and through the roof.

Crews immediately initiated an exterior fire attack to knock down the bulk of the flames while additional firefighters entered from the rear of the home to search all habitable areas. Initial information indicated there were vehicles associated with the residence and that an elderly resident might be home.

The incident was upgraded to a second alarm to bring additional personnel and resources to the scene. During a thorough search, firefighters confirmed there were no vehicles in the garage or driveway and no occupants were located inside the home. The residence was ultimately determined to have been unoccupied at the time of the fire.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 3:54 a.m. Crews remained on scene for several additional hours identifying and extinguishing remaining hot spots and completing extensive overhaul to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Due to the location of the incident, TVF&R was assisted by Portland Fire & Rescue, and both AMR and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were also on scene to assist.

Updates made for time when the fire was deemed under control.

Vancouver, Wash. – On August 19, 2026, at around 7:45 p.m., Vancouver Police responded to S. Andresen Rd./MacArthur Blvd. for the report of a collision involving a pickup truck that hit a pedestrian who was in motorized wheelchair. The driver (55 years old) was traveling westbound on MacArthur, had stopped at the stop sign and was proceeding through the intersection when he hit the male in a wheelchair (74 years old) who had entered the crosswalk. The male was transported to an area hospital but did not survive his injuries. The driver remained on scene and was cooperative with police. There were no signs of impairment.

The Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit is continuing the investigation.

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Vancouver, Wash. – On August 17, 2026, at around 12:30 a.m. Vancouver Police responded to a parking lot in the 300 block of SE 192^nd Avenue for the report of a fight between a group of teens and gunshots heard. When officers arrived, they did not locate anyone who appeared to have been involved, or any victims. Numerous shell casings and blood evidence were located. Shortly after, a 19-year-old male arrived at a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Detectives from the Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit are continuing the investigation. Nothing additional is being released at this time.

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On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at about 9:15 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a traffic crash near the intersection of SW 185^th Avenue and Tualatin Valley Highway (TV). A 911 caller reported a vehicle had struck a pedestrian and fled the scene heading eastbound on TV Highway.

Multiple deputies and Beaverton Police Officers responded to look for the suspect while personnel from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, and American Medical Response attended to the victim. While deputies and officers were searching for the suspect, another caller reported that they were following the suspect's vehicle and provided dispatch with the location. Deputies located and stopped 44-year-old Anne Elizalde of Tigard in the 2002 Lexus RX300 near SW Murray Boulevard and SW Sexton Mountain Drive.

The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, and is expected to recover. The driver, Ms. Elizalde, was arrested and taken to the Washington County Jail for felony hit-and-run.

The Sheriff’s Office is grateful to all the witnesses who stopped to check on the victim, called 911, and to the driver who followed the suspect vehicle and reported it.

If you witnessed this incident and have not spoken to deputies, please contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 referencing case number 50-26-11718. 

La Pine, OR – On August 17 at approximately 10:51 a.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single‑vehicle crash on Finley Butte Road in La Pine. Deputies say the driver of a Midstate Electric truck hit a power pole and went through a fence onto private property.

The male driver was the only person inside the Ford F150 when the crash occurred. He was taken to St. Charles–Bend by La Pine Rural Fire Protection District with minor injuries. No other vehicles were involved, and no other injuries were reported. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors.

The crash closed portions of Finley Butte Road and Wheeler Road for several hours while deputies investigated and Mid‑State Electric crews assessed the damage and ensured the safety of the neighborhood.

All roads have since reopened, but deputies ask people to be cautious as Midstate Electric Crews continue working in the area. The crash remains under investigation.

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Redmond, OR – The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team and Redmond Police Department Street Crimes Unit (RPD SCU), conducted a short-term investigation that resulted in three people being charged in State Court for alleged methamphetamine and firearm charges.  One of the individuals involved faces additional crimes of Kidnapping, Assault, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon that occurred in Deschutes County, and resulted in the activation of the Central Oregon MIT (Major Incident Team) and CERT (Central Oregon Emergency Response Team). 

CODE

A short-term investigation conducted by the Redmond Police Department Street Crimes Unit concluded in Jefferson County and resulted in the seizure of a firearm and a substantial amount of methamphetamine.

During this investigation, RPD Detectives received information that Jeffrey Patton, a 51-year-old  Redmond resident, was returning from the Portland area.  RPD SCU Detectives requested the assistance of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Detectives from the CODE team in locating Jeffrey Patton upon his return to Central Oregon.

A vehicle of interest in the investigation was identified by Detectives and a subsequent traffic stop was conducted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Thomas Dopp, a 57-year-old, Redmond resident, was identified as the driver of the vehicle and Jeffrey Patton was the passenger. During the traffic stop, CODE K9 Dozer was deployed to the exterior of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of controlled substances.

RPD was granted a search warrant as a result of the investigation which resulted in the seizure of a firearm and more than two pounds of suspected methamphetamine. Thomas Dopp and Jeffrey Patton were lodged at the Jefferson County Adult Jail on firearm, drug possession and delivery charges.

In working with RPD SCU detectives, CODE identified a third adult male, Efram Palafox, a 41 year-old, Bend resident, as an associate of Jeffrey Patton. Following the arrest of Jeffrey Patton and Thomas Dopp, CODE detectives began preparing a search warrant for a residence associated with Efram Palafox on Powell Butte Highway.

Prior to the warrant being authorized, CODE obtained information of a possible weapon offense and assault involving Efram Palafox. As CODE Detectives obtained evidence about the additional crimes, the Central Oregon Major Incident Team (MIT) was activated to assist with RPD leading the investigation. Due to the nature of the investigation involving weapons and an assault, CODE requested assistance from CERT for the execution of the warrant on Efram Palafox’s residence.

During the investigation, Efram Palafox was located in the area of NE Butler Market Road and NE 27^th  Street, in Bend, OR, and was taken into custody without incident.  Efram Palafox was found in possession of a substantial amount of methamphetamine and an undisclosed amount of US Currency.  The CODE warrant was executed on Efram Palafox’s residence on Powell Butte Highway on August 12, 2026.

Following the execution of the search warrant at Efram Palafox’s residence, additional charges for possession of cocaine and seven counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person were added to Efram Palafox’s charges and he was lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail. 

MIT

On August 12, 2026, at approximately 0938 hours, an adult male was reported missing by his daughter where he was last seen on August 11, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m. at St. Charles Medical Center in Redmond, Oregon.  RPD detectives recovered surveillance video from St. Charles that identified Efram Palafox being last seen with the missing adult male.  The ongoing investigation led to information that corroborated that the missing adult male was forced to leave the location against his will.  This information prompted the activation of the Central Oregon Major Incident Team (MIT).

The MIT assisted in the investigation with RPD leading the investigation. The investigation identified an area southeast of Redmond in Deschutes County, where the victim/missing male was tied to a tree and a finger was removed during an assault.  During the course of the assault, the victim was also tattooed in a derogatory manner.

The victim was later located on August 12, 2026, walking on the road near Deschutes Pet lodge with injuries.  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office contacted the victim and provided assistance.  The victim provided information consistent with CODE’s investigation that Efram Palafox was involved in the assault and kidnapping.  The victim had serious injuries and was transported to St. Charles in Bend for medical assistance. 

A search warrant was executed on Efram Palafox’s residence, the same location CODE served their warrant, with an address on Powell Butte Highway.  The execution of the search warrant resulted in the recovery of the missing finger, DNA evidence, and the possible weapon used. 

Efram Palafox was additionally charged with Kidnappping I, Assault I, Assault II, and two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail. 

The investigation was complex spanned over multiple locations and involved several resources and agencies.  RPD would like thank CODE, the Central Oregon MIT, Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, CERT, Oregon State Police, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and St. Charles Medical Center for their assistance with the investigation. 

TYGH VALLEY, Ore. — Oregon National Guard senior leaders flew from Salem to the Grasshopper Fire camp aboard an HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter with Golf Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation, Aug. 17, 2026, to visit Air National Guard members supporting wildland firefighting operations, thanking the airmen for volunteering to fight one of the state's largest active wildfires.

Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, led the visit alongside Brig. Gen. Jenifer E. Pardy, director of the Joint Staff; Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lenora Landwehr, command chief warrant officer; Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott, the state chaplain; and Chief Master Sgt. Brent Cavanias, command senior enlisted leader. Jonna Papaefthimiou, resilience officer for Gov. Tina Kotek's office, also joined the visit to meet with the airmen on the governor's behalf.

"This is a big deal for Oregonians, big deal for the Guard, to go out and see National Guardsmen out fighting fire, doing what we're trained to do," Gronewold told the group. "What we're here to do is protect Oregonians and their property, and you guys are doing that."

The Grasshopper Fire had burned more than 90,000 acres and was 47% contained as of Aug. 17. The fire camp supporting the response has grown to approximately 1,800 personnel, with about 1,550 directly engaged in firefighting operations.

Among the airmen Gronewold and the other leaders met with were Senior Airman Colby Shoals and Senior Airman Connor Carlson, both assigned to the 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron, nicknamed "Chaos," out of the 173rd Fighter Wing. Shoals said the physically demanding work of wildland firefighting fits naturally with the team's usual training.

"It's right up our alley," Shoals said. "What we do day to day at the base, we're already working together out in the field, so it's pretty much another day on the job for us."

Carlson said the team has taken on some of the more physically demanding tasks on the fire line, including carrying water on their backs to perform wet mop-up work.

"We've been able to pick up a lot of those heavier tasks, like carrying a bladder pack on us, so we can do that wet mop-up where it's easier rather than doing dry mop-up," Carlson said.

Shoals said the mission mirrors the teamwork and mutual accountability the airmen already rely on in their day-to-day work.

"Everybody's like a big family there, so everybody has each other's backs," Shoals said. "If somebody looks like they're not doing so well or getting a little tired, everybody's checking on each other."

Released B-Roll Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1019106/oregon-guard-senior-leaders-visit-airmen-fighting-grasshopper-fire

Released Photos: 

260817-Z-ZJ128-1001
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, addresses Oregon Air National Guard airmen supporting wildland firefighting operations at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026. From left, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lenora Landwehr, Jonna Papaefthimiou, resilience officer for Gov. Tina Kotek's office, Gronewold and Chief Master Sgt. Brent Cavanias, command senior enlisted leader, joined the airmen during the visit.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260817-Z-ZJ128-1002
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, right, shakes hands with Giovanni Carranza, a California smokejumper serving as a crew boss for one of the Oregon National Guard's hand crews, as fellow crew boss Daniel Schroth looks on at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026. Crew bosses work closely with fire resource advisors to direct where Guard hand crews are employed each day.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260817-Z-ZJ128-1003
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, fist-bumps an Oregon Air National Guard airman while visiting hand crews supporting wildland firefighting operations at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260817-Z-ZJ128-1004
Chief Master Sgt. Brian Brown, 173rd Fighter Wing, briefs Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, on hand crew employment using an operations map at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260817-Z-ZJ128-1005
Oregon National Guard senior leaders join Oregon Air National Guard hand crews, California smokejumpers and Oregon Department of Forestry personnel for a group photo at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

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

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve May 19, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Darryl Fink, PS No. 058027

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

4. Joseph Sanchez Sr., PS No. 086458

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

5. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0015, 259-060-0030, and 259-060-0145

   Relating to Interpretation of a Reasonable Request

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

6. Sub-Committee Appointments

• Ryan Loosli - Private Investigator, Appointment to the Private Investigator Sub-Committee, 1st term effective August 18, 2026.

7. Agency Update

8. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – November 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

DPSST provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access for people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. To request a sign language interpreter, translation services, or other accommodations, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or at nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

DPSST proporciona acomodaciones rasonables para asegurar el acceso igual para personas con descapacidades y para personas con competencia limitada de inglés. Para pedir un interprete de lengua de señas, servicios de traducción, u otras acomodaciones, por favor de contactar a Juan Lopez marcando al (503) 551-3167, o a nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, al menos de 48 horas antes de la reunión.

Nominate the individuals, organizations, communities and businesses shaping the state’s creative and cultural life ahead of December events

SALEM, Oregon — Oregon’s revitalized Arts & Culture Awards and Summit returns to the Oregon Convention Center Dec. 1-2, 2026, and nominations for the 2026 Arts & Culture Awards are open now.

Oregon’s cultural sector is a powerhouse, supporting more than 50,000 jobs and contributing $8.9 billion to the state’s economy each year. Oregon is also consistently ranked as one of the top 10 most culturally vibrant states in the nation, according to Southern Methodist University’s DataArts Index.

The Arts & Culture Awards and Summit will bring people together from across Oregon to innovate, collaborate and celebrate this vital sector and its intersections in economies and communities.

“This gathering of arts and culture leaders with our friends and supporters comes at an extraordinary moment for our state," said Amy Lewin, Oregon director of arts & culture. "Arts, culture, heritage and humanities have the power to unite and uplift communities. This new summit creates an opportunity to celebrate generational impact and shape how we contribute to Oregon’s future with collaboration, connection and fearless determination.”

Through September 4, Arts & Culture Awards nominations for the people, organizations, communities and businesses that elevate Oregon’s cultural life are being accepted across seven award categories:

• Emerging Cultural Innovator Award: Honors an early‑career artist or cultural worker showing exceptional promise and community impact. Eligibility: Individuals

• Traditional Arts and Culture Keepers Award: Honors a traditional/folk artist or culture bearer in passing living traditions and cultural heritage to communities. Eligibility: Individuals

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Honors an individual or organization for sustained decades‑long contributions that have shaped Oregon’s cultural landscape. Eligibility: Individuals and organizations

• Community Catalyst Award: Recognizes an organization or community whose arts and culture work meaningfully improved a specific community or region. Eligibility: Communities or organizations

• Youth Engagement Award: For an organization engaging and expanding equitable arts and culture learning opportunities for K-12 youth. Eligibility: organizations

• Art and Culture in Public Places Award: Celebrates outstanding public art and cultural projects that enrich Oregon’s shared spaces. Eligibility: Individuals, projects, organizations

• Business of the Year Award: Distinguishes a business that has demonstrated consistent and significant support of arts and culture in a meaningful way. Eligibility: For-profit businesses

The awards recognize contributions ranging from Indigenous culture-keeping to fine art to historic preservation. Nominations can be submitted at culturaltrust.org/awards-nominations.

A selection committee will review submissions and choose one awardee per category. Winners will be honored Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the Arts & Culture Awards Celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center. The evening will also mark 25 years of the Oregon Cultural Trust--a funding model unique to Oregon--and celebrate its impact and vision for the future.

The convening continues Wednesday, Dec. 2 with the Arts & Culture Summit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The full-day gathering will bring together cultural organizations, funders, educators, Tribal representatives, tourism and business leaders, policymakers, statewide partners and more for learning, alignment and conversation. The Summit will feature the release of a new Creative Economy Report, breakout sessions on education and cross-sector collaboration, a keynote and time for connection. A networking gathering will follow the close of the Summit at 3 p.m.

The Arts & Culture Awards and Summit is an effort of Oregon’s Arts and Culture Program, which supports the state’s cultural infrastructure through the Oregon Cultural Trust and the Oregon Arts Commission. Registration opens Sept. 14, and those interested in attending can sign up to be notified when it opens at culturaltrust.org/summit.

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About the Oregon Cultural Trust

Created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Cultural Trust serves as an ongoing funding engine for arts, heritage and humanities. Funding comes through the Cultural Tax Credit, which empowers Oregonians to direct a portion of their state taxes to support cultural opportunities. A percentage of donations go directly to 45 county and Tribal Cultural Coalitions and qualified nonprofits, and a portion goes toward helping grow a permanent endowment. Nested within Business Oregon, the Cultural Trust’s investments support the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state. Learn more at CulturalTrust.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the Oregon Arts Commission

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, arts programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Commissioners appointed by the Governor establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. Nested within Business Oregon, the Arts Commission works to support the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state. The Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at oregonartscommission.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SALEM, Oregon — Oregon’s revitalized Arts & Culture Awards and Summit returns to the Oregon Convention Center Dec. 1-2, 2026, and nominations for the 2026 Arts & Culture Awards are open now.

Oregon’s cultural sector is a powerhouse, supporting more than 50,000 jobs and contributing $8.9 billion to the state’s economy each year. Oregon is also consistently ranked as one of the top 10 most culturally vibrant states in the nation, according to Southern Methodist University’s DataArts Index.

The Arts & Culture Awards and Summit will bring people together from across Oregon to innovate, collaborate and celebrate this vital sector and its intersections in economies and communities.

“This gathering of arts and culture leaders with our friends and supporters comes at an extraordinary moment for our state," said Amy Lewin, Oregon director of arts & culture. "Arts, culture, heritage and humanities have the power to unite and uplift communities. This new summit creates an opportunity to celebrate generational impact and shape how we contribute to Oregon’s future with collaboration, connection and fearless determination.”

Through September 4, Arts & Culture Awards nominations for the people, organizations, communities and businesses that elevate Oregon’s cultural life are being accepted across seven award categories:

• Emerging Cultural Innovator Award: Honors an early‑career artist or cultural worker showing exceptional promise and community impact. Eligibility: Individuals

• Traditional Arts and Culture Keepers Award: Honors a traditional/folk artist or culture bearer in passing living traditions and cultural heritage to communities. Eligibility: Individuals

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Honors an individual or organization for sustained decades‑long contributions that have shaped Oregon’s cultural landscape. Eligibility: Individuals and organizations

• Community Catalyst Award: Recognizes an organization or community whose arts and culture work meaningfully improved a specific community or region. Eligibility: Communities or organizations

• Youth Engagement Award: For an organization engaging and expanding equitable arts and culture learning opportunities for K-12 youth. Eligibility: organizations

• Art and Culture in Public Places Award: Celebrates outstanding public art and cultural projects that enrich Oregon’s shared spaces. Eligibility: Individuals, projects, organizations

• Business of the Year Award: Distinguishes a business that has demonstrated consistent and significant support of arts and culture in a meaningful way. Eligibility: For-profit businesses

The awards recognize contributions ranging from Indigenous culture-keeping to fine art to historic preservation. Nominations can be submitted at culturaltrust.org/awards-nominations.

A selection committee will review submissions and choose one awardee per category. Winners will be honored Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the Arts & Culture Awards Celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center. The evening will also mark 25 years of the Oregon Cultural Trust--a funding model unique to Oregon--and celebrate its impact and vision for the future.

The convening continues Wednesday, Dec. 2 with the Arts & Culture Summit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The full-day gathering will bring together cultural organizations, funders, educators, Tribal representatives, tourism and business leaders, policymakers, statewide partners and more for learning, alignment and conversation. The Summit will feature the release of a new Creative Economy Report, breakout sessions on education and cross-sector collaboration, a keynote and time for connection. A networking gathering will follow the close of the Summit at 3 p.m.

The Arts & Culture Awards and Summit is an effort of Oregon’s Arts and Culture Program, which supports the state’s cultural infrastructure through the Oregon Cultural Trust and the Oregon Arts Commission. Registration opens Sept. 14, and those interested in attending can sign up to be notified when it opens at culturaltrust.org/summit.

###

About the Oregon Cultural Trust

Created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Cultural Trust serves as an ongoing funding engine for arts, heritage and humanities. Funding comes through the Cultural Tax Credit, which empowers Oregonians to direct a portion of their state taxes to support cultural opportunities. A percentage of donations go directly to 45 county and Tribal Cultural Coalitions and qualified nonprofits, and a portion goes toward helping grow a permanent endowment. Nested within Business Oregon, the Cultural Trust’s investments support the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state. Learn more at CulturalTrust.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the Oregon Arts Commission

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, arts programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Commissioners appointed by the Governor establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. Nested within Business Oregon, the Arts Commission works to support the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state. The Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at oregonartscommission.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed August 2026 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon, recognizing the vital work of emergency managers and the role they play in helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

The proclamation supports a national campaign spearheaded by the International Association of Emergency Managers to increase public awareness and appreciation for the emergency management profession. In Oregon, the campaign is being led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with local, Tribal, regional, and state emergency management agencies.

“In Oregon, emergency management brings together state, local, tribal, and private partners to safeguard our communities long before disaster strikes. ,” OEM Director Erin McMahon, said. “We’re proud to spotlight the field of emergency management and the dedicated professionals who work every day to prepare for our worst day, protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and coordinate help when it’s needed most.”
OEM’s Role in Supporting Emergency Management Statewide

OEM plays a key leadership role in supporting and strengthening emergency management across the state. Through its Regional Emergency Management Coordinators Program, OEM employs specialized field staff to support all 36 counties and Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes. These coordinators provide on-the-ground guidance and technical assistance across all phases of emergency management—from preparedness to long-term recovery.

Additionally, OEM’s Tribal Liaison works closely with Tribal Nations to coordinate emergency management initiatives and ensure Tribal needs are represented in state planning and response efforts. The OEM Public Private Partnership Program Manager coordinates and collaborates with business and industry stakeholders across emergency preparedness, response and recovery operations, serving as a liaison between the private sector and local and state agencies. This collaboration is further reinforced by the Private Sector Security and Resilience Seminar Series, a recurring program of educational sessions designed to inform and engage private sector participants and better equip them to navigate crises effectively and recover swiftly.

OEM also manages the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), which is activated during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The ECC serves as a central hub for coordination and communication among state agencies and emergency support partners, ensuring that local needs are met efficiently and effectively.

With responsibility for coordinating Oregon’s 18 Emergency Support Functions and supporting more than 50 local and Tribal emergency management offices, OEM works in partnership with emergency management leaders and professionals across state agencies who provide critical expertise, resources and support within their respective organizations. Together, these partners contribute to a resilient, collaborative and well-coordinated emergency management system across Oregon.

How to Celebrate Emergency Management Awareness Month

There are many simple ways people in Oregon can show support for emergency managers and become more prepared:

• Find out who your local emergency manager is—reach out to learn how your community prepares for disasters.
• Say thank you to your emergency management staff, volunteers, or CERT team members.
• Get prepared: Make or update your emergency kit, sign up for local alerts at ORAlert.gov, review your household emergency plan, and take the next step by becoming Be 2 Weeks Ready.
• Share your story: Use social media to highlight how you or your community prepares and tag #EMAwarenessMonth.

Follow OEM throughout August for resources to help celebrate and share the value of emergency management.

Salem – The Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued final 2027 rate orders for Oregon’s individual and small group health insurance markets. As the trend continues to show decreased enrollment of the individual market and greater than expected financial losses in recent months, DFR is taking action to stymie even higher rates by using available state dollars for the state’s reinsurance program.

In the individual market, DFR approved individual market increases that averaged 21.6 percent based on the new data and updated rate requests. DFR scrutinized the rate requests under actuarial standards to ensure that the rates were actuarially sound and justified based on additional market changes.

In the small group market, final orders reflected DFR’s 1.5 percent reduction of insurer’s proposed average rates of 17 percent to 15.5 percent, including some reductions of up to 8 percent.

The finalization of rate orders comes as carriers gained more experience in the market and re-evaluated their market presence. Continued marketplace uncertainty with the loss of the enhanced federal Affordable Care Act subsidies, heightened medical costs, tariff pressures on durable medical equipment and pharmaceuticals all caused greater cost pressures that were reflected in the rates. Statewide, in the individual market, two carriers are available statewide, seven counties will see four choices, 23 counties will see three choices, and six counties will have two choices. A table of county participation and final rate decisions for both the individual and small group markets can be found on our website.

To help stabilize the market in 2027, DFR is budgeting for an additional $15 million in reinsurance funds from the Oregon Reinsurance Program to offset anticipated higher-than-usual claims costs. DFR will also explore enrollment caps to certain plans to balance consumer choice with marketwide financial stability.

The Oregon Reinsurance Program is one of the tools Oregon uses to hold down health insurance premiums. The state helps insurers absorb the cost of the most expensive medical claims, which reduces their risk and means lower premiums for people who buy insurance on their own. The reinsurance program lowered rates by an average of 10.7 percent, including 1 percent reduction due to the additional budgeting of $15 million for the 2027 plan year. Reinsurance minimizes the price increases felt by consumers and operates to lowered rates for the ninth straight year. Oregon has resubmitted a renewal request to the federal government to maintain this program. The Oregon Legislature adopted Gov. Kotek’s 2025-27 funding plan, which continued revenue streams that keep the reinsurance program stable.

Consumers seeking information and assistance with individual market plans can reach out to the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace at OregonHealthCare.gov or by phone at 855‑268‑3767 (toll‑free).

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

SALEM, Ore. — The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee meets virtually at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 21. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

Agenda items will include:

• Update on Performance Measures for Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan
• FTLAC upcoming meetings

Public comment is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting. To submit written comment, email ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov. Written comments sent at least 48 hours before the meeting will give the FTLAC time to review and consider information. Comments submitted after that window of time will be sent to the FTLAC after the meeting, entered into the record and posted online. Comments are not accepted after the meeting concludes.

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF. View more information on the FTLAC webpage.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov.

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 1 to the ODF Southwest Oregon District to assume command of the Fielder Mountain Fire outside of Grants Pass.

The Fielder Mountain Fire originally began Thursday afternoon and quickly grew due to hot, windy conditions. The fire is in the foothills adjacent to the town of Rogue River and visible from I-5. The fire was last estimated to be 550 acres and burning in timber. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

“Our top priorities in fighting this fire are limiting its growth, while protecting the surrounding communities and ensuring all our firefighters go home safe at the end of their shift,” said Dan Quinones, ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester.  

ODF CIMT 1 will in brief today at 12 p.m. and transfer command will be at 6 p.m. tonight.

For the latest evacuation information, follow the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

“Every new spark matters and increases the risk to our communities, as well as our firefighters,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief. “I am urging Oregonians to do their part. Check local fire restrictions, remain aware of weather conditions and stay up to date on emergency alerts.”

Check local fire restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

Media resources

Instead of conducting individual interviews for this announcement, ODHS will host a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 1 to 1:20 p.m. Members of the media will have an opportunity to ask questions about SNAP work or activity rules and exemptions. RSVP for the media availability by emailing Sara Campos at a.k.campos@odhs.oregon.gov">sara.k.campos@odhs.oregon.gov.

A recording of the media availability will be available after the event: https://vimeo.com/showcase/12330638

A Spanish-language video summarizing the key messages will also be available on Vimeo. Spanish-language media may request interviews or submit questions in Spanish by contacting Adriana Taylor at ma.A.Taylor@odhs.oregon.gov">Irma.A.Taylor@odhs.oregon.gov.

Many Oregonians may qualify for SNAP work or activity rule exemptions without realizing it

Salem, Ore. — Many Oregonians who are required to meet SNAP work or activity rules may qualify for an exemption based on their health, work, education, caregiving responsibilities or other circumstances. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is encouraging people to contact the agency so staff can review their situation and help them keep the food benefits they qualify for.

Currently, 93% of Oregonians subject to SNAP work or activity rules qualify for an exemption.

“A change in your life can change whether SNAP work or activity rules apply to you,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, ODHS SNAP Director. “You may have started caring for someone, experienced a health change or begun a new job or training program. Contact us before assuming you have to meet the requirements. We’ll listen, explain your options and help you take the next step.”

Common reasons someone may qualify for an exemption

Depending on their circumstances, people may qualify for an exemption if they are:

• Pregnant.
• Physically or mentally unable to work.
• Already working enough hours to meet the requirement.
• Participating in a qualifying education or training program.
• Move to an exempt county or waived Tribal land.
• Responsible for caring for a child or another person, depending on their circumstances.

Report changes as soon as possible

Life circumstances change. If you've started a new job, become pregnant, experienced a change in your health or your household responsibilities have changed, contact ODHS as soon as possible. Those changes may mean you now qualify for an exemption.

People who think they may qualify for an exemption can also complete the Report of Exemptions, Paid or Unpaid Work, or Good Cause form. The form can help identify whether someone may qualify for an exemption and report volunteer hours, work activities or other qualifying information to ODHS.

How ODHS can help

People who contact ODHS may:

• Review their individual circumstances to determine whether an exemption applies.
• Learn what documentation may be needed.
• Report changes in work, volunteer activities or household circumstances.
• Complete the Report of Exemptions, Paid or Unpaid Work, or Good Cause form.
• Connect with WorkSource Oregon and other employment and training resources if they need to meet the work or activity requirements.

About SNAP work or activity rules

As of July 2025, federal changes expanded SNAP work or activity rules, increasing the number of Oregonians who need to meet these requirements to continue receiving food benefits.

Adults ages 18 to 64 without a child under age 14 in their SNAP household generally need to complete 80 hours of work or qualifying activities each month unless they qualify for an exemption or live in a waived area.

If someone does not meet the requirements and does not qualify for an exemption, ODHS sends a counting month notice. Anyone who receives one of these notices is encouraged to contact the SNAP Work or Activity Rules Team to discuss their options.

Learn more

For more information about SNAP work or activity rules and exemptions:

• English: Oregon.gov/snapworkrules
• Spanish: Oregon.gov/snapnormastrabajo

ODHS SNAP Work or Activity Rules (ABAWD) Team

• Call: 1-833-947-1694
• Email: AWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov">SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 19, 2026

Contact Information: 

umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist (971) 301-3771

Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT

David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Drops by 4,100 in July

SALEM, Ore. — In July, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 4,100 jobs, following a revised gain of 1,300 jobs in June. July’s losses were largest in professional and business services (-1,800 jobs), leisure and hospitality (-900), and government (-700). Gains were largest in retail trade (+500 jobs).

In the past 12 months, professional and business services was on a slightly downward trend, declining by 2,500 jobs, or 1.0%. Most of the decline was in management of companies and enterprises, which cut 2,200 jobs, or 4.6%, in that time. The other two component industries saw little change during that period: professional and technical services (+200 jobs, or 0.2%) and administrative and waste services (-500 jobs, or -0.5%).

Leisure and hospitality employed 203,800 in July, which was 3,500 jobs below its average of 207,300 from 2023 through 2025. It cut 3,800 jobs since January, following a very flat trend during the prior three years. Despite recent weakness, its component industry arts, entertainment, and recreation added 200 jobs in July to reach a record high of 31,300.

Oregon’s government sector lost 4,500 jobs, or -1.4%, since July 2025. All components cut since July 2025. Federal government dropped 1,600 jobs, or -5.7%; state government lost 200 jobs, or -0.4%; and local government job counts declined by 2,700, or -1.1%.

Retail trade added 500 jobs in July, but that follows a consistent long-term trend of job declines during the past four years. It employed 198,000 in July, which was a drop of 12,700 jobs, or 6.0%, since July 2022.

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in July. It has been 5.2% each month since January. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in June and 4.1% in July.

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the July county and metropolitan area unemployment and jobs data on Tuesday, Aug. 25, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for August on Wednesday, Sept. 16. 

About Workforce and Economic Research

The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department develops and distributes quality economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and support a thriving economy. Staff collect data from state and federal records and surveys; analyze the available information; and share insights with the public in a variety of ways, including regular reports, publications, and the website, QualityInfo.org.

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

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

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For immediate release: August 14, 2026

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

Media Advisory

WorkSource Oregon invites job seekers to Gresham job fair for entry-level positions in health care

WHO: WorkSource Oregon – Gresham

WHAT: Entry-level health care job fair

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, 10 a.m. to noon

WHERE: 18633 SE Stark St., Portland, OR 97233

Gresham, Ore.  —  WorkSource Oregon will host a health care job fair at its Gresham location on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon. Job seekers can talk to multiple employers about a variety of entry-level positions, including certified nursing assistants (CNAs), caregivers, direct support professionals (DSPs), and similar occupations.

The event is free to attend and open to the public. The media are also welcome to attend. Job seekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes and come prepared to discuss their skills with employers.

“This is a chance for job seekers to meet employers face to face and discover how they can make a positive impact in their communities,” said Jim Pfarrer, director of Workforce Operations with the Oregon Employment Department. “We encourage anyone curious about a career in health care to show up excited to share their strengths and ready to explore the many paths available in this important field.”

Job seekers can also visit QualityInfo.org to explore skills, wages, and career pathways for in-demand occupations and industries in Oregon.

The Oregon Employment Department and WorkSource Oregon partner with businesses and employers across the state to help connect them with qualified workers. Employers interested in collaborating on a hiring event or learning more about WorkSource Oregon employer services can contact Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov.

About Workforce Operations and WorkSource Oregon

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

Need help?

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) is an equal opportunity agency. WSO provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 844-808-9675. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

¿Necesita ayuda?

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. WSO proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 844-808-9675. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

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August 19, 2026

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, 971-323-3831 erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov

Loan repayment program supports, strengthens Oregon’s behavioral health workforce statewide

PORTLAND, Ore. - An Oregon Health Authority (OHA) loan repayment program has helped 276 behavioral health providers remain in the workforce and continue serving Oregonians across the state, including in rural, low-income and culturally diverse communities. The initiative helps address the state’s behavioral healthcare workforce shortage by providing financial relief to providers.

Behavioral health provider roles such as certified alcohol and drug counselors (CADC) and professionals serving in rural, low-income, and culturally diverse communities who understand the specific cultural, geographic, and economic experiences of the populations they serve were identified in the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s Behavioral Health Talent Assessment as areas of critical shortage and top priorities for workforce development—underscoring the importance of targeted investments like this one.

For Jay VanDenBogaard, a CADC at Oregon State University, the program helped make it possible to continue a 30-year career supporting people navigating substance use disorders.

“This grant gave me new hope and a renewed sense of purpose,” VanDenBogaard said. “For the first time in a long time, I felt like behavioral health was being valued and recognized for its role in public health. It allowed me to focus on my work, the students on campus, and decreasing stigma related to sober curiosity, substance use, and long-term recovery."

The Behavioral Health Workforce Incentive Loan Repayment Program invested approximately $15.4 million to help behavioral health professionals reduce educational debt in exchange for a two-year commitment to continue working in Oregon. By easing financial barriers to staying in the field, the program helped providers build careers in communities they rely on them for behavioral health and substance use disorder services.

"The success of the Behavioral Health Workforce Incentive Loan Repayment Program demonstrates that investing in our workforce strengthens Oregon's behavioral health system," said Ebony Clarke, behavioral health division director at OHA. "By helping providers reduce student loan debt, we've supported dedicated professionals in staying where they're needed most—serving individuals, families, and communities across the state.”

The investment comes at a time when Oregon continues to face significant behavioral health workforce challenges. A workforce that reflects Oregon’s communities does more than increase the number of available providers. Providers who understand the cultural, geographic and economic experiences of the people they serve build trust, reduces barriers to care and provides services that are more responsive to the needs of individuals, families and communities.

The program provided different levels of loan repayment based on a provider’s employment status. Full-time providers could receive repayment of up to 70% of qualifying student loan debt, capped at $100,000, while part-time providers could receive up to 35%, capped at $50,000.

To qualify for the program, providers had to work for an eligible Oregon employer, serve in an approved behavioral health role, possess qualifying student loan debt, and commit to the two-year service obligation.

The program ends in October and was funded through one-time American Rescue Plan Act funding. There are currently no plans to continue the program without additional funding.

Although the program is ending, its impact reflects the value of targeted investments in Oregon’s behavioral health workforce to help providers build sustainable careers, to strengthen connections between providers and communities, and to support access to behavioral health care in communities of all sizes.

Additional information can be found on the OHA Loan Repayment webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/AMH/Pages/Loan-Repayment.aspx

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August 19, 2026

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

Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center is latest measles exposure location

Oregon Supportive Housing Institute reveals seven housing development projects to support people exiting homelessness
 

Salem, Ore. – The Salmonberry Trail Executive Council will meet virtually to discuss the proposed Salmonberry Trail corridor on Aug. 20, 2026. The council will be in executive session will be held from 1 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. The public can join the public meeting at 1:40 p.m. via Zoom webinar.

On the agenda:

• Public comment.
• Continue clarifying new governance roles.
• Discuss strategic planning and corridor-wide policy development.
• Trail projects updates and sponsor roundtable.

The proposed Salmonberry Trail is an 82-mile corridor that follows the Port of Tillamook Bay Railway from Tillamook to Banks, Oregon. The proposed route connects eight cities and two counties, passing by the Oregon coastline, fisheries, farmland and the Oregon Coast Range.  More information about the Salmonberry Trail is at salmonberrytrail.org.

The Salmonberry Trail Executive Council was established to promote and facilitate coordinated direction and guidance in the planning, development and maintenance of the multi-use trail. 

To submit public comment for council members to review during the meeting, use the public comment form or email .Horning@oprd.oregon.gov">Jessica.R.Horning@oprd.oregon.gov.

Florence, Ore. – Oregon State Parks will remove over 150 dead or unhealthy trees in Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park campground and day use area. During the removal work, the campground will be closed for several days. The length of the closure and exact timing is still being determined.
 

“OPRD implements a hazard tree inspection program that is crucial for identifying trees that are exhibiting signs of health decline and could become hazardous to people and infrastructure,” said Kathryn Charlton, Coastal Region Forester.

The project will take about a month and a half beginning in January 2027.  A hired contractor will remove approximately 20 dead and unhealthy trees from Cleawox day use area around Cleawox Lake. They will remove about another 145 trees with declining health and structural issues from the campground area. Specifically, Loop H will see the removal of around 55 shore pines and several large Sitka spruce with decay and structural issues will be removed in Loops A, B and C.

As part of Oregon State Parks’ commitment to safety and stewardship, tree maintenance and removal is a regular occurrence. Information about the closure will be posted on the park web page and Oregon State Parks social media.

“We are providing this early notice so folks can plan accordingly with their camping plans,” said Park Manager Ryan Warren. “This campground is a popular destination, so we wanted to give visitors advance notice of this hazard tree project.”

Oregon State Parks will donate some of the logs from these trees to Suislaw Soil and Water Conservation District and Smith River Watershed Council l to place in streams for riparian and aquatic habitat restoration efforts. For some of these large trees, a short portion of the lower stem will be left standing to become snag. Snags provide food, nesting and denning resources for wildlife such as birds and small mammals that use the park as habitat.

The Oregon State Marine Board honored recently retired Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy Dion Blake during its quarterly board meeting held in Madras.

Over Deputy Blake’s 14-plus years with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, much of his time was dedicated to the Marine Patrol. Lincoln County’s waterways are complex and diverse, everything from saltwater bays to narrow freshwater rivers. Expert boat handling and knowledge are required, and Blake quickly mastered them. Blake served as a respected training instructor with the Marine Board’s Swift Water Rescue, Personal Watercraft, Drift, Jet, and Marine Law Enforcement Academy training schools. His boating skills, depth of knowledge, and calm demeanor were quickly recognized by others, and he became a mentor for many new marine officers.

Deputy Blake also maximized the use of Cadets, along with emerging mobile electronic boat examination reporting (eBER) technology, to create an exemplary and proactive abandoned derelict vessel program in Lincoln County. Blake, with help from Cadets, regularly visited local marinas and the Port of Newport to identify and document “vessels of concern.” Due to his efforts and follow-through in finding and contacting owners, Deputy Blake was able to build relationships and improve collaboration between boat owners, marinas, and ports in preventing numerous boats from becoming derelict or unseaworthy. Through strong collaboration with the Port of Newport, Blake was able to initiate and complete the boat seizure process to remove, dismantle, and dispose of numerous boats. The abandoned derelict boat partnership he developed in Lincoln County became a model for other Sheriff’s Offices throughout Oregon.

Blake’s eagerness to make every day count is underscored by his desire to help others, on and off duty. Deputy Blake once said after a full day on the water in training, “I take the motto of 'To protect and serve ' seriously. Every day someone is in need, and sometimes something as small as a kind word or smile can help build connection.”

One of Blake’s favorite career functions as a Marine Deputy was being able to go into grade and middle schools and participate in community events in the hopes of inspiring kids about boating and water safety. “It was so much fun sharing the boats, talking about safety aspects, and including active participation from the kids and members of the community in all of the demonstrations,” Blake says with a smile on his face and joy in his tone. “Our community and the support they provided was such a gift. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as seeing people out in the community putting to practice what they learned from you.”

During another occasion at one of the Marine Law Enforcement trainings, Blake approached Marine Board Chair Laura Jackson, who was participating in the on-water scenarios, and said, “What can I do to help you do your job on the Board?” Jackson had heard from several other current and past Board members that his question and commitment were sincere. Blake’s question was an invitation Chair Jackson accepted and led to thoughtful discussion and camaraderie.

Jackson said when presenting Deputy Blake with his challenge coin, “Thank you, Dion, for your service to the boaters of Oregon and for inspiring me in my role as a Board member. What an example you’ve set for so many.”

Learn more about the Marine Board, Oregon’s recreational boating agency, and its programs that serve boaters.

-End-

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a shooting at Hockinson Meadows Community Park on August 15, 2026.

This individual died on 08/15/2026 in Brush Prairie, WA.

The name of the decedent: Richardson, Trent Joseph   Age: 18 years

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

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Pending

Manner of death:  Pending

Place of injury: Parking lot of community park

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

Media release issue date: 08/18/2026

The Lane County Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB) is accepting applications through Friday, September 25, for a minimum of one open seat.

The PVAB is responsible for hearing appeals from taxpayers about the value of their property. It holds hearings where taxpayers present their evidence of incorrect value and then issues decisions about the value. The PVAB is authorized by law to hear appeals of the value of property, including real market, maximum assessed, specially assessed, or assessed values – it does not hear appeals of the amount of property tax paid. 

Qualified applicants:

• must be residents of Lane County.
• should have an interest or background in real property appraisal, finance or real estate.
• cannot be employed by Lane County or any other taxing district within the county.

Members of the PVAB receive a $15.00 per hour stipend, and paid training ahead of the first hearings is provided. The PVAB can meet up to 40 hours per week between February 1, 2027 and April 15, 2027.

Applications and more information about the PVAB are available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/appeals and can be returned to PVAB@LaneCountyOR.gov or in-person to the Lane County Administration Office and Lane County Deeds & Records, both located at 125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene.

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Road Name: Dean Avenue

Road Location: Santa Clara

Closure Location: Dean Avenue where it meets the east side of River Road

Dates and Times: Full closure Monday-Friday between August 25 and September 9. The road will reopen each weekend during construction from Friday evening through Sunday night.

Reason for Closure: Sanitary sewer line connection

Alternate Routes:

• River Loop 2
• Greenwood Street

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Lane County Technology Services received 10^th place in this year’s Digital Counties Survey – making this the fourth year in a row in the top 10 counties with populations between 250,000 and 499,999.  

Lane County Technology Services’ recent accomplishments include supporting the implementation of a new online public records request portal and a new board agenda management solution, establishing a data-sharing partnership with the State of Oregon for parole and probation, and securing a grant to bring broadband to four previously unserved communities. Lane County is also very active in AI planning and adoption. It is setting up an AI Center of Excellence to guide standards, promote best practices and coordinate collaboration regarding use AI technology.

“We continue to see rapid advancement in how technology can be used to support a wide swath of government services, and I am proud our staff at Lane County is on the forefront of using emergent technology for the benefit of our residents,” said Lane County Chief Information Officer Michael Finch. “We need to be poised to support our programs and services in a way that enhances our overall efficiency and protects sensitive data and systems.”

Conducted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), the survey evaluates counties across the nation, recognizing those that demonstrate excellence in the strategic use of technology to address local challenges, increase government efficiency, and enhance citizen engagement.

"One of the clearest trends this year is that leading counties are moving beyond individual technology projects. They are connecting their investments, priorities, and building the governance, leadership, and organizational capacity needed to sustain over time. Through responsible AI, stronger data practices, and workforce investments, this year's winners are creating foundations that will help their organizations adapt and serve their communities better into the future,” said Rob Lloyd, executive director of the Center for Digital Government.

About the Digital Counties Survey

The survey was developed in partnership by NACo and conducted by CDG to identify the best technology practices among counties in the United States. NACo unites counties, serving nearly 40,000 county elected officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking. CDG is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. 

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Beginning August 19, Lane County will begin accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Community & Economic Development (CED) Grant Program. This competitive grant opportunity is designed to support high-impact projects or programs that increase wages or jobs, provide business assistance, support business innovation, and revitalize Main Streets, downtowns or commercial districts across Lane County.

To support applicants in creating strong proposals, Lane County will host a virtual informational webinar on Wednesday, August 26, at noon. Staff will explain the grant and answer questions from attendees. A recording of the presentation will be made available on the CED Grant website.

The CED Grant Program is soliciting applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations operating in Lane County and cities serving Lane County residents. There is $200,000 in funding available to provide grant awards between $5,000 and $30,000. Priority will be given to proposals that foster inclusive economic growth and align with the County’s strategic development goals.

“The Community and Economic Development Grant is a helpful resource that we are proud to offer,” said Jason Harris, Lane County’s Community and Economic Development manager. “We are always so impressed with the ways our cities and community partners leverage these funds to increase prosperity and support our business community throughout the region.”

Program objectives include:

• Increasing employment or wages in targeted sectors including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, food and beverage manufacturing, biosciences, technology, and childcare.
• Facilitating industry or business innovation, engagement or business development which may include supporting accelerators, incubators, or apprenticeship programs.
• Providing business technical assistance, training or support services to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses.
• Improving Lane County downtowns and Main Streets by revitalizing physical and visual assets to create a business-friendly environment.

Application Details and Timeline 

• Applications will be available to download on Lane County’s procurement site, Bid Locker, starting August 19, 2026.
• A virtual informational webinar will be presented Wednesday, August 26, at noon at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CEDgrant.
• Submissions must be sent via email to CED@LaneCountyOR.gov.
• Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026.
• Only one application per organization will be accepted.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications will be screened for completeness and then evaluated using four core criteria: economic development impact, outcomes and performance, program clarity, and budget and funding. Bonus evaluation points are given to programs or projects that address under-represented or underserved populations, add value to our economy, and for applicants who have not received CED grant funding previously.

Learn more by visiting www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CEDgrant or by contacting CED@LaneCountyOR.gov.

Las solicitudes y aplicaciones también están disponibles en Español.

About Lane County Community and Economic Development
Lane County Community and Economic Development is your Oregon Video Lottery dollars at work! Community and Economic Development programs support building vibrant communities by partnering with local business, supporting organizations, cities, special districts and economic development agencies to facilitate community development and create economic prosperity. This program fosters economic opportunity across Lane County with a specific focus on rural and unincorporated communities.

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SALEM, OR — Today, Marion County filed a formal rulemaking petition with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), asking the agency to reverse a series of administrative rule changes that endanger staff and residents at licensed mental health residential treatment facilities.

The petition follows a June 29 letter to OHA leadership and an August 14 meeting between OHA and multiple counties that did not result in needed commitments from OHA.

"New OHA rules endanger county staff, program participants, visitors, and neighbors," said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “It is unacceptable that OHA refuses reasonable safety protections. We will not stop fighting to ensure our staff and the residents in these facilities they serve are safe from the harm OHA’s policies would needlessly cause."

Watch Special Report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evs5I0fgR6k. 

Key areas of concern for the county include:

• Delayed response to safety threats. Current rules require staff to wait until a resident has already caused serious physical harm to staff or another resident before an expedited transfer or discharge can begin; there is no protection at all if the person harmed is a visitor or neighbor. The petition asks OHA to at least allow the same standards used in Oregon's landlord-tenant law, which allow action when someone seriously threatens or recklessly endangers others.
• Restrictions on managing alcohol use. Current rules bar some providers from prohibiting alcohol on the premises. The petition asks that providers be allowed to restrict or prohibit alcohol use when necessary for residents' and staff's safety and treatment.
• Reduced flexibility in admissions. Providers are now required to accept referrals and conduct screening interviews before denying placement, even when they know an individual isn't a safe or appropriate fit for their program.

Testimony at today’s board session by Horizon House Residential Treatment administrator Anna Macera describes how OHA rules prevented staff from removing a lighter from a resident on supplemental oxygen who was repeatedly flicking it on and off next to an oxygen tank with high explosion risk, and residents who reported feeling unsafe in their own home after a peer's aggressive behavior could not be fully addressed for an extended period due to OHA rules. "Our residents deserve more than a bed," said Macera at the board session. “They deserve a home where they feel safe enough to heal, supported enough to grow, and empowered enough to build a better future.”

Under ORS 183.390, a rulemaking petition legally requires OHA to invite broader public comments on Marion County’s proposed rule changes and fully consider county concerns.

“We continue to urge OHA to partner with counties, providers, and the people directly affected as they update rules,” said Commissioner Colm Willis, Chair. “Protecting our staff and the residents they care for through these commonsense changes is the right thing to do.”

State of Oregon v. Bryon Gilmore

Marion County Circuit Court Case 24CR21117

Marion County Jury convicts Man in Case Involving Abuse of Child and Family Dog

Salem, OR – August 14, 2026 – Yesterday, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Gardiner sentenced Bryon Gilmore (age 37) to 56 months in the Department of Corrections. A Marion County jury found Gilmore guilty of two counts of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree, and one count Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Animal Abuse in the Second Degree, and Menacing.  

The conviction stems from a case referred to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in January of 2024. The victim, a 13-year-old child, suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of the father, the defendant, beginning around age seven. The final incident that prompted the victim to disclose all events occurred on January 5, 2024 when the defendant directed his anger from the family dog towards the child.

After disclosing the incident to the mother, the victim then shared several other events that occurred while at the defendant’s house, including being hit without warning and being subjected to deliberate cruelty.

When law enforcement became involved, Gilmore told the victim not to tell anyone – including a judge – about these incidents.

Before sentencing Gilmore to 56 months Judge Gardiner said “…the fact that the adult in [the child’s] world, charged with keeping them safe, was the one who perpetrated the nightmare, is certainly an aggravating factor...”

 

“Children in our community deserve to be safe in their own homes and with their own parents,” said District Attorney-elect Brendan Murphy. “This victim suffered at the hands of someone who should’ve provided protection. Their bravery and courage in coming forward were critical in the resolution of this case.”

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple. The DA’s office wishes to thank the partnership of the Marion County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Unit and the delicate work of the Liberty House.

No further information will be released due to the involvement of a juvenile victim.

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DALLAS (OR) – Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton has been re-elected by his colleagues to serve a fifth term on the Board of Directors of the Oregon District Attorneys Association. Felton won the unanimous support of the other elected district attorneys from Oregon’s 36 counties attending the association’s annual conference in Seaside this past week.

“It is an honor to continue to be chosen by my colleagues for service on the board of the ODAA. I look forward to working on behalf of the organization to further its goals of effective public safety programs for all Oregonians," said Felton.

The Oregon District Attorneys Association (ODAA) is a voluntary association of the 36 elected District Attorneys, their deputy district attorneys, the Oregon Attorney General, Oregon assistant attorneys general, and district attorney office managers. ODAA was founded in 1952.

Aaron Felton has been Polk County’s District Attorney since 2013.

PORTLAND, Ore.—An Estacada, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

Anthony Barrera, 31, was sentenced to 171 months in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release.

“We are proud to work with our law enforcement partners at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigations to hold drug dealers accountable and stop this huge influx of deadly drugs into our Oregon communities,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, during an investigation of an alleged drug trafficker, later identified as Barrera, investigators learned Barrera rented a vehicle and traveled to California to pick up large quantities of drugs to distribute and sell in Oregon.

On May 24, 2025, officers located Barrera driving the rental vehicle northbound on Interstate 5 and followed him to a rest area near Roseburg, Oregon, where Barrera was arrested. Agents seized 270 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of cocaine, which were concealed in the backseat and cargo area of the vehicle.

This was one of the largest drug seizures in Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit’s (MCSO SIU) history.

In addition, Barrera had $2,860 in cash and three cellphones which were seized.

After his arrest, Barrera told law enforcement that he sold drugs to sustain a living. He further admitted to traveling to Southern California to pick up drugs an estimated three times in 2025. A search of the defendant’s residence revealed a revolver and a pistol under a removable piece of flooring in the defendant’s bedroom closet, as well as four gold bars which were later determined to be counterfeit. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was on supervision for a driving under the influence conviction in Multnomah County.

On May 24, 2025, Barrera was arrested in Roseburg after re-entering Oregon.

On June 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Barrera with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and felon in possession of a firearm.

On March 10, 2026, Barrera pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by MCSO SIU, and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Keefer.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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EUGENE, Ore.— An Albany, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for attempting to receive child sexual abuse material from an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as a child online.

Paul Chapple, 62, was sentenced to 102 months in federal prison and a 10-year term of supervised release.

According to court documents, Chapple engaged in sexual chats online with multiple people he thought were girls under the age of 15.  One of the “girls” was an undercover agent with the FBI who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. Chapple sent sexual images, discussed driving cross-country to meet, and asked for child sexual abuse images. Chapple used Meet24, with a user profile stating he was 50 years old and displaying his own photograph.

On October 8, 2025, Chapple was charged with using a minor to produce visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct, possession and receipt of child pornography, and enticement of a minor. That day, the FBI searched a shared housing complex where Chapple lived. Chapple possessed several images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material and numerous chats with self-identified minors in which he requested child sexual abuse material.  Chapple was arrested and made his first appearance in federal court on October 9, 2025.

On June 17, 2026, Chapple pleaded guilty to attempted receipt of child pornography.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren. 

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

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

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Gearhart, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexual exploitation of children and possession of child sexual abuse material.

Joseph Biamont, 36, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and 10 years’ supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

“This defendant violated the victim’s privacy and trust and stole the innocence of a child. My office is proud to bring these cases and hold Biamont, and criminals like him, accountable,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford, “The trauma he caused these victims is immeasurable and long lasting. The 15 year sentence will not repair the harm but will prevent him from causing more harm for a long time.”

According to court documents, Biamont surreptitiously recorded a minor victim for years. He took extraordinary steps to hide his actions and placed cameras in places where he could capture videos of the minor nude. Biamont possessed 71 videos of this victim that depict child sexual abuse material. He also possessed videos of other children’s child sexual abuse material.

On May 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 6-count indictment charging Biamont with five counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. He was arrested on those charges on May 15, 2025 in Seaside, Oregon.

On February 24, 2026, Biamont pled guilty to sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.

This case was investigated by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Gearhart Police Department, and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez .

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

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

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

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EUGENE, Ore.—A Lakeside, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Bradley Vernon Mullanix, 50, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, on February 5^th Mullanix purchased two pounds of Methamphetamine from an undercover agent, believing he was a drug dealer. Mullanix paid $2,400 for the drugs and intended to sell them. Upon placing the drugs on a scale, he was arrested.

Mullanix previously illegally possessed and sold firearms in June 2024. Mullanix sold the firearms to a confidential informant. Those firearms were seized by law enforcement and will be forfeited.

On February 6, 2025, Mullanix was charged by criminal complaint with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On May 14, 2026, Mullanix pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by ATF and the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Eduardo Misael Garcia-Sanchez, 29, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison and 4 years’ supervised release announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. In imposing the sentence, the court found that the defendant, based upon his prior drug dealing convictions, qualified as a career offender.

“This case showed true teamwork amongst our law enforcement agencies to bring this drug dealer to justice. I am grateful for the partnership and hard work of our law enforcement. With these brave men and women, we are able to disrupt the distribution of dangerous drugs in our Oregon communities,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, On August 5, 2025, investigators with Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) were investigating a Portland, Oregon area drug dealer. During the investigation, a vehicle operated by Garcia-Sanchez was identified as likely supplying various drug dealers. Investigators followed Garcia-Sachez’ vehicle as it travelled out of Portland, Oregon. An Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper was able to conduct a traffic stop of Garcia-Sanchez. During the stop investigators observed a large bundle of cash and apparent heroin in the vehicle.

Investigators then placed Garcia-Sanchez in custody. Garcia-Sanchez’ vehicle contained a clear plastic bag underneath the driver’s seat containing approximately 10 individual bindles of fentanyl, which appeared pre-packaged for sale. Investigators recovered from the vehicle the approximate totals of; 120.9 grams of fentanyl powder, 51.8 grams of heroin, and $5,349 in U.S. Currency.

Following the seizure and arrest, Garcia-Sanchez was taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center in Portland, Oregon and placed on a federal hold for these offenses.

On May 12, 2026, the defendant pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment which charged him with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

On September 3, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Garcia-Sanchez with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

This case was investigated by FBI and CCITF with assistance from OSP. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin.

The Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) — led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office — works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force comprises members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by funding from the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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Portland, OR (August 14, 2026) – Point West Credit Union is proud to announce that CEO Amy Nelson has been elected Chair of the Credit Union Advisory Council at the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) for the 2026-2027 term.

The election was announced during the NASCUS Annual Meeting at the 2026 State System Summit in Philadelphia. The Credit Union Advisory Council is made up of credit union leaders from across the country and serves as an important voice for state-chartered credit unions, advising the NASCUS Regulator Board on issues that impact the credit union movement.

As Chair, Nelson will help guide discussions between credit union leaders and state regulators, strengthening collaboration and supporting the continued success of the state-chartered credit union system.

“This opportunity is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Nelson. “Credit unions exist to serve people, and collaboration has always been one of our greatest strengths. I look forward to working alongside credit union leaders and regulators from across the country to support a strong state system that continues to create opportunity, expand access, and meet the evolving needs of our communities.”

Nelson has spent more than two decades in credit unions. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for financial inclusion, cooperative principles, and expanding access to safe and affordable financial services for underserved communities.

Under Nelson’s leadership, Point West has continued to deepen its commitment to community impact through initiatives focused on financial empowerment, small business support, housing stability, and culturally responsive services. The credit union's nationally recognized Juntos Avanzamos designation reflects its dedication to serving Hispanic and immigrant communities and ensuring that everyone has access to trusted financial resources.

“Amy’s leadership extends far beyond Point West,” said Board Chair Oscar Porras. “She understands the challenges and opportunities facing credit unions today and never loses sight of the people we ultimately serve. Her election reflects the respect she has earned throughout the industry, and we are excited to see her help shape conversations that will strengthen credit unions across the country.”

The NASCUS Credit Union Advisory Council provides insight and perspective from credit union leaders nationwide, helping ensure that the state regulatory system remains responsive, collaborative, and effective in supporting member-owned financial cooperatives.

About Point West Credit Union

Point West Credit Union is 100% not-for-profit, member-owned and headquartered in Portland, Oregon. With a bilingual staff ready to help its members achieve financial empowerment, Point West works with its community partners to bring inclusion and equity to the underserved and needed capital to local microenterprise businesses—all with an unwavering commitment to its members and cooperative development. Find out more and join Point West today at https://www.pointwestcu.com/.

The City of Richland has appointed Krysten Mabe as its new Human Resources Director, effective August 19, 2026. Mabe has served the City for six years and most recently held the position of Human Resources Supervisor.

Mabe brings more than 20 years of human resources experience to the role, with expertise in employee and labor relations, leadership development, benefits administration, compensation, recruitment, and organizational development.

Since joining the City in 2020 as an HR Specialist, Mabe has advanced through increasingly responsible roles, including HR Generalist and HR Supervisor. In her current leadership role, she supervises the HR team, provides guidance and coaching to City leaders, supports strategic planning, and oversees several key HR programs and initiatives.

“Krysten has demonstrated strong judgment, leadership, and a deep understanding of our organization,” said City Manager Jon Amundson. “She has earned the trust and respect of employees and leaders across the City, and I am confident she will continue to strengthen our organization and our commitment to serving employees and the community.”

During her time with the City, Mabe has played an important role in several organization-wide initiatives, including the implementation of Workday, the City’s human resources information system. She has also helped strengthen compensation practices, employee leave and workers’ compensation programs, and HR procedures.

Prior to joining the City, Mabe held human resources positions with Providence Health & Services and Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland and Baker Boyer Bank in Walla Walla. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Washington State University, with a concentration in human and personnel relations and a minor in business administration.

As Human Resources Director, Mabe will report directly to the City Manager and serve as a member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team.

New centralized hub brings food, clothing, emergency assistance and community resources together in one welcoming location 

Salem, Ore., August 18, 2026 — Chemeketa Community College will celebrate the opening of its new Student Resource Hub with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, September 10, at 8:30 a.m. in Building 2 on the Salem Campus.

The new Student Resource Hub brings several essential student services together in one central location, making it easier for students to find and access help when they need it. The Hub includes Chemeketa’s food pantry and clothing closet, access to community resources through a dedicated Benefits Navigator, and the College’s Student Emergency Relief Fund.

The need for these services is significant. According to the 2025 Hope Center Student Basic Needs Survey, 57% of Chemeketa respondents experienced at least one form of basic-needs insecurity, including food insecurity, housing insecurity, or homelessness.

During the 2025-26 academic year alone, Chemeketa’s food pantry recorded approximately 8,400 student visits. The College also provided nearly $94,000 in emergency assistance to help students with needs including housing, utilities, transportation, tuition, health care and child care.

Chemeketa’s Benefits Navigator works directly with students to identify available college and community resources and assists them in applying for benefits for which they may qualify. The Hub also connects students with resources related to housing, food, transportation, technology, health care, child care and other basic needs.

“Students come to Chemeketa to build a better future, but it can be incredibly difficult to focus on an education when you are worried about where your next meal will come from, whether you can pay your rent, or how you will afford child care,” said Marie Hulett, Chemeketa’s Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement.  

Bringing these services together is intended not only to simplify access but also to reduce the stigma students may sometimes feel when seeking assistance. Rather than navigating multiple locations and programs, students can begin in one place and receive help identifying the resources that best fit their circumstances. “The Student Resource Hub brings support together in one welcoming place, making it easier for students to find the help they need without having to navigate multiple offices or systems,” said Chemeketa President Jessica Howard.  “By helping students meet their basic needs, we give them a stronger foundation to stay in college, succeed academically, and reach their educational goals.”

The Student Resource Hub builds on an extensive network of college programs and community partnerships already supporting Chemeketa students. These include the Chemeketa Foundation, STEP/SNAP employment and training services, state and local grant-funded programs, and numerous nonprofit and governmental partners throughout the region.

Among the community organizations partnering with Chemeketa to support students are Marion County, Marion County Housing Authority, Salem Housing Authority, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, Family Building Blocks, Northwest Human Services, Center for Hope and Safety, Oregon Human Development Corporation, Early Learning Hub, Options Pregnancy Resource Center, Mano a Mano, Church at the Park, Easterseals, Pueblo Unido, Cherriots, Safe Sleep, Henderson House, Helping Hands, Salem Free Clinic, Polk County Resource Center, The Salvation Army, PCUN and Salem Health.

“Student success is about more than what happens in the classroom,” Howard said. “It is also about creating the conditions that allow students to keep showing up, keep learning and keep moving toward their goals. We are deeply grateful to the many community partners, employees, legislators and donors whose commitment to our students helped make this Hub possible.”

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College took modest support for career-technical education students and created an impressive return on investment.

The college turned a $90,000 scholarship goal into nearly half a million dollars in student aid, helping 321 people across the region prepare for careers in healthcare, technology and manufacturing. This caps a successful conclusion of the Community to Careers Workforce Ready Grant, a three-year, $2.2 million initiative funded by Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission. The PCC program through the college's Opportunity Center expanded economic mobility by connecting underserved communities with training, financial assistance and career opportunities in healthcare, technology and manufacturing.

Community to Careers met or surpassed its established performance measures while building resources and partnerships that will continue beyond the grant period.

“The success of Community to Careers shows what is possible when education, employers and community organizations work together to remove barriers for students,” said Pam Hester, program dean for Community Workforce Development & Opportunity Centers. “Beyond the impressive number of scholarships, graduates and employer interviews, this initiative has created lasting pathways that will continue connecting people from underserved communities with training and family-wage careers in healthcare, technology and manufacturing.”

A major milestone for the initiative was the launch of the CNC Operator Readiness Essentials, or CORE, microcredential. The intensive, 60-hour program prepares participants for entry-level careers in computer numerical control (CNC) machining and advanced manufacturing. CORE achieved a 96% completion rate and graduated 98 students, most of whom continued pursuing careers in CNC machine manufacturing, providing needed skilled workers to industries that sorely need them.

The program worked with 19 employers to hold 10 interview events and facilitate 276 interviews for CORE graduates. At least 39 participants secured new employment, 13 maintained their existing employment and 19 enrolled in college. Some students pursued both employment and education, while others continued looking for work when post-program surveys were conducted.

Community to Careers also significantly expanded financial assistance for students. The initiative awarded nearly $500,000 in scholarships, which is more than five times its original $90,000 goal, to 321 students pursuing careers in healthcare, manufacturing or technology. These scholarships helped students address essential educational expenses that might otherwise have prevented them from beginning or completing their studies.

Education and career workshops formed another important part of the initiative. Through 92 workshops, Community to Careers served 532 students with workshops that included topics like computer basics, career exploration and guidance and practical AI tools in manufacturing. The sessions helped participants strengthen foundational skills, explore career possibilities and better understand the training required to enter high-demand fields.

Community to Careers training and education staff also served as liaisons to 19 community-based organizations across Washington, Multnomah and Columbia counties. Partners included Central City Concern, HomePlate Youth Services, Community Action Team, Native American Youth and Family Center and Adelante Mujeres.

The liaisons introduced community organizations, their staff and participants to training and educational opportunities through information sessions, customized events, community fairs and four professional-development programs for partner organizations. Approximately 480 community members referred by community-based organizations accessed college and career preparation services during the grant period.

According to Program Manager Kali Giaritta, the initiative’s success reflects both its measurable outcomes and the relationships developed among students, employers and community partners.

“In under two years, students have graduated from CORE with the confidence and skill set to thrive as CNC operators,” Giaritta said. “Whether they launched right into new careers or continued their education at PCC, every single student proved something powerful: they are capable of learning new skills and conquering big challenges.”

To learn more on the CORE program, visit pcc.edu/opportunity-center/jobs/cnc-operator/ 

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

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

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

The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on August 18, 2026. 
This meeting will be held virtually through Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/86998481255?pwd=BAjwWcTMfmhij0SqSuHj63e4pproDn.1
Passcode:628103

WORKING & REGULAR SESSION

The Gervais School District #1 School Board, Gervais, Oregon, will convene in a Work Session at 5:30 p.m. at the District Office Conference via ZOOM on Thursday, August 20, 2026, following the Work Session will be a Regular Session. The agenda for the Regular Session meeting includes, but is not limited to, the following business:

WORKING SESSION

• Presentation by the Gervais FFA Alumni Renovation Plan for Barn

Reports:

Action Items:

• Board/Superintendent Working Agreement
• Policies Second Reading

DBEA: Budget Committee

EBB: Integrated Pest Management

• Policies to Delete

BBAA: Individual Board Member’s Authority and Responsibilities

BBE:  Vacancies on the Board

BCE: Board Committees

BCF:  Advisory Committee to the Board

BD/BDA:  Board Meetings

BDC:  Executive Sessions

BDD:  Board Meeting Procedures

BDDC:  Board Meeting Agenda

BDDG:  Minutes of Board Meetings

GAA:  Personnel Definitions

Discussion Items:     

• Bond Update
• OSBA 2026 Open Board of Directors Position 11 Nominations
• Policy First Reading

EBBA: Student Health Services

KNA:  Immigration Enforcement on District Property

KNA-AR (1):  Interactions with Immigration Enforcement

KNA-AR (2):  Federal Immigration Enforcement Request Log

• Draft Board & Superintendent Goals
• Review of Proposed Performance Growth Targets
• Discussion of PERS Bond Proposal

You are invited to a Zoom webinar!

When: Aug 20, 2026 05:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Topic:  Gervais School District #1 Board of Directors Work Session and Regular Meeting

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87269306781?pwd=RmcSEC1PQ6eepoH4l1D4eniW4u7og4.1

Passcode:765934

Phone one-tap:

+16694449171,,87269306781#,,,,765934# US

+16699006833,,87269306781#,,,,765934# US (San Jose)

Join via audio:

+1 669 444 9171 US+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)+1 719 359 4580 US+1 253 205 0468 US

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

+1 360 209 5623 US+1 386 347 5053 US+1 507 473 4847 US+1 564 217 2000 US

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Webinar ID: 872 6930 6781

Passcode: 765934

International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k2ryu9Us3

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Gervais School District #1 School Board, Gervais, Oregon, will hold an Executive Session under ORS 192.660 (2)

(h) “Consult with Legal Counsel” at the District Office Conference Room and on Thursday, August 20, 2026, immediately following the Regular Session

WORKING & REGULAR SESSION

The Gervais School District #1 School Board, Gervais, Oregon, will convene in a Work Session at 5:30 p.m. at the District Office Conference via ZOOM on Thursday, August 20, 2026, following the Work Session will be a Regular Session. The agenda for the Regular Session meeting includes, but is not limited to, the following business:

Reports:

Action Items:

• Board/Superintendent Working Agreement
• Policies Second Reading

DBEA: Budget Committee

EBB: Integrated Pest Management

• Policies to Delete

          BBAA: Individual Board Member’s Authority and Responsibilities

          BBE:  Vacancies on the Board

          BCE: Board Committees

          BCF:  Advisory Committee to the Board

          BD/BDA:  Board Meetings

           BDC:  Executive Sessions

           BDD:  Board Meeting Procedures

           BDDC:  Board Meeting Agenda

           BDDG:  Minutes of Board Meetings

           GAA:  Personnel Definitions

Discussion Items:       

• Bond Update
• OSBA 2026 Open Board of Directors Position 11 Nominations
• Policy First Reading

E          BBA: Student Health Services

KNA:  Immigration Enforcement on District Property

KNA-AR (1):  Interactions with Immigration Enforcement

KNA-AR (2):  Federal Immigration Enforcement Request Log

• Draft Board & Superintendent Goals
• Review of Proposed Performance Growth Targets
• Discussion of PERS Bond Proposal

You are invited to a Zoom webinar!

When: Aug 20, 2026 05:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Topic:  Gervais School District #1 Board of Directors Work Session and Regular Meeting

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87269306781?pwd=RmcSEC1PQ6eepoH4l1D4eniW4u7og4.1

Passcode:765934

Phone one-tap:

+16694449171,,87269306781#,,,,765934# US

+16699006833,,87269306781#,,,,765934# US (San Jose)

Join via audio:

+1 669 444 9171 US+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)+1 719 359 4580 US+1 253 205 0468 US

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

+1 360 209 5623 US+1 386 347 5053 US+1 507 473 4847 US+1 564 217 2000 US

+1 646 931 3860 US+1 689 278 1000 US+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

+1 305 224 1968 US+1 309 205 3325 US

Webinar ID: 872 6930 6781

Passcode: 765934

International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k2ryu9Us3

Battle Ground Public Schools is seeking members for its Citizens Advisory Committee. This committee gives parents, guardians and community members an opportunity to share their perspectives on BGPS with district leaders and learn about initiatives and programs. 

The first two meetings are open to the public, no RSVP or application required. Everyone is welcome. Both meetings will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Battle Ground High School media center (300 W. Main St., Battle Ground).

• Thursday, Sept. 10: This meeting will focus on organizations that support BGPS. 

• Thursday, Oct. 8: This meeting will provide information and answer questions about the student safety and academic support levy on the ballot in the November election.

Past input from the Citizens Advisory Committee has informed district decisions on facilities and strategic priorities, among other topics. The district invites anyone who is interested in the committee to attend a meeting and learn more.

Huntington Middle School is welcoming a new leader this school year, as veteran educator Lauri Landerholm steps into the role of principal with nearly three decades of experience, a passion for middle school students, and a commitment to helping every student recognize their potential.

Landerholm joined Kelso School District July 1, succeeding Kim Allais, who retired after eight years with the district, including five years as Huntington's principal.

Landerholm comes to Kelso from Battle Ground Public Schools, where she most recently served as Director of Human Resources. Her career in education has included 10 years as a classroom teacher, 12 years as a middle school principal, and leadership roles as an assistant principal and assistant superintendent.

Throughout her career, Landerholm has focused on creating positive school cultures, strengthening high-quality instruction, and building systems that help students and staff thrive. She brings extensive experience with Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and restorative practices.

At the heart of her work, however, is something much simpler: relationships.

“My why is simple: I want to make a positive difference in the lives of students,” Landerholm said. “As a young person, I was fortunate to have educators who believed in me during times when I struggled to believe in myself. Their encouragement changed the course of my life, and it inspired me to dedicate my career to creating those same opportunities for others.”

Her goal is for every Huntington student to experience a safe, supportive, and caring environment where they feel valued, challenged, and know they belong. She looks forward to partnering with families and staff to help students discover their strengths, build confidence, develop resilience, and prepare for their futures.

“Lauri's extensive middle school experience, collaborative spirit, and relationship-driven approach make her an exceptional fit for Huntington,” said Superintendent Mary Beth Tack. “She understands how important these years are in a student's life, and she brings both the experience and the heart to help our students and staff thrive. We're excited to welcome her to Kelso and to the Husky family.”

Landerholm says building strong partnerships with Huntington families will be among her priorities as she begins the school year.

“I look forward to becoming part of the rich history of Kelso, getting to know our students and families, and working together to make this an exceptional year for every Huntington student,” she said.

About Kelso School District

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

Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997

Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information:  https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule

ROSEBURG, Ore., August 17, 2026 — H.O.P.E. Drug Court participant Lukas Allen is turning his graduation community project into an opportunity to support local children and families receiving housing assistance through KIC Housing.

Lukas’s project, KickStart Smiles, is collecting items for children from birth through age 10, including crayons, coloring books, books, small toys, age-appropriate games, backpacks, school supplies, and other fun and useful items that can help bring comfort, creativity, and a sense of normalcy to children during times of transition.  The program is seeking washable items for markers, paints, etc. if donated.

KIC Housing works with local families who need housing assistance while participating in Adapt programs related to substance use disorder. Stable housing can be an important part of recovery by reducing barriers and helping parents focus on treatment, family responsibilities, and building a healthier future for themselves and their children.

For Lukas, the project is especially meaningful because of his own experience receiving housing assistance.  “I want to help them better their program by providing items that assist with their process to help kids with fun and useful items the parents may not always have the opportunity to provide,” Lukas said. “I received housing assistance and am grateful for the help with my children.”

In addition to toys, books, and activities for younger children, Lukas is collecting backpacks and school supplies to support families with school-age children. The goal is to help ease some of the financial pressure families may experience while making sure children have supplies they need to participate in school and feel prepared alongside their peers.

Recovery Is About More Than One Person

An important part of treatment court is helping participants build stability in all areas of their lives. For parents, that often includes strengthening relationships with their children and working toward healthy and safe family reunification.

Substance use disorder can affect the entire family. As parents progress through treatment and recovery, rebuilding trust and strengthening the parent-child relationship can take time. Stable housing, consistent routines, access to treatment, and supportive community resources can help create an environment where families are able to heal together.

For children, reunification is about more than returning to the same household. It can mean rebuilding a sense of safety, consistency, trust, and connection with a parent who is working to make lasting changes. Providing families with basic resources and positive activities for their children can help reduce stress during that process and allow parents to focus more of their energy on recovery and parenting.

The Importance of H.O.P.E. Drug Court

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program provides participants with structured accountability, treatment, court supervision, and connections to community resources designed to address the underlying challenges associated with substance use disorder. Treatment courts recognize that long-term recovery often requires more than simply stopping substance use. Participants work toward improving housing stability, family relationships, employment, physical and behavioral health, and their connection to the community.

Community projects completed during the graduation phase give participants an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences while giving back to the community that supported their recovery. Projects such as KickStart Smiles allow participants to turn lessons learned through their own journey into something that can provide hope and encouragement to another family.

Lukas hopes the donated items will help parents feel supported while also giving children something of their own to enjoy during what can be an uncertain time.

How to Help

Items Needed:

• Washable toys for children birth through age 10
• Crayons
• Coloring books
• Children’s books
• Small toys
• Fun, age-appropriate games and activities
• Backpacks
• School supplies

Donations will be collected until September 15, 2026.

Drop-Off Locations:

Clint Newell Motors
1481 NE Stephens Street
Roseburg, Oregon

Douglas County Juvenile Department
First-floor lobby of the Douglas County Courthouse
1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Room 105A

Community members are encouraged to help Lukas complete his H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduation project and support local families working toward recovery, stability, and stronger futures for their children.  Every backpack, book, box of crayons, toy, or school supply donated is a small reminder to a child and parent that their community is behind them as they move forward together.

Community Invited to Celebrate the 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation

Community members are also invited to attend the 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Cascade Hall.  The graduation ceremony recognizes participants who have worked diligently to overcome challenges, maintain their recovery, meet program expectations, and successfully complete the requirements of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program. Graduation represents much more than completion of a court program; it recognizes the determination, accountability, personal growth, and perseverance demonstrated by participants throughout their recovery journey.

The community is encouraged to attend, celebrate the graduates, and hear about the accomplishments, challenges, and hard work that brought each participant to this important milestone. Community support plays an important role in helping individuals in recovery recognize that their progress matters and that they have people encouraging them as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives. 

Graduate flyers and additional information about the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program are available through the Douglas County website via the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) at:  https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court

Good afternoon,

A week from today, August 24, we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new PACE High School.  Please see the details in the attached release.

If you are planning to attend please email me an RSVP.

Thanks

BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum has selected writer and anthropologist Alexa Hagerty as the winner of the 12th annual Waterston Desert Writing Prize. Hagerty is the author of “Still Life with Bones: Genocide, Forensics, and What Remains,” a New York Times Editors' Choice, and was named one of The New Yorker's Best Books of the Year in addition to winning the 2024 Juan E. Méndez Book Award for Human Rights in Latin America.
 

“We are honored to welcome this year’s Waterston Desert Writing Prize winner, Alexa Hagerty, alongside acclaimed writer and performer Joy Harjo,” said High Desert Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “Together, they embody the spirit of the Prize through their profound engagement with landscape, place, and the human experience, reminding us of the enduring power of literary nonfiction to deepen our understanding of desert environments.”
 

Hagerty’s winning submission is titled Salt, Cloud, Ghost: A Journey through Desert, Deep Time, and Digital Age, which is a project focused on Chile’s Atacama Desert. She explores technology, memory, and loss in her writing. Her proposal journeys through the Atacama Desert, where the extraction of minerals and data for AI meets the region’s long history of colonialism, dictatorship, and disappearance.
 

An affiliate of the University of Cambridge's Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy, she holds a PhD in anthropology from Stanford University. Hagerty’s writing has appeared in Wired and the Los Angeles Review of Books, and The New York Times, the BBC, and The Guardian have covered her research.

The 2026 Waterston Desert Writing Prize finalists are C. J. Alvarez and Caprice Gray.
 

Alvarez, who holds a Ph.D. in history and teaches at the University of Texas at Austin, uncovers the 12,000-year history of the Chihuahuan Desert in his book project Another Kind of Clay. The project focuses on one of the largest and least-known expanses of dryland in North America to remember, to look beyond the false claims and real damage of conquest, and to readapt to the drylands.
 

Originally from the traditional Wecksquaesgeek territory in Harlem, New York, Gray holds a Bachelor of Arts from Yale, a Master of Science from Harvard University, and a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from New York University. Her proposal, The Once and Future Desert, is a proposed love letter to the desert written on a planet facing ecological crisis. It explores the complicated, yet paradoxically symbiotic, relationship between the desert and humankind throughout history.
 

The Waterston Advisory Committee and a guest judge review proposals. This year’s guest judge is Charles Hood, a five-time Waterson Award finalist and 2025 Obsidian Award Winner who has spent a career living and working in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. Hood’s nature study has taken him around the world and to the South Pole. He has published 22 books, including “Wild L.A.”, which is now in its fourth printing. His most recent books are “Nature at Night, “Double Hyenas and Lazarus Birds,” and “Acorns: In a Nutshell.”
 

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize, established in 2014 by author and Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston, honors and fosters literary nonfiction that celebrates desert landscapes. In 2020, the High Desert Museum, which has long hosted events for the Prize, adopted the program. The mission and goals of the Prize complement those of the High Desert Museum, emphasizing the importance of protecting deserts and creating important conversations about the issues affecting them.
 

To learn more about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize, and to purchase your tickets to the Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony, visit: highdesertmuseum.org/waterston-prize.
 

ABOUT THE 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, Instagram and TikTok.

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Milestone procedural step moves proposed constitutional amendment closer to Oregon voters.

SALEM, OR — August 19, 2026 — Today, chief petitioner of Initiative Petition 25 (IP 25), officially known as the Oregon Freedom Amendment, announced a major procedural milestone in their effort to qualify for the statewide ballot. The Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division has formally referred IP 25 to the Oregon Attorney General to begin drafting the measure's official ballot title and summary.

The referral to the Attorney General indicates that IP 25 has successfully met the initial sponsorship signatures threshold required by Oregon election law. The Oregon Secretary of State's official initiative records identify Petition 2028-025 as:

“Amendment to protect rights to hunt, fish, farm, trap, ranch, grow food, and wildlife management”

“This is about protecting the people's ability to continue the practices that have helped sustain Oregon communities for generations,” said Kari Goodheart, Chief Petitioner of the Oregon Freedom Amendment. “Hunting, fishing, farming, ranching, trapping, growing food, caring for animals and managing wildlife are deeply connected to Oregon's land, culture, food supply and way of life. The people should have a constitutional safeguard for these activities.”

What is the Oregon Freedom Amendment (IP 25)?

The Oregon Freedom Amendment is a proposed state constitutional amendment for the November 7, 2028 general election, explicitly designed to establish constitutionally protected rights for individuals across Oregon.

• Constitutional Rights Protection: The amendment seeks to protect the rights of Oregonians to hunt, fish, farm, trap, ranch, grow food, practice diligent animal husbandry, and participate in wildlife management.

The Oregon Freedom Amendment is intended to place these activities and traditions within the protections of the Oregon Constitution, recognizing the importance of hunting, fishing, agriculture, ranching, trapping, food production, responsible animal husbandry, and wildlife management to Oregon's communities, families, economy, and natural-resource heritage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Portland, OR, August 18, 2026] ---On Sunday, August 23, 2026, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation in partnership with the American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Portland Red Cross location in celebration of WeLoveU’s 22 years of life-saving blood drives. The event is part of a larger initiative with simultaneous blood drives in California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania to increase diverse blood donations. 

The Red Cross reports that scheduled blood donations — which account for about 90% of the blood supply — have declined sharply this summer, highlighting just how essential it is to make and keep donation appointments all summer long. In addition, disasters across the country have impacted the ability to collect blood products. To tackle this challenge, WeLoveU has launched the “Worldwide One-Two Blood Drive” to encourage voluntary, unpaid blood donations and help save lives worldwide. With a goal of collecting 650 pints of blood across all participating cities, WeLoveU invites the public to get involved. Visit weloveuusa.org to learn more.

“Summer is considered trauma season due to an increase in accidents which can put a strain on our blood supply. Wildfires can force the cancellation of blood drives affecting our ability to collect blood. This is also traditionally a time of lower blood donations because people are traveling,” said Priscilla Fuentes, CEO of the Red Cross Cascades Region. “That’s why we’re encouraging everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to donate blood today at RedCrossBlood.org.”

"Every time a volunteer rolls up their sleeve, they're making a decision that could save a stranger's life within hours," said Jessica Amaya, program manager of the WeLoveU Foundation's U.S. Region. "That urgency is what drives us — and it's why, 22 years after our founder and chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah first called on our community to give blood, we're still showing up, drive after drive, to make sure that call is answered."

As a thank you for taking time to help patients in need, you’ll get a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email when you come to give blood Aug. 1-31, 2026!

About the International WeLoveU Foundation   

Founder and Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah established the International WeLoveU Foundation in 2001— which is associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC) — as a vehicle to deliver a mother’s love to neighbors in need. The Chairwoman took a grassroots approach by personally interacting with and caring for the needs of people in her community and her efforts inspired the spirit of volunteerism into the hearts of many. Over the past two decades, WeLoveU has extended its reach to over 73 countries in 249 regions, impacting countless lives through initiatives spanning emergency relief, education, health, environment, and community well-being. With the dedication of over 300,000 volunteers worldwide, WeLoveU inspires a healthy and hopeful future for many. For more information, visit weloveuusa.org.

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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Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington Opens First-Ever Dedicated Outreach Space in Evergreen Public Schools

Ribbon-cutting ceremony set for August 18 at Evergreen High School

VANCOUVER, WA — Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington (BGCSW) is opening the doors to its first-ever dedicated Outreach program space in Evergreen Public Schools (EPS), giving Evergreen-area teens a place they can call their own.

Since 2014, BGCSW's Outreach team has provided specialized services to teens and young adults referred from across Clark County, offering intentional support, engaging activities, and case management designed to interrupt cycles of violence and expand access to safe, healthy pathways forward. With the support of EPS, that work can now happen closer to home — reducing transportation barriers and giving Outreach teens in the Evergreen community a consistent, welcoming space of their own.

The new space, a portable classroom on the Evergreen High School campus, is the result of a longstanding and growing partnership with EPS. The district's Safety & Security Department led the effort, securing funding through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to furnish, clean, and supply the space.

"I've seen firsthand how much of a difference the Outreach program makes for the students who get connected to it," said Shane Gardner, Director of Safety & Security at Evergreen Public Schools. "Watching that success made it an easy decision to invest in making this program more accessible to our students.” Gardner and his team spearheaded the effort on behalf of the district, inspired by the impact of BGCSW's Outreach program and a desire to make those services more accessible to Evergreen students.

"Our Outreach program has grown so much, and this space is a huge step forward for the work we do," said Izzy Queisser, Outreach Program Director at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington. "Having a consistent place within Evergreen Public Schools means we can show up for these teens more reliably, build deeper trust, and reach even more youth who need us most. This space is going to be vital to where we go next."

This summer, the space is being used to run Outreach programming and is not yet open for drop-in visits. Looking ahead to the school year, BGCSW hopes to open the space one day a week for drop-in access to teens from both Evergreen High School and Cascade Middle School. Hours and additional details will be posted to mybgc.org as they're finalized.

To learn more about BGCSW's Outreach Program and the role it plays in the community, watch this short video: https://youtu.be/CiKgeF_I_94?si=IJcSrAth7LoGAlyR

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Event Details – Community members and media are invited to attend.   

Evergreen High School, 14300 NE 18th St, Vancouver, WA 98684 

Tuesday, August 18 | 5:00 p.m.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington, our mission is to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible community members. Our quality, accessible, year-round programs center three core pillars: academic success, good character and leadership, and mental health and wellness. The results speak for themselves: 85% of BGCSW members show improvement in academic performance and 92% are expected to graduate on time.

For over 25 years, BGCSW has served youth and families across Clark County. Today, we reach nearly 3,000 kindergarten through 12th-grade members annually across 9 Club sites in Vancouver, Washington and we never turn away a family for an inability to pay.

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Clark County Historical Museum will continue its Speaker Series with “Brewing & Distilling in the Pacific Northwest: Trade, Saloons, Temperance, Prohibition & the Brewing Boom,” a presentation exploring the complicated and fascinating history of alcohol in the Pacific Northwest.

Presented by Dr. Sam Busick, Ed.D., the program will examine how brewing and distilling have shaped the region’s history, from the fur trade and Fort Vancouver to nineteenth-century saloons, the temperance movement, Prohibition, Lucky Lager, and the modern craft brewing boom.

Far more than a story about beer and liquor, the presentation explores the connections between alcohol and trade, immigration, economic development, politics, social reform, and government regulation. Attendees will learn how Vancouver’s brewing industry grew alongside the city, how saloons became important centers of social and political life, and how the temperance movement helped fuel broader debates over women’s suffrage and political power.

The program will also highlight the often colorful history of Prohibition in Clark County, including bootlegging, illegal stills, liquor raids, and the challenges faced by local law enforcement. The presentation will follow the industry through the return of legal brewing after Prohibition, the rise of Lucky Lager in Vancouver, the decline of large-scale local brewing, and the eventual emergence of the region’s modern craft brewing movement.

The presentation also complements the museum’s History A’ Brewin’exhibit, which explores 200 years of beer manufacture in Clark County. The exhibit traces the history of local brewing from its earliest beginnings through the rise of major breweries and the modern revival of craft beer. History A’ Brewin’ will remain on display only into early 2027, providing visitors with a limited opportunity to explore this important chapter of Clark County history.

Dr. Sam Busick, Ed.D., is an educator, community leader, real estate professional, and historian based in Southwest Washington. He spent twelve years teaching social studies at Hudson’s Bay High School and holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership in Neuroeducation from the University of Portland.

Sam previously worked in public service for Congressman Brian Baird and is a licensed real estate broker in Washington and Oregon. He volunteers with the Clark County Historical Museum, contributing historical research and writing to support museum exhibits. He has also spent more than two decades coaching and mentoring youth athletes throughout Southwest Washington.

Thursday, Sep 3, 2026

Doors open at 6 PM, talk begins at 7 PM

Clark County Historical Museum
1511 Main Street
Vancouver, WA 98660

Cost: Free for CCHM Members, $5 for Non-Members (registration required)

For tickets, event details, and additional information, visit www.cchmusuem.org

This installment of the Clark County Historical Museum Speaker Series is presented through the generous support of the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission, with media sponsorship provided by The Columbian.

VANCOUVER, Wash. — For 25 years, Columbia Springs has been finding unexpected ways to get people curious about the natural world. This August, that means putting invasive species back on the menu.

For the second time, the Vancouver nonprofit is inviting local chefs to turn invasive species into dinner, pairing serious ecological questions with a chef competition designed to be memorable, surprising and educational.

The cookout will take place August 22 as part of Columbia Springs’ annual Hooked on Nature event.

“We knew we didn’t want to throw another gala dinner,” said Columbia Springs Executive Director Katherine Cory. “We wanted to do something that felt more like us, something curious, a little unexpected, and built around learning. So instead of asking people to sit through a program, we asked chefs to cook invasive species. It’s weird enough to get people talking, fun enough to remember, and somewhere in the middle of all that, people actually learn something.”

Columbia Springs has recruited a formidable local kitchen crew for the challenge: the Ondus team of Chef Tanner Genck, Food and Beverage Director for AC Hotel and Ondus; Executive Sous Chef James Sullivan; and Lead Line Cook Hunter Gill; along with Chef Earl Frederickson of the McClaskey Culinary Institute and Chef Chris Townsend, Sous Chef at Kismet.

Their assignment: turn invasive species into something guests actually want seconds of.

Rather than simply explaining how invasive species affect Northwest ecosystems, Columbia Springs is inviting guests to experience the subject through food, conversation and a little friendly competition.

Hooked on Nature is Columbia Springs’ annual summer gathering and fundraiser.

Before dinner, guests will be able to explore parts of the Columbia Springs site that many Vancouver residents have never seen, including areas connected to the historic Vancouver Trout Hatchery, which shares the site with Columbia Springs, as well as spaces used for the organization’s education programs.

Columbia Springs has built its programs around the idea that environmental education works best when people can see it, touch it, question it and occasionally be surprised by it.

Sometimes that looks like a child turning over a rock in a stream.

Sometimes it looks like raising salmon in a classroom.

And sometimes it looks like asking a chef what wine goes with an invasive species.

Hooked on Nature takes place Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Columbia Springs in Vancouver, Washington.

About Columbia Springs
Columbia Springs’ mission is to offer a unique setting and educational experiences that foster a greater awareness of the natural world and inspire stewardship. Located within a 100-acre urban natural area in Vancouver, Washington, Columbia Springs connects children and community members with nature through field trips, salmon education, community programs and hands-on learning.

UPDATE (August 14, 2026): VPS staff and community members were joined by U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez this morning at the ribbon-cutting of the new Ed Lynch Trades Center.

Photos and video from today's event are now available here.

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VANCOUVER, Wash. — On Friday, August 14, community members, students, and Vancouver Public Schools Leadership will celebrate the opening of the Ed Lynch Trades Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Fort Vancouver High School.
 

Date: August 14, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th Vancouver, WA 98661
 

The 8842-sq-ft facility will give high school students from throughout the district the opportunity to gain hands-on training in welding, advanced manufacturing, fabrication, precision machining, and emerging manufacturing technologies.
 

The new building features 16 professional welding booths, metal cutting processes, precision lathes, 3D printers, and industry-standard equipment designed to prepare students for high-demand careers.

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, two advanced manufacturing cohorts will rotate daily, following a hands-on design-to-production learning model. Students will be guided through every stage of the manufacturing process—from concept and design to fabrication and the finished product.  Students will also receive career development opportunities including guest speakers, on-site job training, recruitment events, and paid internships. 

This new building was made possible by the Ed & Dollie Lynch Fund, in-kind contributions from Jon Girod and Dennis Wubben, and the partnership of local contractors. No tax payer dollars were used and the process was facilitated through the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools. 

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The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools is an independent, 501(c)3 educational non-profit corporation established in 1988 to support Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). Governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of business, community, and education leaders, the foundation creates opportunities to cultivate and inspire student success. As an educational non-profit entity, the foundation serves students at all 40 VPS schools and programs, providing direct aid to students facing learning barriers due to economic need, as well as financial assistance for learning enrichment and mentoring programs that cannot be funded by the school district. The Foundation for VPS is supported by donations from school employees, parents, students, community members, businesses and foundations.

Date: Wed Sept 9, 2026

Time: 7 pm

Location: Kiggins Theatre Vancouver, Wa

Tickets: $15-$45

Event Website: scienceontaporwa.org/events/kiggins_sep_9_volcano/

When and how will a volcano erupt in the future? Say…Mount Baker (a very-high-threat volcano in Washington State)?

In this talk, we'll explore:

• What causes magmas to escape the crust and erupt on the surface?
• How long does it take for magma to exit the crust?
• Can we improve our “stopwatches” between the moment volcanic unrest is detected, and the moment we need to respond to an impending eruption?

The Cascade volcanoes in our very own backyard.

Dr. Hannah Shamloo works at Central Washington University as an Assistant Professor where she has taught igneous petrology, geochemistry, volcanology, and science communication for the past 5 years. 

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

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) is proud to partner with the Tribal Charitable entities of Oregon to support Oregon’s K-12 students. During the coming 2026-2027 school year the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation will receive generous grant funding from the Wildhorse Foundation, (Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla); the Three Rivers Foundation (Coos, Umpqua and Siuslaw); the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund; the Coquille Tribal Community Fund and the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation in support of the School Vision Screening Program (SVS).

All of the mentioned Tribal Foundations understand how important vision is to learning in K-12 students. Studies consistently show that 80% of learning in K-12 students is visual and that 25% of those students have correctable vision issues, yet only about 10% have the glasses they need. OLSHF’s School Vision Screening Program, with the help of tribal support, provides highest quality objective, efficient, equitable and safe vision screening to students throughout Oregon. The screenings are followed by resources for student families for low-cost/no-cost vision exams and eyeglasses. With the help of Oregon’s Tribes, OLSHF provided this service to over 200,000 students last school year, (2025-2026) and screened the 2-millionth student in 2024!

Funding from all five of the Oregon Tribal Foundations helps cover the costs of OLSHF School Vision Screening in almost 60% of Oregon Counties, including urban centers as well as rural and remote communities. When students can see to their potential, they have a greater ability to learn to their potential and have a better chance to contribute to their families, themselves and communities.

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation shares a long history of partnership with Oregon’s tribes, going back many years. OLSHF and the Lions of Oregon look forward to continuing to help students achieve their potential with their partners at the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, the Coquille Tribal Community Fund, the Three Rivers Foundation, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and the Wildhorse Foundation, into Oregon’s future.

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Oregon Repertory Singers joins Portland Youth Philharmonic Camerata for a monumental work exploring creation, humanity, and our place in the world.

PORTLAND, Ore. — August 17, 2026 — Oregon Repertory Singers (ORS) opens its 2026–2027 season with Creo, a sweeping contemporary oratorio by South Korean composer Hyo-Won Woo, performed October 17 and 18 at The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in collaboration with Portland Youth Philharmonic Camerata. Woo herself will be in residence, offering audiences a rare opportunity to encounter her music in direct conversation with its creator.

Written for chorus and instrumental ensemble, Creo offers a vivid and expansive retelling of the story of Creation. Across 11 movements, Woo traces the emergence of the universe, earth, living creatures, and humanity, culminating in a vision of wholeness and rest. The work brings together ancient stories and contemporary musical language in a work that is at once spiritual and deeply human.

“Creo breathes new life into the old story of Creation,” wrote the International Federation for Choral Music in its program notes for the work’s 2014 world premiere. “The piece’s majestic scope is deeply spiritual but revealed simply through iconic images.”

For Dr. Ethan Sperry, Gil Seeley Artistic Director of ORS, bringing Hyo-Won Woo and her Creo to Portland is an opportunity to introduce audiences to a compelling voice in contemporary choral music while exploring one of humanity’s oldest stories from a fresh perspective. Woo, one of South Korea’s leading composers of choral music, incorporates elements of Korean musical traditions alongside Western contemporary techniques.

Oregon Repertory Singers is joined by Portland Youth Philharmonic Camerata, one of the region’s leading youth orchestras, for this momentous performance.

“MUSIC CARRIES US BEYOND OURSELVES — BEYOND WHAT DIVIDES US, BEYOND WHAT LIMITS US, BEYOND WHAT WE THOUGHT WE KNEW. NEXT SEASON, OREGON REPERTORY SINGERS INVITES YOU ON A JOURNEY TOWARD SOMETHING GREATER: GREATER THAN ANY SINGLE TRADITION, ANY SINGLE CULTURE, ANY SINGLE MOMENT IN TIME. FROM A KOREAN VISION OF CREATION TO THE SOUL-STIRRING ENERGY OF GOSPEL TO THE TOWERING GRANDEUR OF MOZART, THESE THREE CONCERTS SHARE A SINGLE CONVICTION — THAT WHEN WE SING TOGETHER, WE ARRIVE SOMEWHERE THAT NONE OF US COULD REACH ALONE.”

– ETHAN SPERRY, GIL SEELEY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, ORS

The 2026–2027 season continues ORS’s commitment to presenting both celebrated choral repertoire and music that expands the possibilities of the choral art form. Creo launches a season that moves from contemporary creation mythology to beloved holiday traditions and, ultimately, to one of the great monuments of the classical repertoire.

Following Creo, ORS will present its annual Glory of Christmas concerts December 6, 12, and 13 at First United Methodist Church of Portland, continuing a cherished holiday tradition with music for the season, and with a twist! We are thrilled to welcome back gospel stars LaRhonda Steele and JerMichael Riley to join Oregon Repertory Singers for a celebration rooted in community, warmth, and the kind of joy that fills a room and refuses to leave. Beloved classical and seasonal favorites meet the electrifying energy of gospel music in a concert that reminds us why we gather, why we sing, and what we mean to each other.

The season concludes in May 2027 when ORS joins the Oregon Symphony at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall for Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, paired with Portland-born composer Lou Harrison’s La Koro Sutro (The Heart Sūtra), May 15 and 16.

Creo

Oregon Repertory Singers & Portland Youth Philharmonic Camerata
Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM
 

The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
12625 SW Crescent St., Beaverton, Ore.

About Oregon Repertory Singers

Founded in 1974, Oregon Repertory Singers is a premier choral arts nonprofit dedicated to creating beauty, evoking emotion, inspiring thought, and enriching the community through powerful choral performances and accessible music education. Under the direction of Dr. Ethan Sperry, ORS presents music ranging from the newest generation of composers to celebrated choral masterworks. ORS is uniquely distinguished as the region’s only choral nonprofit offering equally robust adult and youth programs, creating opportunities for singers of all ages to learn, perform, and connect through music.

For more information, visit ORSingers.org.

From Beth Hutton

Betty Woodward passed away August 3^rd, 2026. Contact is her nephew who can be reached through Ed Herbert (listed below).

From Stuart Palmiter

Funeral services for Retired Officer Betty Woodward will be held on August 24th, at River View Cemetery, 300 S Taylors Ferry RD, Portland, OR 97219, at 11:00 am, followed by internment.

An informal celebration of life will be held at Elephants Delicatessen 5221 S Corbett Ave, Portland, OR until 2:00pm.

Betty retired in 2011 after working much of her career at Central Precinct.

SOLVE calls on Oregon Coast residents and community groups to host cleanup projects during annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 18–27

Portland, Ore., August 17, 2026 – Coastal communities have already shown what’s possible when they come together to protect Oregon’s coast. Following 18 coastal cleanups on July 5 that brought together 667 volunteers and removed 7,393 pounds of litter, SOLVE is calling on more coastal residents, businesses and community groups to help keep that momentum going this September.

From September 18-27, SOLVE’s annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup will bring volunteers together across Oregon and Southwest Washington to remove litter, marine debris and invasive species while caring for beaches, rivers and waterways. The cleanup includes International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 19, a global effort that brings communities together to protect coastlines from litter and marine debris.

More coastal cleanup leaders are needed to host projects this September. Event leaders don’t need to have previous experience or organize everything on their own. SOLVE provides support to make hosting a cleanup easy, including cleanup supplies, permitting guidance, volunteer registration and project resources.

How to Get Involved

Those interested in hosting a coastal cleanup during Beach & Riverside Cleanup can learn more and sign up at solveoregon.org/beach-riverside.

SOLVE is also encouraging coastal residents who aren’t able to lead a project to participate in an existing cleanup or help spread the word.

About SOLVE 

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

Constitution Day: Founding Ideas, Modern Voices

As the America 250 summer comes to a close, The Historic Trust and League of Women Voters of Clark County invite you to celebrate Constitution Day on Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Fort Vancouver Artillery Barracks, 600 Hatheway Rd. in Vancouver, for an engaging afternoon of education, trivia, and discussion. The story of the Constitution brings forth our American identity – a scrappy group of brilliant thinkers who came together for a summer and drafted a plan for government. 

Scheduled activities will run from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. and include speakers, an interactive game to test your knowledge of the Constitution, an opportunity to write your own constitution, and time for open dialogue and discussion. Free pocket Constitutions will be given out to the first 100 guests courtesy of Riverview Bank. Attendees are welcome to drop in or stay for the whole event. 

Speakers in attendance will include: 

4 p.m., John Jay, “How the Constitution Was Put Together in One Summer” 

6 p.m., Melissa Williams, “The Fourteenth Amendment: A Constitution in and of Itself” 

6:45 p.m., Carolyn Long, “The Bill of Rights + What Does the Constitution Mean Today” 

This event is supported in part by an America’s 250th Events Grant from the Washington State Historical Society, and by The Historic Trust’s America 250 Series Presenting Sponsor, Xfinity, and its America 250 Supporting Sponsors, Riverview Bank and Thompson Metal Fab, Inc. 

For more information about Constitution Day or other Historic Trust events, please visit: https://www.thehistorictrust.org/calendar/. For more information about the League of Women Voters of Clark County, please visit: https://lwvclarkcounty.org/.