The Albany Police Department proudly became internationally accredited on November 16, 2019, through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). Our department is currently the third law enforcement agency in Oregon to hold this status.

The Albany Police Department achieve reaccreditation in November 2023 by verifying compliance with established professional law enforcement standards. The accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards which demonstrate professional excellence within a comprehensive range of operational and administrative responsibilities.

As part of the on-going accreditation process, agency employees, and members of the community are invited to offer comments via the CALEA Public Comment Portal, available at https://cimrs2.calea.org/ and https://www.albanyoregon.gov/police/about/accreditation. Access to this portal is provided as an opportunity for the public for comments regarding our agency's compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. These comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The overall intent of the accreditation process is to provide the Albany Police Department with information to support continuous improvement, as well as to foster the pursuit of professional excellence.

CALEA standards manual information may be viewed on the CALEA website at CALEA Law Enforcement Standards Manual.

Questions about our agency, standards, or the accreditation process, please contact Accreditation Manager Merab Smith.

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On 02/17/2026, at approximately 2:47 p.m., Clark County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) patrol deputies responded to an assault with a weapon call at Heritage High School located at 7825 NE 130th Avenue in Vancouver, WA. Staff advised a 15-year-old student had been stabbed with a knife by another 15-year-old student while in a bathroom. The victim suffered non-life threatening wounds. The victim was able to disarm the suspect and flee the bathroom. The suspect was contained within the bathroom by school staff. 

CCSO deputies arrived on scene and took the suspect into custody without incident. There were no other threats to students or staff. The victim received medical treatment for her injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The suspect was booked into Juvenile Detention Hall. 

NATURAL GAS SAFETY

Many homes and businesses use natural gas for heat and appliances. Natural gas is safe when used correctly, but leaks can be dangerous. Here’s what you need to know:

• Natural gas is made to smell like rotten eggs so you can notice a leak.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave right away. Don’t use your phone or turn on lights inside the building.
• Go to a safe place and call 911 and your gas company.
• Don’t light matches, use lighters, or make sparks.
• Only turn off the gas if you smell it, hear it, or see signs of a leak—and only if it’s safe to do so.
• After an earthquake or disaster, it may take days for help to arrive. Have a plan and a safe meeting place for your family.
• Make sure everyone in your house knows what to do if there is a gas leak.
• Ask your gas company for more safety information.

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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ANIMAL SHELTER TO HOST NEW FACILITY RIBBON CUTTING 

The Lincoln County Animal Shelter, Sheriff’s Office, and Board of Commissioners are excited to announce the ribbon cutting event for the new animal shelter facility. Join us on March 5, 2026, to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and generosity shown over the last six years of this project.  

• What: Animal Shelter New Facility Ribbon Cutting Event
  • Ribbon cutting 
  • Building tours  
  • A closer look at shelter operations and what it takes to keep it running 
• Where: 220 SW Dahl Avenue Waldport, OR 
• When:  
  • 8:30 AM - Media Tours 
  • Members of the media are invited to tour the facility with the Animal Shelter team. Media is asked to RSVP for tour group planning.  
  • 10:30 AM – Ceremony 
  • Community members and media are invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony, guided shelter tours, and meet our team. 
• RSVP: Members of the media and community members are encouraged to RSVP to help with event planning. Click here to RSVP as a member of the media. Click here to RSVP as a community member
• Other:  
  • Parking is limited so carpooling is encouraged. The main Animal Shelter parking lot will be saved for ADA parking and the ribbon cutting ceremony. Street parking is available (see attached map).  
  • Please do not bring personal pets to the animal shelter event. 
  • Our team is unable to accept donated items at this time unless they are on our Amazon Wishlist. 

Can’t make it? Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for a virtual look at the shelter.  
 

Looking for ways to support your Lincoln County Animal Shelter?  

• Make a donation 
  • Monetary donations may be mailed or brought to: 
    Lincoln County Animal Shelter 
    220 SW Dahl Avenue 
    Waldport, OR 97394 
• Call 541-265-0720 to make a donation over the phone. 
• Shop our wish list on Amazon.  
• Become a volunteer and enrich shelter life for the animals in our care! Dog walkers, cat socializers, foster homes, and more are needed. Learn more about volunteering and submit a volunteer application today! 

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

The individual listed below has been convicted of a sex offense requiring registration with the Oregon State Police. Based on their criminal history, this person has been classified at a level indicating a potential to re-offend.

This notification is not intended to increase fear, but rather to support public awareness and safety.

NAME: Harvey Reyes Gonzales
SID#: 7410755
DOB: 07/12/1969
Current Age: 56
Race: Hispanic
Sex: Male
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 185 lbs
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown

Residence:

650 Locust St NE
Salem, OR 97301

Supervision Status:
Harvey Reyes Gonzales is currently on Post-Prison Supervision for the following crimes:
• Rape in the First Degree
• Attempted Sexual Abuse in the First Degree
• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree

Supervision began: 01/16/2026
Supervision expires: Lifetime Supervision

Victim Information:
Gonzales’ sexual offending history includes minor children who were known to him.

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

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Detectives assigned to TriMet’s Transit Police, led by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating an assault that occurred in downtown Portland.

This investigation began at approximately 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, when Transit Police and the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) responded to a reported disturbance near Southwest 5th Avenue and Southwest Madison Street.

Transit Police believe a disturbance on a TriMet MAX train escalated into an assault, which then continued onto the sidewalk, based on their preliminary investigation.

The assault left one person with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Paramedics took the man to a hospital with injuries that appear consistent with a stabbing and physical assault.

The two suspects involved in the assault ran away before law enforcement arrived. Just before 11 a.m., officers with PPB found two males near Lincoln High School who matched the suspects’ descriptions.

PPB officers initiated a foot chase. The suspects entered the high school, where officers took them into custody without further incident. There were no injuries to anyone inside Lincoln High School.

The suspects are 15 and 22 years old. It remains under investigation whether either has a connection to Lincoln High School.

At this time, there is no information indicating that the two suspects knew the injured person. The circumstances that led to the assault are still under investigation.

The 15-year-old will be booked into the Multnomah County Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center, and the 22-year-old will be booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.

No further information is available for release at this time.

About Transit Police:   

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) leads the multi-agency TriMet Transit Police Division. Transit Police officers and deputies help to ensure a safe transit system by riding trains and buses and visiting platforms and stations. They respond to calls for service and investigate crimes that occur on TriMet property in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. 

Current agencies comprising Transit Police include MCSO, the Portland Police Bureau, Port of Portland Police Department, Beaverton Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. 

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UPDATE: Earlier today, Desiree Danielle Johnson, 35, was arrested by the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force (FCRFTF) in Pinellas Park, Florida, on a nationwide felony warrant out of Klamath County related to a fatal crash on Highway 97 near milepost 174 on February 29, 2024.
 

Oregon State Police requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service in apprehending Johnson, who failed to appear for court. Charges stemming from the 2024 crash include criminally negligent homicide, second-degree assault, and reckless driving.

Johnson is being held at the Pinellas County Jail awaiting extradition to Oregon.

Klamath County, Ore. 29 Feb. 24- On Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 10:02 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 174, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Peterbilt CMV and trailer, operated by Desiree Danielle Johnson (34) of St. Petersburg (FL), when it lost control and jackknifed in the roadway. The Peterbilt spun and crossed into the path of a northbound Honda Pilot, operated by Elise Adair Farrens (37) of La Pine, where the Honda struck the CMV trailer.

The operator of the Honda (Farrens) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger in the Honda, Daviana Marie Trussell (23) of La Pine, was transported to the hospital with critical injuries.  Trussell, who was pregnant, tragically suffered the loss of her child due to injuries sustained during the crash.

The operator of the Peterbilt (Johnson) reportedly suffered minor injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Department, Crescent Fire, and ODOT.

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

The driver of a truck was arrested after he crashed into a house in the middle of the night. Fortunately, the family inside was not hurt.

It happened just before 3:00 AM in the 13000 block of SW Larkwood Place. Witnesses reported the driver was driving recklessly and speeding before the crash. Officers believe he was heading westbound on SW Scholls Ferry Road, hit a dirt mound on the side of the road and launched roughly 100 feet into the air and over a 3-foot brick wall before crashing into the side of the house.

When officers arrived, the driver was initially unconscious, and both he and a passenger were trapped inside the truck. Firefighters with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue had to extricate them both, and they were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Thankfully, the family in the home was not hurt, but there is significant damage to their house.

The driver has been identified as Jacob Hankins, age 33. He was charged with reckless driving and recklessly endangering.

We’re thankful no one was seriously hurt. We appreciate the help from neighboring agencies in responding to this crash, including TVF&R, Beaverton Police, King City Police and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

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Vancouver, WA — At 11:02 a.m. today, the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to a reported rollover motor vehicle accident with entrapment at the intersection of Burton Road and NE 95th Avenue.

Upon arrival, the first fire engine found a vehicle resting on its side and blocking both directions of Burton Road. Firefighters quickly assessed the scene and confirmed one female occupant was trapped inside the vehicle. Crews initiated extrication operations and safely removed the patient within 18 minutes of arrival.

Both occupants involved in the incident were evaluated on scene and transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

A total of 12 Vancouver Fire Department personnel responded to the incident, along with two AMR ambulances. Their coordinated efforts ensured a safe and efficient removal and patient transport.

Burton Road was temporarily impacted during the incident but has since reopened.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by Vancouver Police Dept.

February 15, 2026

On Friday, February 13, 2026, at 6:34 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a crash between a pedestrian and a truck at SW Tualatin Valley Highway and SW 178^th Avenue. Community members stopped to help a 31-year-old man that was in the road and called police after learning he was hit by a vehicle that did not stop to check on him.

When deputies arrived, they found the man with serious injuries and the Washington County Crash Analysis and Reconstruction Team was called to the scene to lead the investigation. Investigators discovered a video of the involved truck from a nearby business. The truck appears to be black, full-size, and has a 4-door cab. The driver of the truck may have been a woman with blonde hair.

Investigators would like to speak with anyone that witnessed the crash who has not spoken with law enforcement or anyone who has information on the identity of the person driving the truck. Please call 503-629-0111 and reference case number 50-26-2105. 

Media note video is available--please email WCSOpio@washingtoncountyor.gov and we will send you the video 

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 4:11 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting at the Cedar Crest Apartments, 4610 SW Mueller Drive in Beaverton. Deputies, along with officers from the Beaverton Police Department, found the victim, a 28-year-old male, with a gunshot wound inside an apartment. First responders rendered aid, and the victim was transported to a hospital. He is currently in critical condition.

The suspects fled the scene and, despite an extensive search, were not located by initial responders. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Unit and the Washington County Major Crimes Team were called to the scene to lead the investigation. Detectives learned that the victim was with Yaneli Jaime, 26, just prior to the shooting. Information gathered by investigators indicated that there were multiple people involved in the incident, which began as an armed robbery. 

During the investigation, detectives executed over twenty warrants and conducted follow-up throughout Oregon and Washington.

On Monday, February 2, 2026, Jaime was arrested at a residence in Vancouver, Washington. She was booked into the Clark County Jail on charges related to this investigation.

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Diego Torres-Topete, 18, of Kennewick, Washington, was arrested by the Richland Police Department. He was booked into the Benton County Jail (WA).

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the United States Marshals Service arrested Arnoldo Avila, 20, and Roberto Huato, 18, in Hermiston, Oregon. They were booked into the Umatilla County Jail.

All the suspects involved are facing charges of attempted murder in the second degree and robbery in the first degree. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges will be added. 

We would like to thank the following agencies for their partnership during this intensive investigation:

• Beaverton Police Department
• Hillsboro Police Department
• Vancouver Police Department
• Kennewick Police Department
• Pasco Police Department
• Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families
• Hermiston Police Department
• Umatilla Police Department
• Umatilla County Sheriff's Office
• Oregon State Police
• United States Marshals Service

Detectives would like to hear from anyone with information regarding this case. Please call 503-846-2500 with information and reference case number 50-26-1455. 

Event will honor founding CEO Leslie Ford, build momentum for critical services

Portland, Ore. – The 9^th annual Culture of Caring gala—an event benefitting Cascadia Health’s Whole Health services—is coming April 9, 2026. Cascadia invites community members to register and join this night of celebration, inspiration, and giving.

For the last 45 years, Cascadia has built a foundation of hope, housing, and healing for thousands in our community. But its work is far from finished. The theme of this year’s event is “momentum,” reflecting how community support is integral to Cascadia’s enduring success.

Cascadia serves more than 20,000 individuals and families yearly, providing trusted health, housing, and recovery services for all, regardless of ability to pay.

“Cascadia’s strength comes from its deliberate investment in serving people with the highest needs in our community,” said James Schroeder, President and CEO of Cascadia Health. “But we can’t do it alone. Our annual gala emphasizes the importance of local partnerships and connection in achieving our mission. Together, we can create lasting change and build on the momentum at the center of Cascadia’s work—not only today but for decades to come.”

The gala will feature exciting performances, as well as the stories and voices of clients and staff, demonstrating the impact of Cascadia’s life-saving services.

• 2026 Honoree: Founding CEO Leslie Ford will be recognized for her legacy of healthcare leadership and innovation in Oregon. Ford is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her MSW from the University of Washington in 1979. She has held leadership roles in behavioral health provider agencies in Virginia, Washington, and Oregon. One of the driving principles throughout her tenure has been her focus on the development of integrated services.
• Special Performance: The night’s featured performer will be Jessica Lind, an American ballet dancer best known for her career with Oregon Ballet Theatre, where she rose to the rank of Principal Dancer after joining the company in 2011. Known for her strength and expressive artistry, Jessica brings rich experience and heart to her captivating performances.

The event will run from 5:30-9 p.m. at The Redd on Salmon, 831 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214. All funds raised are critical to Cascadia’s continued ability to meet the growing needs of the region.

This celebration will include:

• A three-course dinner brought by Art of Catering
• Stories about the impacts of our work
• Art & entertainment
• Live raffle

For more information and to register, visit www.cascadiahealth.org/gala2026.

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About Cascadia Health

Our mission

Cascadia Health delivers whole health – integrated mental health, addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the wellbeing of the communities we serve.

Our vision

We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health, experiences wellbeing, and has a self-directed, connected life.

HILLSBORO, OR — At Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center (VG), our mission is to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate healthcare to the communities of Washington and Yamhill counties. As we celebrate 50 years of service, we recognize that to continue meeting the needs of the 52,000 patients who walk through our doors, we must find innovative ways to remain resilient and resourceful. By innovating how we manage our operations, we ensure that every dollar and every hour is directed toward what matters most: exceptional patient care.

Together, we are embarking on a new chapter with the launch of the Cultivar Advisory Group. Cultivar is a consulting start-up designed to share the expertise we have built within VG with other mission-aligned organizations. By offering our proven and rigorous methods in Process Improvement, Leadership Coaching, Change Management, and HR Strategy, we are creating a new revenue stream that goes directly back into supporting our clinics and our patients. 

This work is made possible by the incredible standards set by our Project Management Office (PMO), Organizational Development, and Performance and Culture teams.These teams have built the specific systems—from Lean workflows that increase quality and positive patient outcomes to workforce development programs that grow the next generation of healthcare workers—that other leaders now seek to learn from. Cultivar is not a departure from our primary work; it is a way to sow the seeds of our experience to help our peer organizations succeed, ensuring that the roots of VG remain strong for the next 50 years. 

We invite our community to view the details of this new venture and meet our "Partners in Change" on our dedicated webpage: virginiagarcia.org/cultivar, check out our introductory video featuring our CEO, Gil Munoz, or follow our journey on LinkedIn: Cultivar LinkedIn page.

The February Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board Meeting will be held February 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. 

If you wish to attend this meeting remotely or in person, please email sam.kaufmann@tvwd.org or call 503-848-3094 by 4:30 p.m. on February 18, 2026

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

About TVWD 

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

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

The transit agency scores 81 points higher than the national average in customer loyalty while proving to be a critical link for regional employment.

SALEM, OR – (February 17, 2026) — Cherriots has released the results of its 2025 annual surveys, showing the transit district continues to outperform national benchmarks for customer satisfaction while delivering strong community value across the Salem-Keizer region. Conducted by the independent research firm ETC Institute, the surveys highlight the role Cherriots plays not only as a transit provider, but also as a key connector to jobs, education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

Strong Customer Satisfaction Results

Cherriots riders reported service quality well above industry norms. Key findings from the Customer Satisfaction Survey include:

• Overall Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction with bus service rated 33% higher than the national average. Of more than 400 riders surveyed, only two reported dissatisfaction.
   

• Essential Service: Ninety-two percent of riders rely on Cherriots to get around, with 59% primarily using the service to access employment.
   

• Cleanliness: Satisfaction with bus cleanliness exceeded the national average by 49%.
   

• Safety: Riders reported feeling safer than national benchmarks both onboard buses (+38%) and while waiting at bus stops (+41%).
   

• Customer Loyalty: Cherriots earned a Net Promoter Score of 65, which is 81 points higher than the national transit average of -16.
   

Recognized Community Value

The Community Value Survey, which includes input from riders and non-riders, underscores broad public recognition and support for Cherriots:

• High Awareness: 98% of Salem-area residents recognize Cherriots as the region’s public transportation provider.
   

• Community Value: 76% agree that Cherriots is a valuable part of the community. 46% find Cherriots to be personally valuable. Both ratings exceed national averages (+10% and +15%, respectively).
   

• Regional Connections: Residents rated Cherriots above national averages for providing access to medical facilities (+5%), schools (+10%), and jobs (+10%).
   

Support for Continued Investment

Survey results also show strong support for future transit investment. 85% of bus customers and 65% of Cherriots LIFT customers agree that funding for transit services should increase over the next five years to meet growing regional needs.

"These results show that we are delivering on our promise to connect people in our community to jobs and opportunity at a national-leading level, “ said Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey. I am incredibly proud of the value Cherriots provides to our region every day.”

For more information on the 2025 survey results and Cherriots strategic initiatives, visit www.cherriots.org/strategicplan/. 

About Cherriots

Established in 1979, Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) is a special district covering 78 square miles in the Mid-Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Locally known as Cherriots, the district provides vital service to more than 450,000 residents in Marion and Polk counties. SAMTD maintains a total of 124 transit vehicles across its various services and provides approximately 3.3 million passenger trips annually.

For more information, visit www.cherriots.org.

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SUB-COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Investigator Sub-Committee of the Private Security/Investigators Policy Committee for the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.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.

The meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST 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 November 18, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. David J. Huckins, PIID No. 080024

   Private Investigator Renewal Application Review

   Presented by Michelle Morrison

4. Agency Update

5. Round Table

6. Next Scheduled Meeting - TBD

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.

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

To view the Applicant Review Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve December 17, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Micah Edwards, DPSST No. 67044; Columbia County Sheriff's Office

    Presented by Cindy Park

4. Joseph Flores, DPSST No. 67043; Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

    Presented by Cindy Park

5. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only

    Presented by Cindy Park

6. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – March 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

SALEM, Oregon – Brenda Mallory leads a group of 10 Oregon visual artists awarded 2026 Individual Artist Fellowships and receives the Oregon Arts Commission’s honorary Joan Shipley Award. The other Fellows are Nancy Floyd, Sam Hamilton, Nancy Helmsworth, Horatio Hung-Yan Law, Michelle Muldrow, Jennifer Rabin, Rick Silva, Taravat Talepas and John Whitten. Each Fellow will receive a $5,000 award.

The Joan Shipley Award, named for Oregon arts leader Joan Shipley, honors her legacy as a collector, philanthropist, and champion of the arts. Shipley, who passed away in 2011, supported numerous arts and humanities organizations and, with her husband John, received an Oregon Governor’s Arts Award in 2005. She was widely regarded as a mentor and friend within the arts community.

The Arts Commission’s Fellowship program is open to more than 20,000 Oregon-based artists. Applicants are reviewed by a panel of Oregon arts professionals who evaluate outstanding talent, demonstrated ability, and commitment to creating new work. The Commission then acts on the panel’s recommendations. For 2026, the program received 208 applications. Visual and performing artists are honored in alternating years.

The 2026 review panel was chaired by David Harrelson, Arts Commissioner, and included arts professionals Abby McGehee, Professor and Art Historian; artists Kim Fink and Michael Boonstra (a 2024 Arts Commission Artist Fellow); Michael Lazarus, Assistant Professor, PNCA Willamette University; Nanette Thrush, Teaching Assistant Professor of Art History at Western University; and William Cravis, Artist and Sole Proprietor of Sisters Slipworks.

“This program is more competitive than ever owing to the exceptional talent of Oregon’s artists and the increasing number of applications,” said Harrelson. “I am inspired to see such thoughtful work grounded in conveying understanding of place and practice. It’s a reminder of how reflective of place our arts community truly is.”

Fellowship recipient biographies follow. Artists’ photos are attached.

Brenda Mallory lives in Portland, Oregon. She grew up in Oklahoma and is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. She received a B.A. in Linguistics & English from UCLA and a B.F.A. from Pacific Northwest College of Art. Mallory has received grants from the Oregon Arts Commission, the Ford Family Foundation and the Regional Arts & Culture Council. Awards include the Joan Mitchell Fellowship, the Hallie Ford Fellowship, the Bonnie Bronson Fellowship, the Eiteljorg Contemporary Native Art Fellowship, the Native Arts and Culture Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship and the Ucross Native Fellowship. Residencies include Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts, Bullseye Glass and International Studio & Curatorial Projects. Her work is in the collections of the National Gallery of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Portland Art Museum, the Heard Museum and the Hallie Ford Museum of Art.

Nancy Floyd uses photography, video and mixed-media to address the ways in which lens-based media can connect deeply with experience and memory. Much of her work addresses the passage of time, representations of women and the aging female body. More recently she’s begun a series on trees in Oregon. Floyd is the 2024 recipient of the Victoria & Albert Parasol Foundation Prize for Women in Photography and a 2022 Guggenheim Fellow. Her 39-year self-portrait series, “Weathering Time,” was published in 2021 by the International Center of Photography and GOST books. The work was featured in the New Yorker Photobooth (2021) and the New York Times “T Magazine” (2025). Her artwork is in the collections of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art in Salem, the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago, and various private collections.

Sam Hamilton (also known as Sam Tam Ham) is a working-class, interdisciplinary artist from Aotearoa, New Zealand, of Pākehā (English settler colonial) descent, who has been living and working in Portland, Oregon, since immigrating to the United States in 2014. After 20 years of full-time practice across multiple fields and global regions, Hamilton’s practice today functions more like an ecology than a discipline. A garden with rich subterranean continuities, fertile hybridization and verdant seasonal displays. A year-long song. That which happens between an entrance and an exit. What emerges can, and has taken various forms, including: opera, painting, sound installation, photography, artist cinema, ceramics, writing, civic works and social practice projects. Recent projects include a major solo exhibition and live opera project “Te Moana Meridian” that has been presented in various forms at Oregon Contemporary as part of Converge 45 Triennial (2023), the Portland Art Museum with PICA and Boom Arts (2024), Artspace Aotearoa (2020), the Simon Fraser University Gibson Art Museum (2025), and Transmediale, Berlin (2021); as well as other recent exhibitions and projects presented at Fumi Store (2026), Theatre for the New City NYC (2025), Critical Signals, Aotearoa (2025) and Public Nature (2025).

Nancy Helmsworth is a Portland, Oregon-based artist who for years, has been drawn to the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She works primarily with painting on panels and mixed media within installations. Most recently, she has directed her work to Forest Park in Portland, as a lush, representative forest which is readily accessible as a visual lab and subject source. Finding her focus shifting to kulla kulla Creek (means bird in chinuk-wawa, the first language of Oregon), which flows through the Bird Alliance and along Lower Macleay Trail within the park, has led her on a journey of discovery and connection with this feature. She continues to chronicle its infinite variations by the season and by running on foot. Simultaneously, she has dug deep into its “settler” history to respond to the jarring intersection of the colonial mapping/gridding of the area with the wild nature and its persistent energy. This man-made overlay is a metaphor for much of the imbalance between Western culture and the Land, one we can experience and know in our own neighborhoods when we pause to notice.

Horatio Hung-Yan Law is a public and installation artist, curator and photographer based in Portland, Oregon. His work explores memory and belonging through the lens of his queer Asian-American and immigrant identity. He engages diverse communities in collaborative projects that investigate the space between individualistic and collective cultures and foster opportunities for civic dialog. Born in British colonial Hong Kong, Law immigrated to the United States with his parents and settled in New York City when he was a teenager. After moving to Portland, he discovered many hidden histories of Chinese communities all over Oregon, and he was inspired by the resilience and creativity of these oppressed and marginalized communities. Since then, he has produced numerous exhibitions and installations that explored Oregon Chinese history and his immigrant experience. He has also created multiple public art projects in the Pacific Northwest. As Lead Artist and Master Art Planner for the AIDS Memorial Pathway in Seattle, he created Ribbon of Light, his suite of public art sculptures at Cal Anderson Park. Law has been an artistic advisor for Portland Chinatown Museum (PCM) since 2018 and received a Creative Heights Grant in 2022 from Oregon Community Foundation to develop a residency program at PCM.

Michelle Muldrow is an American painter based in Portland, Oregon. Born on a military base in Oklahoma, Muldrow spent her formative years living on Air Force bases throughout America. This nomadic experience laid the foundation for a fascination with the American landscape. Muldrow’s work focuses on the experience of landscape using the medium of painting to explore history, aesthetic philosophy, the environment and the concepts of home. As a landscape painter, Muldrow paints the relationships between the present and the past, capturing the landscape as it is suspended in time even as it is of its time.

Jennifer Rabin is a mixed-media sculptor who works with objects that have been discarded and forgotten, having outlived their intended purpose. She finds them in junkyards, along train tracks, piled high in dumping sites, scattered across remote trails. Deteriorating, imperfect, cast aside—they embody the artist’s experience with chronic illness, disability and familial estrangement. Using natural fibers, Rabin transforms these unwanted objects into shelter, imagining them as places of safety and refuge. This reclamation is an act of hope and defiance—a testament to rebuilding and resiliency. Rabin has been an artist in residence at Jentel, Caldera, Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture and the Oregon Historical Society. She has received grant support from the Regional Arts and Culture Council, the Oregon Community Foundation and the Oregon Arts Commission. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Rick Silva is an artist who explores landscape via technology and time. His work has been exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Centre Pompidou, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. He has been featured in Artforum, Wired, and Rhizome’s Net Art Anthology. Silva was born in Brazil, received his M.F.A. from the University of Colorado Boulder, and lives in Eugene, Oregon, where he is a professor at the University of Oregon.

Taravat Talepasand is an artist, activist and educator whose labor-intensive interdisciplinary painting practice questions normative cultural behaviors within contemporary power imbalances. As an Iranian-American woman, Talepasand explores the parallels of cultural taboos that reflect on gender apartheid and political authority to reflect the cross-pollination, or lack thereof, in her approach to subversive joy. Talepasand has exhibited nationally and internationally and is in the permanent collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the de Young Museum, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA), Tufts University Bowdoin College Museum of Art, the Orange County Museum of Art and the Portland Art Museum. Exhibitions included “In the Fields of Empty Days: The Intersection of Past and Present in Iranian Art” at LACMA, “ طراوت | TARAVAT” at YBCA and Macalester College in Minnesota, the 2018 Bay Area Now 8 exhibition at YBCA, the 2026 Oregon Biennial and the 2010 California Biennial. She is the recipient of the 2024 Creative Heights Grant and the 2010 Richard Diebenkorn Teaching Fellowship at Santa Fe Art Institute (SFAI). Talepasand was the Department Chair of Painting at SFAI and currently lives in Oregon and is the Assistant Professor of Art Practice at Portland State University Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design. She received her B.F.A. from Rhode Island School of Design in 2001 and M.F.A. at SFAI in 2006.

John Whitten is a multimedia artist exploring the resonance between digital technologies, physical materials and lived experience. He is based in Portland, Oregon. Through drawing, video and photography, he constructs images that emphasize how perception is shaped by process, material and time. His work often begins with fragments of the everyday: a grain of salt collected from a desert, the surface of a healing scar or the shifting texture of a single element isolated from a landscape. These subjects, whether deeply personal or broadly environmental, serve as portals into questions of presence, care and observation. Whitten’s work has been exhibited in museums, universities and galleries across the United States. Recent awards include Project Grants and a Professional Development Grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council, a Career Opportunity Grant from the Oregon Arts Commission, a Faculty Research Grant from Oregon State University, and residencies with Caldera and Signal Fire. In 2021, he co-founded Well Well Projects, where he currently serves as a co-director. In 2018, he co-founded Carnation Contemporary and co-created the nomadic artist residency and exhibition project, the Thunderstruck Collective.

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The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at artscommission.oregon.gov.

Salem – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) is warning the public about a scam targeting Spanish-speaking injured workers in other states, including in nearby Idaho and Montana.

In these scams, workers are contacted by phone, email, social media apps such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, or video calls. The scammers try to convince the worker to appear at an online workers’ compensation hearing, and at times, this results in an official appearing order in their favor. Thereafter, they are told must pay money to receive the workers’ compensation benefits or the settlement for their claim. These communications may appear official and the hearings may include a fake judge, attorney, or government representative. The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD), part of DCBS, and the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) will never ask anyone to pay to receive benefits.

Here’s what you should know:

• WCD, WCB, and insurance companies do not ask for payment to release workers’ compensation benefits. Never pay money up front for benefits or settlements.
• WCD and WCB will never ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Be skeptical of any requests for payment.
• Official communications from WCD and WCB will not pressure you to act or pay immediately.
• WCB, which conducts workers’ compensation hearings, does not charge or collect fees for hearings or mediation.
• WCB does not use social media or applications such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to communicate with parties about hearings or mediations.

If you are unsure whether a communication is legitimate, do not send money or personal information. Verify before you act by contacting the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers by phone at 800-927-1271 (toll-free) or email at oow.questions@dcbs.oregon.gov. The office serves as an independent advocate for workers by helping them understand their rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities within the workers’ compensation system and workplace safety and health laws and rules.

If you believe a scammer has contacted you:

• Report the incident to local law enforcement
• Report any scams, fraud, or suspicious business activity to the Oregon Department of Justice’s fraud hotline at 1-877-877-9392 (toll-free)
• Report the scam to the Oregon Department of Justice and the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers
• Early reporting helps others from becoming victims

If someone representing an insurance company is calling and threatening you, contact the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, also part of DCBS, at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free).

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About Oregon DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. The department administers state laws and rules to protect consumers and workers in the areas of workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, financial services, insurance, and building codes. Visit dcbs.oregon.gov.

Salem, OR—With anticipated delays in paper return processing in 2026, the Oregon Department of Revenue reminds taxpayers planning to file a paper return that they can use public computer kiosks in the department’s regional offices to file their Oregon personal income tax returns for free and get their kicker and their refund sooner.

“The computer kiosks offer a way to file electronically for those without a computer or those who fill out paper forms and want to transfer their data into Direct File Oregon to receive their refund—and their kicker—sooner,” said Megan Denison, administrator of the department’s Personal Tax and Compliance Division.

The computers are set up in the public spaces of the DOR regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Medford, and Portland. They are available during business hours to file state tax returns using Direct File Oregon.

On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refunds two weeks sooner than those who mail in paper returns and request a check.

The additional wait will be even longer this year. The IRS was late providing necessary tax forms and information to the Oregon Department of Revenue late last year. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns won’t begin until the end of March.

The department will begin issuing refunds for e-filed returns February 17. For paper filed returns, refunds will not start being issued until early April.

Offices are located in:

Bend, 951 SW Simpson Ave, Suite 100

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

Eugene, 1600 Valley River Drive, Suite 310

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

Gresham, 1550 NW Eastman Parkway, Suite 220

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

Medford, 3613 Aviation Way, Suite 102

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

Portland, 800 NE Oregon St, Suite 505

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed 12 – 12:30 p.m.)

Now in its third year, Direct File Oregon is an interview-based program similar to commercial software and allows taxpayers the convenience and security of filing directly with the state of Oregon through Revenue Online.

For Immediate Release: Feb. 13, 2026

Media Contact:  Communications@employ.oregon.gov; obin.Maxey@dor.oregon.gov">Robin.Maxey@dor.oregon.gov

WorkSource Oregon, Department of Revenue team up to provide free tax help events 

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon taxpayers can get free help filing their federal and state personal income tax returns electronically at six different WorkSource Oregon locations across the state in February and March.

WorkSource Oregon and the Oregon Department of Revenue are teaming up to provide the assistance. Volunteers from Revenue will be stationed at local WorkSource Oregon centers to help guide taxpayers through the filing process using the free public-access computers and Wi-Fi internet service.

The first event is planned for Wednesday, February 18, at the WorkSource center at 120 E Lincoln, Suite 115b, in Woodburn. Other events are planned in Hillsboro, Eugene, southeast Portland, Lebanon, and Bend.

“WorkSource Oregon centers are trusted community spaces where Oregonians come to find jobs, build skills, and get connected to services,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, director of the Oregon Employment Department, which is a partner of WorkSource Oregon. “Partnering with the Department of Revenue to offer free tax filing assistance is a natural extension of our customer-service mission. We are thrilled to help Oregonians get support in filing their taxes, claiming the credits they’ve earned, and keeping more money in their pockets.”

“We know that filing your taxes can be a scary and confusing process. We are excited to partner with WorkSource Oregon to provide in person help to make it easier for Oregonians to file their taxes for free, check if they are eligible for refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Oregon Kids Credit, and claim their share of the kicker,” said David Gerstenfeld, Department of Revenue director.

WorkSource Oregon is a statewide partnership with the Oregon Employment Department and state, local, and nonprofit agencies. WorkSource provides a variety of employment and training services to job seekers and employers in Oregon, helping people find jobs and businesses find talent. 

Taxpayers are encouraged to set up a Revenue Online account through the Department of Revenue’s website before coming to an event if they plan to use Direct File Oregon. They should bring tax information with them, including:
 

• Social security number or ITIN for everyone on their tax return
• Forms W-2 (wages from a job)
• Forms 1099-G, 1099-R, 1099-INT (other income) if applicable
• Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit (can be found on their checks)
• Last year’s tax return

The full schedule includes events at the following locations.

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) provides economic stability to Oregon communities by providing vital services to both businesses and workers. OED supports businesses with finding qualified job candidates, labor market information, tax incentives and support, and retaining talent through economic downturns. OED promotes employment through wage replacement benefits during unemployment and significant life events, job placement, training, and useful career information. Learn more at employment.oregon.gov.  

OED’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, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, interview practice, and job search strategies. For employers and businesses, WorkSource Oregon provides support for job postings and finding qualified candidates, hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data – all at no cost. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information. 

To get tax forms, check the status of their refund, or make tax payments, taxpayers can visit the Department of Revenue website or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. Taxpayers can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing- or speech-impaired), the Department of Revenue accepts all relay calls.

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Hepatitis B infant vaccinations, birth parent screenings decline 

OHA’s new interactive dashboard tracks virus data back to 2020 

What you should know:

February 12, 2026

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

Get school, child care vaccinations updated by Feb. 25

New report shows access to vaccines among challenges parents, caregivers face ahead of school vaccination deadline

PORTLAND, Ore. –  With the annual deadline fast approaching for updating children’s vaccinations, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reminds parents and caregivers that their children may miss school or child care, if they are missing vaccinations.

By the fourth Wednesday in February, under state law, all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start and certified child care facilities must submit documentation showing they are up-to-date on required vaccinations or have an exemption.

This year, the annual Exclusion Day falls on Feb. 25. If a child’s records do not show up-to-date vaccinations by that day, the child’s school or child care facility will send them home.

“Vaccine-preventable diseases can be highly contagious,” said Stacy de Assis Matthews, school immunization coordinator at OHA’s Public Health Division. “Last year, for example, Oregon reported 1,552 cases of pertussis, the highest number we’ve seen in 75 years. Vaccination remains our best defense against these diseases, keeping kids and school communities healthy and safe.”

A new OHA report shows parents and guardians seek nonmedical exemptions (NME) for their children’s required school vaccinations for two primary reasons: Concerns over vaccine safety and the inability to get vaccination appointments.

The study was launched in 2023, after Oregon’s kindergarten NME rate reached what was then an all-time high of 8.1%. That continued a steady rise in such exemptions over the past decade, interrupted only by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

For the 2024-2025 school year, the rate reached a new record high of 9.7%.

Record highs for NMEs were recorded for the past three years.

These findings can be found in the report Understanding Nonmedical Vaccine Exemptions in Oregon.

“We want to make sure that all families are able to get their questions about vaccines answered by a trusted medical provider, and to get into a clinic where their children can get needed vaccines,” said de Assis Matthews.

For children who are still missing vaccinations for the current school year, county health departments mailed letters to parents and caregivers (on or before Feb. 4) informing them of the upcoming deadline to submit their children’s up-to-date vaccination records.

Last school year (2024-2025), county health departments in Oregon mailed 22,702 letters, which led to 4,504 children being sent home and not able to attend school until their families provided the necessary vaccination records.

School vaccination and exemption rates for the 2024-2025 school year are available at Oregon’s School Immunization Data dashboard. Data for the current school year will be available this spring.

With the upcoming school vaccination deadline, and with difficulty getting vaccines being a factor in increasing exemption rates, OHA wants people to know where to get vaccines for their children.

Parents and caregivers can contact their health care provider or local health department. No one can be turned away from a local health department because of their inability to pay for required vaccines.

Many pharmacists can also immunize children aged 7 and older. Families can also call 211 go to 211info.org to find a local vaccine clinic.  

People in Oregon shared their personal stories with OHA on why they decided to vaccinate their children:

• Hear how Sarah’s powerful conversations changed her mom’s long-held views on vaccinations: https://youtu.be/dPB2sfySwJQ 
• Reverend Dr. Currie encourages people from all religious walks of life to get their vaccinations: https://youtu.be/D6XnPm1N4iQ 
• As a parent herself, Dr. Choo talks about why she vaccinates her children: https://youtu.be/aDy7sseKs24 

OHA invites people to join the conversation and share why they vaccinate by using #ORVaccinates on social media.

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SALEM, Ore. — The state announces the launch of the Tribal Housing Grant Fund (THGF), which is a first-of-its-kind program to provide state funds to help address the housing needs of the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon. 

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund creates a new framework for how the state works with the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “It represents a meaningful step forward in honoring our government-to-government relationship and ensuring Tribes have the resources and flexibility they need to address their critical housing needs.”

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and representatives from Tribal Nations, including housing directors, health and human services directors, and council members, worked for more than a year to develop the program.

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund is a landmark program that elevates Tribal self-determination in a state-funded program,” said Sami Jo Difuntorum, executive director of Siletz Tribal Housing Department and Housing Stability Council member. “The THGF will provide Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes with critical housing resources, providing flexibility in program design.”

“The values, culture, and housing needs of communities are best understood locally,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. "In consultation with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes, the Tribal Housing Grant Fund emphasizes self-determination and flexibility in how Tribes use state resources to address local needs. Honoring Tribal sovereignty, in its richest form, calls on us to operationalize this shared value."

In the 2025 Legislative Session, lawmakers allocated $10 million to OHCS to establish the program. Program funds can be used for affordable rental housing and homeownership initiatives, as well as to maintain By and For Initiative-Native American Tribes of Oregon (BAFI-NATO) investments. 

Tribal Nations will receive funds based on a formula that was previously used by the BAFI-NATO program, where each grantee receives a base amount along with Tribal enrollment numbers.

To obtain the funds, grantees must submit a housing plan every biennium outlining how they will use the money.

Eligible THGF program activities include:

• Homelessness response and prevention ​
• Affordable rental housing
• Homeownership support such as down payment and mortgage assistance
• Land acquisition, infrastructure, development, and rehabilitation ​
• Financial assistance and support services for households that qualify
• Capacity building​

Visit the THGF webpage for more program details.  

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

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

Salem, Ore. – For the third time in a row, the Oregon Lottery has received the World Lottery Association’s (WLA) highest level of certification for its Responsible Gambling/Safer Play program. The certification of Oregon Lottery’s program is a “best in class” designation for a three-year period. 

WLA Level Four Certification for Responsible Gambling is the highest level of responsible gambling certification recognized internationally. The Oregon Lottery was one of the first lotteries in the U.S. to reach this level, first being certified in 2018. Receiving WLA Level Four Certification represents the highest standard of commitment to player protection, demonstrating that an organization has fully embedded responsible gambling principles into its governance, operations, and culture.  

“Maintaining our WLA Level Four certification for more than eight years demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement in Safer Play,” said Mike Wells, director of the Oregon Lottery. “To keep pace with a fast-evolving gambling market, we have responded with innovation and will continue to focus on trust with our players.”

The WLA is recognized as the global authority on the lottery business. It serves the interests of 167 state-authorized lotteries world-wide and gaming organizations from more than 89 countries on six continents. The WLA’s Responsible Gaming Principles and Framework is a certification program that outlines lotteries’ level of commitment to corporate social responsibility and responsible gaming. It allows for cultural and regional differences and is designed to complement and improve the safeguards that individual lottery operators have in place. Oregon Lottery’s program has several unique and impactful focus areas, including the following: 

• Investment in research to identify opportunities to support those just beginning to experience gambling harms and those affected by someone else's gambling. 
• Lottery staff and retailer training that includes self-care strategies for those charged with the important work of promoting Safer Play. 
• "Always On" Safer Play specific advertising to engage players with tools and connect them to help.  

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned $17.8 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery or to read the Responsible Gaming Impacts Report, visit www.oregonlottery.org. 

Salem, Ore. – With more than $1.3 million in revenue generated for Oregon in sports betting, this year’s Super Bowl is the biggest single sports event of the year. Oregonians placed $8.4 million in wagers for the Super Bowl, up from $8.2 million last year, through Oregon Lottery’s DraftKings Sportsbook. There were more than 450,000 bets placed with an average wager of $18.30.

“The Super Bowl is a significant revenue-driving event for Oregon,” said Kerry Hemphill, Oregon Lottery sports betting products manager. “This year, revenue trended down from last year because of the strong in-state support for the Seahawks, who were favored and won.”

Players had more than 1,000 “prop bets” to choose from, such as which team would score first, and which player would be named MVP. Below are the results of some of the prop bets:

• On the coin toss, 9,159 bets were placed and 3,932 won the wager for the Patriots to win the toss.
• Of 9,679 bets, 1,488 correctly picked the Gatorade color as yellow. 

The player with the biggest win of the day was a customer from Portland who placed a $1,000 bet in August 2025 on the Seahawks winning the game. That wager resulted in a $60,000 win.

Oregon saw a 9% increase in the number of unique, active players who placed a wager on the gaming platform from 2025. Last year, Oregon players placed 456,000 bets. Oregon Lottery debuted online sports betting in October 2019.

To play Oregon Lottery’s DraftKings Sportsbook or for more about the game, go to https://www.oregonlottery.org/sports/.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $17.8 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon State Parks is hiring seasonal Park Rangers and Park Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2026 season.

Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through June with new positions listed on a rolling basis on the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.

Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.

Salaries start at $20.28 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.79 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, who are enrolled in high school start at $20.27 or more per hour, depending on experience.

Several of Oregon State Parks' top leaders started their careers as seasonal employees, including all three Region Directors.

“We are focused on developing an engaged workforce by partnering with staff on career development, investing in skill building and fostering a culture of belonging. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you make a difference in protecting and promoting Oregon’s special places,” said interim Director Stefanie Coons.

Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Park Rangers at parks around the state. Positions are available in Oregon’s coastal areas, scenic valleys, and mountain regions, offering opportunities to work in some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.

For more information about current openings, visit https://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Recruiting D.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.

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SALEM, Oregon—The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene February 23 and 24 for a virtual meeting.

On February 23, commissioners will hold a work session from 1-3 p.m. on natural resource policy updates and conflict of interest training.

On February 24, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. virtually to discuss acquisition priorities and opportunities, and potential litigation. The Executive Session will be held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e) and (h) and is closed to the public.

A business meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. virtually and will be open to the public. All public commission meetings are streamed live to YouTube at https://bit.ly/oprdlive.

Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting; instructions on how to listen will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. The business meeting includes time for informal public comment not related to items on the agenda.

Registration is required to speak during the informal public comment portion. Register online at https://bit.ly/registerfeb2026commission. The deadline to register to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., Feb. 20. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. Feb. 20 to Cpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRCpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.

The full agenda and supporting documents are posted on the commission web page. Notable requests:

• Acknowledgement of a donation from Fastap Screw Company.
• Request to approve grant recommendations for the following:
  • County Opportunity
  • All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
• Request to approve construction contracts for Lake Owyhee and Cape Lookout.
• Request to approve adoption of proposed amendment to rules regarding operations of unmanned aircraft systems in state parks and along the ocean shore.
• Request to approve adoption of proposed changes to update Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy, which includes possible changes to the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting in 2026. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellation.

Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance at burton@oprd.oregon.gov">denise.warburton@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-779-9729.

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

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Salem, Oregon - The Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board (EPAB) will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the advisory board’s website.

• What: Meeting of the Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board 
• When: Thursday, February 19, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Where: Microsoft Teams Meeting
  • Meeting ID: 267 726 423 520 7
  • Passcode: jP7xb2Ko
  • Phone: +1 503-446-4951
  • Phone conference ID: 336 777 99#
• Who: Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board 

The Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board is established by ORS 276A.270-276. The board’s primary function is to advise the State Chief Information Officer concerning the delivery of online services to the public.

The board is also charged with studying the digital information and service needs of Oregon residents, evaluating agencies’ effectiveness in using online portals, and considering further improvements in online portals.

Meetings of the Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board are open to the public.

To submit a written or register to provide verbal public comment, please complete our online form. Written comment can also be submitted by mail to the EPAB Support Office, 550 Airport Rd SE Suite C, Salem, OR 97301. Written comments must be received at least 48 hours before the meeting; verbal comments are limited to three (3) minutes per person or group.

Accommodations can be arranged for persons with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available upon request. Please contact Enterprise Information Services at 503-378-3175 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to request accommodations. Closed captioning is included on the Microsoft Teams meeting.

Vancouver, Wash. – Safety and customer service upgrades are coming to the county’s Joint Lobby on the second floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. The Joint Lobby will be closed to in-person services in order to accommodate a remodeling project beginning Monday, March 9 to June 2026.

A more secure and comfortable experience will be available this summer. The exact re-opening date will be announced closer to June when the project is near completion.

The Joint Lobby is the front-facing customer service office for the Auditor, Assessor and Treasurer’s Offices.

Many services are available online or by phone. Customers with special circumstances who need assistance should contact the appropriate office directly. Contact information is available at https://clark.wa.gov/joint-lobby.

First half property taxes are due April 30, 2026, during the closure. There are several ways taxpayers can pay property tax including by mail and phone. A drop box on the first floor of the Public Service Center also is available. Learn more on the Treasurer’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/treasurer/payment-options.

The Treasurer’s Office also will accept payments at a drive-through drop-off kiosk at the Public Service Center from 9 am to 4 pm on April 29-30. The drive through kiosk is at the entrance to the parking garage on the east side of the building on Franklin St. This service will be for pre-written checks only.

Vancouver, Wash. – Artwork from local artists Nancy Casey and Abhisar Gupta is currently on display at the Rebecca Anstine Gallery. The show will run through the end of April 2026.

The gallery is on the sixth floor of the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. It is open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

A reception for the artists will be held at the gallery 5-7 pm Friday, March 6. The event is sponsored by the Clark County Arts Commission. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Artist statements:

Abhisar Gupta

Abhisar Gupta is a fine art photographer based out of Vancouver, WA. His artistic journey has been shaped by serendipity and curiosity. Battling depression and seeking purpose in life, he discovered solace and inspiration behind the camera. From the microscopic iridescence on soap bubbles to the magnificence of majestic mountains, the wonders of nature have become his muse.

His work is also a testament to the power of art to heal and transform. Through his evocative images, he invites viewers to join him in exploring the beauty, wonder, and hidden messages that exist within the natural world. His work has been recognized in numerous international photography competitions and exhibited at galleries and art festivals in many states. Learn more on Gupta’s website.

Nancy Casey

My art is inspired by nature, and I am especially fond of the exotic design and beauty of tropical foliage. Painting and gardening are my favorite pursuits, as they both allow me to create visions that are beautiful to the eye and feel good for the soul. I revel in using bright colors, as they can create a sense of joy and discovery.

I’ve been an artist my entire life, schooled in fine art, graphic design and photography. After a 30-year career as a graphic designer, illustrator and art director, I have returned to painting and other fine art pursuits, including lettering and mosaic. I hope you enjoy the show and I welcome your comments.

 I can be reached at: ncaseyartist@yahoo.com

Vancouver, Wash. – Kathleen Otto, County Manager for Clark County has appointed April Furth as Deputy County Manager. Furth will begin on Monday, Feb. 23.

Furth recently served as Administrator for the Department of Parks and Outdoors for the City of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Previously, she was the Director of Community Development for Clark County for four years after serving as the county’s Permit Center Manager. She also has more than 17 years of experience in retail management.

“We are excited to have April back at Clark County as the Deputy County Manager,” said County Manager Kathleen Otto. “She has built partnerships with staff, external partners, and the residents; sharing a sincere commitment to exceptional customer service.”

“I am incredibly excited to be moving back to this community,” says Furth. “Clark County has a special place in my heart, and I am eager to begin contributing my time and energy to the place I call home. I look forward to reconnecting with neighbors and finding meaningful ways to contribute to the community and to our Clark County government.” 

The next regular public meeting of the FVRLibraries Board of Trustees will be held on February 17, 6:00 pm, at Cascade Park Community Library. It will be a hybrid (in-person/online) meeting.  You can view the agenda and meeting materials at https://www.fvrl.org/about/board-of-trustees/

Media are invited to a press conference announcing project updates on the Bull Run filtration project from Deputy City Administrator for Public Works Priya Dhanapal and Director of Public Utilities Ting Lu. Hear about our progress toward building the biggest capital project in City of Portland history and learn about approaching milestones.

What:               City and project leaders, tradespeople, and public health representatives will share

the latest news on the project’s construction timeline and more.

When:              11 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2026

Where:            Portland Water Bureau, Interstate Campus, 644 N. Tillamook St, Portland, OR

97227 Street parking only.

RSVP:              Confirm attendance by contacting Brandon Zero at

randon.zero@portlandoregon.gov">brandon.zero@portlandoregon.gov

Note: Street parking is scarce. Please allow extra time to find parking and be prepared to park two or more blocks away.

Read more about the Bull Run Filtration Project here.

See our digital assets including project construction, pilot ash project and wildfire videos here.

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

About the Public Works Service Area

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

Access and accommodations

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

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

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

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

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

Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring of source water. The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. In the 50 liters sampled each day from February 8 to February 11, 2026, two Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in the sample collected on February 9, and one oocyst was detected in the sample collected on February 11. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the samples collected on February 8 or February 10. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run drinking water source on February 2, 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

About the Public Works Service Area

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

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

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

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

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

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

The City of Portland is pleased to announce that the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) issued a Final Opinion and Order affirming our land use permits to continue building the Bull Run Filtration Project. We are grateful for LUBA’s careful review and consideration.

The LUBA decision favored the City of Portland, confirming Multnomah County’s reapproval of the permits. This project is critical for public health and the regional economy, which depends on safe and reliable water.

We welcome the news of this decision and will continue to review its land use implications.

Next Thursday, we will hold a media event to share additional updates on the project. A media advisory will be issued early next week.

Read more about the Bull Run Filtration project here.

See our digital assets including project construction, pilot ash project and wildfire videos here.

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

About the Public Works Service Area

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

Access and accommodations

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

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

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

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

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

Salem, OR – February 12, 2026 – Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson, Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter, and Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack are sounding the alarm over the release of a patient from the Oregon State Hospital, citing serious risks to community safety.

Background
Grant Brannaman (age 42) was released from the Oregon State Hospital into a Secure Residential Treatment Facility (SRTF) in Marion County on February 10 after the end of his Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) jurisdiction. He’s been held at the Oregon State Hospital following 2021 Josephine County convictions for the following crimes:

• Arson in the Second Degree
• Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
• Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (3 counts)
• Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon

Brannaman pled Guilty Except for Insanity and was placed under PSRB supervision for a maximum of five years by operation of law.

A person is guilty except for insanity¹ if, at the time of engaging in criminal conduct, the person lacks substantial capacity either to appreciate the criminality of the conduct or to conform the conduct to the requirements of law. Individuals who plead GEI are under the PSRB supervision, who have the legal authority to either hold the individual in custody at the State Hospital, or if appropriate and safe, release them to the community. The length of the sentence for these individuals is no more than the maximum sentence they could have received if found guilty of the crime. (Sentencing guidelines do not apply to the length of PSRB supervision)

Brannaman spent his entire five years at the Oregon State Hospital (OSH), with his supervision period terminating February 8, 2026. He served his period having never been granted any lower level of supervision nor conditional release. Prior to his Josephine County matter, Brannaman’s previous criminal history includes convictions from several other counties – none of which were Marion County- for Criminal Trespass in the First Degree, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, Unlawful use of a Weapon, Menacing, Rape in the Third Degree, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Private Indecency, Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, and Assault in the Fourth Degree.² Brannaman, a Level 3 Sex Offender, has expressed the desire to reoffend, and the PSRB recently found that it was not in the best interest of justice, or the protection of society for him to be released.³

In anticipation of this expiration, the District Attorney’s office repeatedly requested that the Oregon State Hospital not release Brannaman; and secondarily, that they not release him into Marion County, as he has no local ties and his original crimes occurred in an entirely different part of the state. Specifically, the District Attorney’s Office communicated its significant safety concerns to several state authorities, including OSH Administration, the Federal Court Appointed OSH Monitor, Dr. Deborah Pinals, and the Oregon Department of Justice, urging that Brannaman remain housed at OSH.

Brannaman’s supervision under the PSRB has now expired. Despite expressing those concerns and Brannaman’s lack of local, Marion County ties, Brannaman was released this week from OSH into Jory Behavioral Health (a SRTF) in Salem, Marion County, Oregon.

“The broken nature of Oregon’s mental health system has never been more evident than when an obviously dangerous person is released into a community in which he has no connection, all while public safety professionals agree he needs the security and treatment that only the state hospital can provide,” said District Attorney Paige Clarkson. “Given that our concerns have been unheeded at the state level, we must now warn our community.”

Sheriff Hunter stated, “I am gravely concerned about the decision to release this individual into the community. This represents a serious failure within our mental health system and creates an immediate and unacceptable risk to public safety.”

Chief Trevor Womack said, “The release of Brannaman highlights an alarming gap in our state mental health system’s ability to prevent high-risk individuals from returning to our neighborhoods. Our responsibility now is to ensure residents are fully informed. We will be proactive in pushing this information out to community leaders, service partners, and the public to safeguard our city.”

District Attorney Clarkson added, “State statute needs to be revised to align with Department of Corrections requirement to release offenders back to the adjudicating county. And the Oregon State Hospital must responsibly meet its public safety obligations to our communities by securely holding those who need their services.”

1 Source: “Adult GEI,” Oregon.gov, https://www.oregon.gov/prb/pages/adult_gei.aspx (accessed February 11, 2026).

2 Case Nos. Benton County: CM1021375, Lincoln County: 133273, Lane County: 201322257, Lane County: 16CR08753, Lane County: 17CR45991, Benton County: 20CR33475, Josephine County: 20CR65083.
3 See PSRB Order of Discharge attached.
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DALLAS (OR) – Troy Louis Meza, of Salem, has been sentenced to 75 months (6 years, 3 months) in prison after pleading guilty in Polk County Circuit to one count of attempted sodomy in the first degree and one count of failing to register as a sex offender.

Meza, 48, appeared before Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso on February 13, 2026 for sentencing on both matters. The attempted sodomy case stemmed from a 2023 incident in which the victim was 13 years old at the time of the offense. The failure to register case stemmed from an incident in which Meza had failed to keep his address current with the state’s sex offender registry. Meza is required to register due to a prior conviction for Sex Abuse in the Second Degree. Judge Caso also required Meza to serve a 24-month term of Post Prison Supervision.

The case was investigated by the Dallas Police Department, Oregon State Police, and prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen.

DALLAS (OR) – Gabriel Jordan McCrae, of Salem, has been found guilty by a Polk County Jury of Criminal Trespass in the First Degree, Felon in Possession of a Weapon, and Interfering with Making a Report.

McCrae, 40, was arrested in December, 2025, for violating the terms of a restraining order by entering the home of the victim without permission and physically preventing them from calling 911 for help. While being taken into custody, a pair of brass knuckles was found in McCrae’s possession. McCrae has previously been convicted of Felony Assault in the Fourth Degree. The jury deliberated for approximately 10 minutes and found McCrae guilty on all charges.

The case was investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and tried by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Connor Amundson.

DALLAS (OR) – Gregory James Paul Chaplin, 39, has been sentenced to serve 48 months in prison for assault and strangulation arising out of a December, 2025 incident in West Salem.

Chaplin, of northeast Salem, was sentenced by Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso, after a jury unanimously found him guilty of Felony Strangulation Constituting Domestic Violence and Felony Assault in the Fourth Degree Constituting Domestic Violence.  Judge Caso ordered Chaplin to serve an enhanced sentence due to him previously being convicted and imprisoned for assaulting the same victim. Chaplin will also be required to serve a two-year term of Post-Prison Supervision when he is released from prison.

The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Connor Amundson.

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today that the District of Oregon collected more than $20.2 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, nearly $15 million was collected in criminal actions and over $5.2 million was collected in civil actions. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

“The District of Oregon’s Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit provides critical support to victims of crime by holding those who profit from criminal conduct accountable and pursuing civil recoveries,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “We take seriously our obligation to make victims as financially whole as possible. Our annual collections reflect the dedication, persistence, and resolve of our team in the pursuit of justice.”

For example, to date, the government has recovered over $4.5 million in restitution from Sergey and Galina Lebedenko, who used their ill-gotten gains to purchase fourteen homes and properties, seven vehicles, an ownership interest in a private jet, and countless luxury items. After pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and wire fraud, the Lebedenkos were ordered to pay over $33 million in restitution. The government sought to remit and restore forfeited assets on behalf of the victim, including real properties and nineteen financial accounts.

In another example, the government secured the full restitution payment totaling $1.346 million from Michael James Defrees, who was convicted of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Defrees agreed to satisfy this obligation prior to sentencing, but failed to do so. The United States secured payment through seizing three vehicles, multiple winter sports equipment, a racing boat, and a trailer, and helped facilitate the sale of two parcels of real property to pay his restitution judgment in full and satisfy his forfeiture money judgment.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

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OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education recognizes inspiring educators and schools with financial support, including paying four mortgages or rents for a full year

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union is asking the public to nominate exceptional educators for its 17^th annual Prize for Excellence in Education. The program will award $193,000 to eight outstanding educators and five schools across Oregon and southwest Washington.

“OnPoint was founded by teachers more than 90 years ago, and we honor our roots by celebrating educators in our community who inspire future generations,” said Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Every day, educators help students build confidence, curiosity and opportunity. We invite the community to once again help us recognize these educators by nominating them for the OnPoint Prize.”

Four winning educators will have their mortgage or rent paid by OnPoint for one year. Four runners-up will each receive a $5,000 cash prize. The OnPoint Prize also includes the Community Builder Award for innovative school projects. Four schools will receive $2,000, and a fifth school selected by community votes will receive $5,000.

About the Nomination Process

Anyone can nominate an outstanding educator or apply for a Community Builder award at onpointprize.com. Educators may also nominate themselves. Applicants must be full-time or job-share classroom teachers, counselors, school administrators or librarians for grades Pre-K-12. They must work in an accredited public, private or charter school located within any county that OnPoint serves. OnPoint also accepts applications for the Community Builder awards within those same counties. The nomination period closes at 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, April 7. Educator of the Year finalists and Community Builder winners will be announced on May 6.

Since 2010, the OnPoint Prize has awarded more than $1 million in prizes to 347 local educators and schools.

This year’s awards include:

• Educators of the Year: Four educators will have their mortgage or rent paid for one year and receive a $2,500 donation to their schools for resources and supplies. One educator from each category below will be chosen:
  • Grades K-5
  • Grades 6-8
  • Grades 9-12
  • Gold Star: This category recognizes one educator who is a pre-kindergarten teacher, school counselor, substitute teacher, librarian or school administrator.

Runners-up: Four educators, one from each of the above categories, will receive a $5,000 cash award and a $1,500 donation to each of their schools for resources and supplies.

• Community Builder Awards: One school, selected by community votes, will receive $5,000 for a project that will meaningfully improve that school or community. Four additional schools will each receive $2,000 for special projects.

About last year’s winners

The winners of the 2025 Educators of the Year who had their mortgage or rent paid over the last year were:

• Ricardo Barber, 3^rd grade teacher at Faubion Elementary, Portland, Ore.
• Rhiannon Young, 6^th-8^th grade teacher at Corbett Middle School, Corbett, Ore.
• Sophia Aguirre, 9^th-12^th grade English Language Development at Aloha High School, Beaverton, Ore.
• Hang Jones, Social Worker at Marysville Elementary School, Portland, Ore.

OnPoint awarded five Community Builder grants in 2025 to fund innovative school projects that inspire students, foster community, demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and reach a broad segment of the school community.

The $5,000 Community Builder Award, selected by community votes, went to Morningside Elementary School in Salem, Ore. The award funded new portable risers for the school’s choir program, giving every student a safe, visible place during performances and community events. Four schools received the $2,000 award:

• Abiqua School: Nature Trail – A Path to Outdoor Learning (Salem-Keizer School District, Salem, Ore.)
• Innovation Academy: Community Garden (Medford School District, Medford, Ore.)
• Sherwood Charter School: H.E.A.R.T Care Closet (Sherwood School District, Sherwood, Ore.)

Skyridge Middle School: Flood Recovery for Books (Camas School District, Camas, Wash.)

For information about the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education, additional qualifications and contest rules, please visit onpointprize.com. 

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, with assets of over $9.5 billion and serving more than 633,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com.

Award Highlights Commitment to Vineyard Stewards and Expanding Educational Opportunity in Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley

Salem, Ore., February 12, 2026 — Chemeketa Community College and AHIVOY (Asociación Hispana de la Industria del Vino en Oregon y Comunidad) have been recognized nationally with the 2026 Excellence in Community-Engaged Partnerships Award from Campus Compact. The award honors collaborative partnerships between colleges and community organizations that demonstrate meaningful, measurable impact.

The Chemeketa–AHIVOY partnership focuses on expanding access to education and leadership development opportunities for vineyard stewards who are essential to Oregon’s thriving wine industry. Through culturally responsive programming, bilingual outreach, and shared leadership, the partnership works to remove barriers to education and create new pathways for economic mobility in the Mid-Willamette Valley.

“This recognition affirms the power of authentic partnership,” said Dr. Jessica Howard, President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “The work Chemeketa and AHIVOY are doing together is rooted in respect, shared leadership, and a commitment to expanding opportunity for vineyard stewards who are essential to our region’s economy. I am incredibly proud of this team and grateful to our community partners for showing what meaningful collaboration can achieve.”

AHIVOY, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering vineyard stewards and their families, has been instrumental in connecting community members with educational resources, workforce training, and leadership opportunities. Together, Chemeketa and AHIVOY have created programs that support skill development, strengthen workforce pipelines, and uplift the voices of those who work in Oregon’s vineyards.

The award from Campus Compact places Chemeketa among a select group of institutions nationwide recognized for excellence in community engagement. It underscores the college’s commitment to serving the diverse communities of Oregon through education that builds careers and strengthens communities.

Chemeketa Community College offers more than 90 career and technical education programs, transfer degrees, and community education opportunities designed to meet regional workforce needs. Partnerships like the one with AHIVOY exemplify the college’s mission to create equitable pathways to opportunity while supporting industries that are vital to the local economy.

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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.

Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities that supports, engages, and challenges higher education to realize its public purpose. Campus Compact empowers colleges and universities to advance their academic and civic missions by partnering with communities to address complex social issues and further equity, justice, and prosperity for all. Founded in 1985, Campus Compact is the nation's largest and oldest national association solely dedicated to advancing the civic and community engagement mission of higher education. Our members make up a force of thousands of presidents, faculty, researchers, students, and civic and community engagement experts.

Campus Compact envisions colleges and universities as vital agents and architects of a diverse democracy, committed to educating students for responsible citizenship in ways that both deepen their education and improve the quality of community life. We challenge all of higher education to make civic and community engagement an institutional priority. Learn more at compact.org.

Free community event features sacred art creation in celebration of International Education

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Clark College invites the community to experience a week of culture, art, and global connection celebrating International Education, February 23-27 on the college’s main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington.

The highlight of the week is the construction of a traditional Tibetan sand mandala, presented by Clark College International Programs, Clark Libraries, and the Dharma Light Tibetan Buddhist Association of Vancouver. The event is free and open to the community.

Tibetan Buddhist monks from South India will spend a week constructing an intricate sand mandala inside Cannell Library.  The public is invited to observe this living work of art, starting at 9 am – 6:30 pm from Monday, Feb. 23 to Friday, Feb. 27.  

The week begins with an Opening Ceremony at 9 am on Monday and concludes with a Closing Ceremony at 1:30 pm on Friday, both featuring traditional Tibetan Buddhist chanting and music. Following the closing ceremony, the monks will disperse the sand from 3-4 pm at the Vancouver Waterfront Park, extending the blessing to the wider region. (Transportation and parking fees are not provided.) 

On Thursday, Feb. 26, from 2-3 pm in Cannell Library Room 101, Venerable Lobsang Dawa will lead a special Sacred Tibetan Art presentation, sharing the history and symbolism of the sand mandala, and reflecting on the importance of compassion in daily life. 

In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the creation of a sand mandala is intended to generate a profound experience of compassion and healing. It is believed that the positive energy of a sand mandala radiates outward for world peace, offering blessings throughout the entire region, the environment and the surrounding community. At the end of the week, the mandala is ceremonially dismantled to symbolize the impermanence of all phenomena. 

This marks the fifth time Clark College has hosted a mandala construction on campus, with previous visits taking place in 2012, 2015, 2020 and 2023. View a video from the 2012 sand mandala construction on Clark College’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/IYVcjFhpsHc

Tibetan Sand Mandala Schedule - Clark’s Cannell Library:

• Monday, Feb. 23, 9 am ⁠– 6:30 pm
  [Opening Ceremony starting at 9 am]
   
• Tuesday, Feb. 24, 9 am ⁠– 6:30 pm
   
• Wednesday, Feb. 25, 9 am ⁠– 6:30 pm
   
• Thursday, Feb. 26, 9 am – 6:30 pm
  with Sacred Tibetan Art presentation at 2 – 3 pm, Room 101
   
• Friday, Feb. 27, 9⁠ am – 1:30 pm
  [Closing Ceremony at 1:30 ⁠– 2:30 pm]
  Sand Dispersal: 3⁠ – 4 pm at the Vancouver Waterfront Park (transportation & parking fees not provided)

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

All Are Welcome: Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.

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

Accommodation: If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact hr@clark.edu or 360-992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.
 

About Clark’s International Programs

International Programs provides support services and opportunities to foster a global perspective and cross-cultural competence for Clark College and the communities it serves. The program also offers an intensive English Language program. During the 2025-26 academic year, Clark College hosts 78 international students. Learn more about Clarks International Programs.  (Fall 2026. Enrollment number changes each term)

Clark College’s International Education programming reflects the college’s commitment to global learning, cultural exchange, and fostering understanding across communities.

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. This public community college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves almost 10,000 students including high school students, veterans, displaced workers, multilingual and mature learners. About three-quarters of its students are the first in their families to attend college.   

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NEWBERG, Ore. – When Newberg's Emma K. Winn started Portland Community College’s Interior Design Program during the first months of the pandemic, she never expected the experience to lead her to national recognition, international travel and a leadership role in one of the design industry’s key associations.

Winn, who completed her associate degree in Interior Design and two certificates from PCC in 2022, was recently named to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) Thirty Under 30 honor designation. The annual program celebrates emerging professionals shaping the future of kitchen and bath design.

It is the first time our NKBA chapter has ever had two Thirty Under 30 nominations in the same year with colleague Bethany Broussard, also a PCC interior design alum and communications chair for the NKBA Columbia River Chapter, being named to the same Thirty Under 30 cohort. Having two in one class is a record for any college in the country.

Interior design faculty chair Robin Fisher said the recognition reflects both Winn’s accomplishments and the strength of PCC’s accredited program.

“I really get jazzed when I hear about our graduates’ success,” Fisher said. “Emma is the third graduate to earn the Thirty Under 30 distinction in the last three years. It’s a huge honor and business opportunity. They’ll spend the next year traveling to manufacturers and becoming spokespeople for the NKBA.”

Community colleges have proven to be Oregon’s most practical, local engine for skills, mobility, and growth. PCC alone generates a concrete economic impact that shows up in paychecks, business receipts, and job openings filled thanks to graduates like Winn. PCC’s Lightcast-based impact analysis for FY 2021–22 reports $2.3 billion in added income across its primary economic region and 25,314 jobs supported. Every public dollar invested pays back $1.60 through economic growth and stronger communities. 

Winn is part of that economic impact. She grew up watching home design shows but didn’t realize interior design could be a viable career until her mid-twenties. She chose PCC because it was affordable, accredited by the NKBA, and offered a clear path into the profession.

Her entire program shifted online due to COVID-19, but she said the support of dedicated instructors, especially Fisher, helped her stay on track.

“For the first time in my life, I was excelling academically because I loved what I was learning,” she said. “The instructors adapted quickly and pushed us to succeed. Robin gave me the confidence to think I could make it in this industry.”

While in school, Winn worked retail and later joined Arizona Tile, which provided early professional experience. She then worked as a design assistant at C Change Design in Portland, supporting full residential remodels, creating construction documents, managing materials and specifications, coordinating clients, and facilitating photoshoots and digital content for the firm.

However, Emma recently took on a new challenge for 2026 as the designer and cabinet specialist with Crystal Remodeling in Wilsonville.

"Not only is this a great opportunity but it's so close to home," said Winn of her shorter commute. "I'm settling in and getting to know so much about Cyrstal and full-service remodeling from a design-build perspective.

"It's been amazing so far and I'm very excited to see what the future holds for me here," continued Winn, who has a near-obsessive gift for details. "Design is a language that most people don't know how to speak, and my job is to translate it for my clients."

This year, she will travel to Austria at the invitation of Blum, a manufacturer of hardware for high-quality kitchens and cabinetry, for a factory tour and then to Milan to attend EuroCucina, one of the industry’s most significant international exhibitions.

“It’s a dream for many designers to attend EuroCucina,” she said. “Being invited so early in my career is a huge honor.”

Winn also serves the local design community. After joining the NKBA Columbia River Chapter as a student member, she moved into leadership roles and is now the Chapter President for the 2026–27 term, beginning early due to a leadership transition.

Winn encourages prospective students to consider PCC’s Interior Design Program for its affordability, hands-on learning, and strong industry ties.

“If someone is interested in designing kitchens and bathrooms, PCC is the place to go in Oregon,” she said. “The instructors care about their students and the program prepares you for real work.”

Balancing full-time classes with multiple jobs was challenging, but she said the experience strengthened her time-management skills and helped her succeed in her career.

Outside of work, Winn enjoys knitting, she made the sweater in her photo, and loves spending time with her two cats. She and her electrician husband bought their first house in 2024 at the base of the Chehalem Mountains in Newberg, and are dreaming of remodeling their kitchen in the near future.

For more information, visit pcc.edu/programs/interior-design.

Newberg Center Classes And More

For the past decade, Newbergite Stephanie Romero has been the Newberg Center office assistant and helps coordinate ongoing courses and events.

The Newberg Center, located at 135 Werth Blvd., offers discounted event rentals for nonprofit groups, from public meetings to private gatherings such as community baby showers and club meetings. The building features a lobby with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto an entry courtyard and the surrounding landscape. With free parking and an accessible facility, it is a convenient place for the community to gather near the hospital, senior living and the university. The adjacent PCC Learning Garden and acres of green space support seasonal gardening and activities.

“I just love to see people here and enjoying this beautiful, open space and its artwork,” said Romero. “PCC even offers senior discounts on free or reduced-rate classes.”

The center’s winter and spring class schedules are available online and include courses ranging from retirement planning, Heart Savers First-Aid, CPR & AED training, to career-boosting project management and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL).

To inquire for more information, call (971) 722-8602 or visit pcc.edu/locations/newberg/ for the latest class information.

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.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver will launch a new weekly “DocArts” series next week, bringing together film and video screenings, artist talks and community conversations throughut the spring term.

The series features a diverse group of multimedia artists, activists and public intellectuals—from community organizers whose lives are deeply documented to poets, songwriters and hip-hop performers working across media. Events are free and open to the public.

The series opens during Black History Month with Kent Ford, co-founder of the Portland, Oregon, chapter of the Black Panther Party. His talk will start at noon Feb. 18 in the Firstenburg Student Commons, Room 101. Through his leadership in the Panthers’ Free Breakfast for School Children Program in Portland, Ford helped feed thousands of children in Northeast Portland. Nationally, the Black Panther Party’s Free Breakfast program helped spur the development of free meal programs in public schools across the country. Lunch will follow the talk at 12:30 p.m.

Ford also volunteered for years in supportive roles with the Panthers’ free medical and dental clinics in Portland. He currently leads Black Panther Legacy Tours in Portland’s Albina neighborhood and is the subject of the solo play “Walking through Portland with a Panther: The Life of Mr. Kent Ford,” written by Don Wilson Glenn and directed by Demaris Webb.

On Feb. 19, the series continues with a screening of “A Thousand Pines” and a talk with director Noam Osband, sponsored by the School of the Environment and the College of Arts and Sciences Speakers Fund and the Collective for Social and Environmental Justice. The event will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Engineering and Computer Science Building, Room 105. The documentary follows a crew of guest workers from Oaxaca, Mexico, over the course of a season planting trees across the United States. The film explores the physical demands and isolation of the work, as well as the workers’ efforts to remain connected to their families back home. Over time, the crew forms a tight-knit community, cooking and caring for one another as they endure the challenges of the season. Reception to follow.

On Feb. 25, the series will feature a screening of “Silent Voices” from 11 a.m. to noon in the Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110, followed by a talk from noon to 1 p.m. by playwright and activist Donna Hayes. Director and photographer Kendall will also share reflections. A reception will follow.

Hayes lost her grandson to police violence and has yet to see institutional accountability. “Silent Voices” tells not only her grandson’s story but also six other true stories of police violence. The project was developed through an emergent, collaborative writing process with surviving family members of those killed by Portland-area police and was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic by a volunteer production team.

The DocArts Initiative is a joint Project of the Collective for Social and Environmental Justice and Native American Programs. For more information about DocArts events, email van.csej@wsu.edu.

About WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is one of six campuses of Washington State University and the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington. The campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs that support workforce development, innovation and economic growth through strong partnerships with businesses, industries and community organizations.

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver and is accessible via I-5, I-205 and C-TRAN bus service.

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VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver will host four online A – Z of Paying for College Workshops this spring.

Prospective students and their families will learn how to make college more affordable through grants, scholarships, savings, work and loans. Presenters will explain which types of funding do not need to be repaid, which do, and how to complete required forms and meet key deadlines. Attendees will also receive strategies for applying for financial aid and scholarships, including information about the different types of scholarships available.

The free, one-hour workshops will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom as follows:

• Tuesday, Feb. 24
• Wednesday, March 25
• Thursday, April 23
• Wednesday, May 20

Register at vancouver.wsu.edu/a-z to receive the Zoom link.

If you have questions, contact Student Financial Services at 360-546-WSUV (9788) or van.finaid@wsu.edu. For event accommodations, call 360-546-9739 or email van.accomodations@wsu.edu.

About WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is one of six campuses of Washington State University and the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington. The campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs that support workforce development, innovation and economic growth through strong partnerships with businesses, industries and community organizations.

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EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University announced on Monday that the Beacons will add two new varsity programs with men's and women's wrestling officially joining the sport offerings in the fall of 2027. Bushnell athletics cites the recent rise in popularity in youth wrestling as a contributing factor in the decision to add both men's and women's programs at Bushnell. High School wrestling participation nationally is at its highest in over 50 years with nearly 375,000 boys and girls competing. Additionally, Bushnell will be the seventh four-year university in Oregon to sponsor the sports.

"We are thrilled to be adding to our athletic offerings with the addition of our wrestling program," said Athletic Director Corey Anderson. "Girls Wrestling is the fastest growing high school sport in the country, and USA Wrestling has launched national campaigns to increase the popularity of the sport. National trends for high school and collegiate programs are on an upward trajectory."

Anderson added, "We have quickly learned that there is a strong passion for men's and women's wrestling in Eugene, Lane County, Oregon and beyond. Once we started talking to a few, key contacts in the region about the idea of us adding an NAIA collegiate wrestling program, we immediately started having knowledgeable and passionate people reach out to us to celebrate the idea but also wanting to know how they can help.  I am excited about these new relationships and partner opportunities that Bushnell Wrestling will provide us while continuing to do The Kingdom's good work!"

The addition of two new teams will bring Bushnell's total number of varsity teams to 19 and are the first programs to be added since Baseball came on board in 2021. The Wrestling teams will begin play in the 2027-2028 season, joining the Cascade Conference which boasts 11 men's and eight women's programs.

"What an exciting day for Bushnell University, the Cascade Conference, and wrestling in the West," stated CCC Commissioner Robert Cashell. "The program immensely strengthens men's and women's wrestling for the conference and represents continued growth and evolution of Beacon Athletics. It is wonderful to see more opportunities for young men and women to compete in the sport they love at the collegiate level, while also pursuing an outstanding education like the one they will receive at Bushnell."

A number of individuals and groups have made significant contributions to the launch of the Bushnell wrestling program through their knowledge, advice, and resources. Anderson said, "We are very grateful for the assistance we have received throughout our discernment process as we made the decision to move forward with our new programs. Thank you to Mike Ritchey, Roger Rolen, Doug Caffall, Tony Overstake, Kurt Davis, Larry Bielenburger, John Kowalewski, Buck Davis, Mike Moyer, Thurston High School Coach Mike Simon, Oregon State Associate Head Coach Josh Rhoden, Restore Oregon Wrestling, and the countless others who have helped us in the process."

When Bushnell Wrestling official begins in the fall of 2027, the Beacons will host home wrestling meets in the Morse Center on the Bushnell University campus, which also serves as the home for men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball. A planned practice facility and home for Beacons Wrestling will be developed, located within campus property that was recently acquired by Bushnell University.

"We are excited to add men's and women's wrestling as our 18th and 19th intercollegiate sports on campus," said Joseph D. Womack, Ed.D., Bushnell University's president. "Bushnell Wrestling will complement the educational and co-curricular activities at a Christ-centered University like ours because each practice and each competition provide the student-athlete with an opportunity to gain in wisdom, faith and service."

Bushnell will immediately open a national search to fill Head Coach positions for both the men's and women's programs. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Athletic Director Corey Anderson (son@bushnell.edu">canderson@bushnell.edu) or visit the job listing at bushnell.edu/careers.

Current high school and junior college athletes interested in joining Bushnell Wrestling are encouraged to complete the player interest form located at bushnellbeacons.com/wrestling.

About Bushnell University

Founded in 1895, Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell. 

Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant University District. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and hybrid formats. More information about the University is available at bushnell.edu. 

The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on February 17, 2026.  

This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.
​​​​​​​https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/87118095180?pwd=kfgNQLzX7LByJOKdb8yJFWUnYyarji.1
Passcode:094082

Prairie High School is proud to present Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, the Tony Award-winning stage adaptation inspired by children's book. This captivating production celebrates childhood, the power of imagination and the courage to stand up for what’s right.

Matilda tells the inspiring story of a remarkable young girl with an extraordinary imagination and a sharp mind. Unloved by her parents but supported by her beloved teacher Miss Honey, Matilda dares to dream of a better life and proves that even the smallest voice can make a big difference. Audiences of all ages will delight in this joyous, high-energy musical filled with unforgettable songs, humor and heart.

Performance dates:

• Friday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Feb. 28, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m.

• Friday, March 6, at 7 p.m.

• Saturday, March 7, at 7 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now. Order early for the best seat selection and pricing. Ticket prices increase at the door.

OCDC Mulino- No Classes today

Senate and House Square Off Again in Annual Capitol Hill Blood Drive

Following a dead-even finish last year, legislators renew their friendly competition at a time when the national blood supply is dangerously low.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(PORTLAND, OR) February 16, 2026 

It’s back! The annual Oregon State Capitol Hill Blood Drive in Salem—a friendly competition between the Oregon Senate and House. Which side will break the tie from last year, when both chambers donated 18 units of blood? We’ll find out.

This year’s competition is more important than ever since the nation is still in a severe blood shortage. Extreme winter weather in the east has cancelled more than 500 blood drives, leaving 20,000 units of blood uncollected adding to our shortage. 

“This event is a great way to help end the shortage and assure that blood will be on the shelves when hospitals need it,” says Red Cross CEO Priscilla Fuentes, “plus, it’s a lot of fun.”

“I challenge my colleagues to come join us and donate blood. It takes less than an hour, and you can leave knowing you saved somebody’s life,” says Secretary of State Tobias Read. 

Join us for this great blood drive on Tuesday, February 17.

Media availability at 9:30am.

• Senate President Pro Tempore James I. Manning, Jr. (blood drive host)
• Secretary of State Tobias Read
• Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr
• House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer
• Representative Travis Nelson 
• Red Cross CEO Priscilla Fuentes

Blood donations will be accepted between 10am and 3pm.

• Secretary Read 10am
• Senator Starr 12:45pm
• Representative Elmer 12:45pm
• Senator Manning 1pm
• Representative Nelson 2:15pm

Location:

Capitol Building, 900 Court Street NE, Rm 357

Donors can sign up to donate by using the Blood Donor App, visiting https://www.redcrossblood.org/. Click or tap if you trust this link.">RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/heart.html. Click or tap if you trust this link.">RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

About the American Red Cross:

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

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IBR’s Systematic Disinformation Campaign, Its Demise, and a Practical, Cost-Effective Solution for the I-5 Crossing that Will Save Billions

Portland, OR –  For years, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) has advanced the claim that the existing I-5 Interstate Bridge is seismically unsafe and must be replaced with a mega bridge project costing billions of dollars. However, multiple independent engineering reports and seismic analyses directly refute that narrative.

Neighbors for a Better Crossing (NFBC), a coalition of transportation experts, civil engineers, past and present state government officials, neighborhood organizations, and residents most affected along the project corridor, has released a comprehensive five-page summary detailing what it describes as IBR’s systematic disinformation campaign.

This five-page summary and supporting documentation was sent to every Senator and Representative in both Oregon and Washington and includes links to seismic studies, engineering reports, and investigative articles by credentialed experts that challenge IBR’s core seismic claims and financial assumptions.

“Like all major bridges, the Interstate Bridge is required to undergo periodic seismic updates,” said Gary Clark of Neighbors for a Better Crossing. “Engineering evidence shows the bridge can remain structurally viable through mandated seismic retrofits — just as countless other long-standing bridges across the country continue to do.”

Clark emphasized that NFBC’s goal is not to obstruct progress, but to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility.

“Our organization and supporters want to be a partner in solving traffic congestion at the I-5 crossing,” Clark said. “We support improving mobility and safety. What we oppose is a multi-billion-dollar mega bridge justified by claims that are not supported by the full body of engineering evidence.”

In addition to addressing seismic concerns, the newly released summary outlines a practical alternative recommended by NFBC’s transportation and civil engineering experts. According to Clark, the proposed solution would:

• Reduce congestion at the I-5 crossing

• Cost billions less than the current IBR proposal

• Preserve the natural beauty and environmental character of the Columbia River crossing

• Avoid unnecessary displacement and community disruption

“There is a smarter path forward,” Clark said. “We invite legislators, government officials, and agency leaders to engage in an open discussion about a cost-effective solution that solves congestion without wasting taxpayer dollars.”

The full five-page summary — IBR’s Disinformation Campaign and Demise — including links to seismic analyses and engineering reports, is available here:

https://neighbors4a-bettercrossing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IBRs-Disinformation-Campaign-and-Demise.pdf

Neighbors for a Better Crossing encourages residents, policymakers, and members of the media to review the documentation and share it widely.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Allison Mora, Communications Manager | Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials | 971-480-0752 | allison@oregonclho.org

SB 1573 Will Not Advance After Federal Court Ruling Establishes ADA Protections for Harm Reduction Services

A landmark ruling in Washington state that restrictions on syringe programs violate the ADA proves decisive for the Oregon bill

PORTLAND, Ore. – February 12, 2026 – Senate Bill 1573, which would have prohibited syringe service programs (SSPs) from operating within 2,000 feet of schools and licensed childcare facilities, will not advance during the 2026 legislative session.

The Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials (CLHO), representing Oregon’s 33 local public health authorities, engaged extensively in the legislative process around SB 1573–testifying at the February 6th public hearing and working collaboratively with stakeholders and legislators to develop a proposed amendment that would have addressed community concerns while preserving the ability of local health authorities to maintain evidence-based harm reduction programs.

“As written, SB 1573 would’ve resulted in drastically decreasing access to harm reduction and other clean syringe services like mobile diabetes care,” said Sarah Lochner, CLHO Executive Director. "We would then see increases in disease transmission, emergency department visits, and costs to the healthcare system – the opposite of what the legislature is trying to accomplish this session.” 

Federal Court Ruling on ADA Protections Proves Decisive

A key factor in the bill's failure to advance was a significant federal legal development. On February 10, 2026, a landmark settlement was reached in Lewis County, Washington, in which a federal court determined that restrictions on syringe exchange programs violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The case, brought by the ACLU on behalf of Gather Church, challenged a county ordinance that restricted the church’s mobile syringe exchange and barred the distribution of fentanyl and xylazine test strips. 

U.S. District Court Chief Judge David Estudillo ruled that syringe exchange programs constitute “health services or services in connection with drug rehabilitation" under the ADA, meaning that restricting access to these programs could amount to discrimination against individuals with substance use disorders. As part of the settlement, Lewis County repealed the ordinance and agreed to pay $500,000 in attorney's fees.

This ruling had direct implications for SB 1573. Had the bill advanced, it could have faced similar legal challenges under the ADA, potentially exposing the state of Oregon to costly litigation.

The Proposed Amendment: A Balanced Approach  

CLHO and public health partners developed a proposed amendment to SB 1573 that took a more measured approach than the original bill. The amendment would have:

• Reduced the buffer zone from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet for mobile or temporary SSP locations near schools

• Established a statewide SSP registration system administered by OHA, including requirements for safe needle disposal plans

• Exempted SSPs operated by or contracted through state, local, or tribal governments

• Provided a waiver process for local public health authorities during declared public health emergencies

The amendment also represented a good-faith effort to balance community concerns about syringe litter near schools with the evidence-based public health need for accessible harm reduction services.

Why Syringe Service Programs Matter

Syringe service programs (SSPs) are a critical component of Oregon's public health infrastructure and are recognized by the CDC, the U.S. Surgeon General, and the World Health Organization as an evidence-based strategy for preventing the spread of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. SSPs also serve as a vital point of entry for individuals to access substance use treatment, naloxone for overdose prevention, wound care, and connections to social services.

Oregon's local public health authorities operate or support SSPs in 22 counties, often serving rural and underserved communities where access to healthcare is already limited. Research consistently demonstrates that SSPs reduce syringe sharing by up to 50%, contributing significantly to reductions in HIV and Hepatitis C transmission.

Looking Ahead

While SB 1573 will not advance during the 2026 short session, CLHO remains committed to working collaboratively with legislators, community members, and public health partners to address the legitimate concerns that prompted this legislation—particularly around syringe litter and child safety—while preserving the lifesaving harm reduction services on which Oregon's communities depend.

About CLHO

The Coalition of Local Health Officials (CLHO) is a statewide coalition representing Oregon's local health departments and health officials. CLHO advocates for policies and resources that strengthen Oregon's public health system, promote health equity, and support the health of communities served by local health departments across the state. 

For more information about CLHO's legislative priorities, visit oregonclho.org/advocacy.

Sources

• SB 1573 (Oregon Legislature)

• Sarah Lochner’s Testimony on behalf of CLHO (Oregon Legislature)

• Proposed Amendments to SB 1573 (Oregon Legislature)

• Overdose-Related Services & Projects Summary by Oregon County: Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) Breakdown by County (Pages 6-7, Updated April 2025 | OHA)

• STAT News: Landmark settlement could create new protections for harm reduction under disability law (Feb. 10, 2026)

• KATU: Public Safety vs. Public Health — Oregon needle exchange bill sparks heated debate (Feb. 6, 2026)

• FOX 12: Oregon lawmakers hear testimony on bill to ban needle exchanges near schools (Feb. 5, 2026)

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) is very pleased to announce a continuing partnership with the Wildhorse Foundation, representing Northeast Oregon and the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. The Wildhorse Foundation recently awarded a substantial grant to OLSHF to continue the vaunted OLSHF School Vision Screening Program in Umatilla County and the surrounding region.

The Wildhorse Foundation has supported the OLSHF School Vision Screening Program since 2008, helping to provide students with the highest quality vision screening available. Annually, the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation provides these screenings to almost 200,000 Oregon students, including almost 9,500 in the Wildhorse Foundation service area. These vision screenings are efficient, objective, accurate and equitable and a whole class of students can be screened in less than 5 minutes. Screenings are led by a regional Lion staff member of OLSHF and are conducted by volunteers, including members of the numerous Lions Clubs in the Wildhorse Foundation Service area. The results are secured and returned to the school in less than a week, accompanied by resources for low-cost/no-cost vision exams and eyeglasses for underserved students.

As a school nurse friend of OLSHF says: “If Johnny can’t see, Johnny can’t read. If Johnny can’t read, Johnny can’t learn”. The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation is proud to partner with the Wildhorse Foundation and other tribal entities around Oregon to promote greater success by Oregon students, including a notable increase in the Oregon high school graduation rate.

Each year, the Wildhorse Foundation makes grants to eligible nonprofit, government, and Tribal organizations within the homeland area of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. Also eligible for funding are Tribal government agencies or Native American charitable organizations with their base of operations within Oregon, as well as national or regional Indian organizations.

The Wildhorse Foundation has awarded a total of over $19 million in grant funding since its establishment in 2001. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis with the deadlines being January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. For more information, visit the Foundation’s website at www.thewildhorsefoundation.com.

To learn more about the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation School Vision Screening Program and other vision and hearing programs, please visit www.olshf.org.

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