April 11, 2025

Case#: 22CR50396

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

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

Deputy District Attorney Quinn Zemel prosecuted the case for the state. After the conviction he said: 

“Victims, no matter their background or life circumstances deserve to be believed, and will be believed.”

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

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

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

Facts: 

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

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

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

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

                                                ##MCDA##

Since November 1,2024, Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit (MCU) Detectives have continued the homicide investigation into the brutal killing of Courtney Clinton.  Investigative leads sent VPD MCU detectives to Montgomery County Kentucky where Dariel Nunez Montero was currently in custody on unrelated charges.  Based on facts and information obtained during this investigation, and in coordination with the Clark County Prosecutors Office, a felony warrant was issued in Clark County Superior Court on April 11^th for the arrest of Dariel Nunez Montero (31yoa) for Murder 1.  

Dariel Nunez-Montero was arrested on the listed murder warrant while in custody in Montgomery County Kentucky.  Dariel Nunez Montero will await extradition to Clark County Washington to be prosecuted on the murder of Courtney Clinton.

Nothing further is releasable at this time.

Office of the District Attorney

Nathan Vasquez

Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

Contact:

Pat Dooris

Communications Director

media@mcda.us

For Immediate Release

April 11, 2025

LIFE COMMITMENT TO PSYCHIATRIC SECURITY REVIEW

BOARD (PSRB) SUPERVISION

FACTS:

Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Katherine von Ter Stegge has found Joseph Kelly Banks guilty except for insanity on three counts of murder in the second degree, three counts of attempted murder in the second degree, three counts of assault in the first degree, three counts of assault in the second degree, and three counts of unlawful use of a weapon. The Defendant was committed to the custody of the Oregon State Hospital and ordered to lifetime supervision of the Psychiatric Security Review Board. 

Victim Isaiah Hurst was murdered on the morning of Sunday January 2, 2022. The investigation determined that Mr. Hurst was driving home from breakfast as he paused at an intersection for a morning jogger. Surveillance footage captured the Defendant’s vehicle drive alongside Mr. Hurst’s driver door as several gunshots rang out. The Defendant sped away as Mr. Hurst’s vehicle came to a stop. Mr. Hurst was pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives recovered eight 9mm shell casings. 

Victim Jeff Ramirez was murdered on February 2, 2022 near the intersection of SE 119th Avenue and Stark Street. Mr. Ramirez was seated in his truck as the Defendant approached and fired the same 9mm gun multiple times. Again, the Defendant sped away in his vehicle. Multiple witnesses rendered aid to Mr. Ramirez during his final moments. Law enforcement collected 9mm shell casings that were determined to have come from the same firearm involved in the murder of Isaiah Hurst. 

After shooting Jeff Ramirez, the Defendant sped down Stark Street and fired the same weapon at a pedestrian, victim Stephen Barrera. The Defendant again sped away. Mr. Barrera ran into a nearby business that provided aid until medics could arrive. Mr. Barrera was seriously injured as a result of Defendant’s shooting. 

The Defendant shot two more people on February 28, 2022. The Defendant shot victim Lillian Cloud near NE Stanton and Williams at 4:50 PM. The Defendant approached Lillian Cloud, demanding to know where they were from and suggesting they did not belong there. Lillian Cloud was shot as they attempted to flee. Lillian Cloud survived the shooting, but was seriously injured. The Defendant then shot victim Thad Thomas near the Maple Mallory Apartments at 5:23 PM. Mr. Thomas was shot as he was entering his vehicle with his partner and infant child. Mr. Thomas later reported that the driver of a dark colored SUV stopped and asked Mr. Thomas if he worked for the government prior to shooting him. Mr. Thomas survived, but was seriously injured. Law enforcement recovered 9mm shell casings at the scene of both shootings that matched the murders of Isaiah Hurst and Jeff Ramirez.  

The Defendant shot and murdered Mark Johnson the following day, March 1, 2022, at approximately 12:04 PM. The Defendant used the same 9mm firearm to shoot Mr. Johnson at Dawson Park before fleeing. Mr. Johnson was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Law enforcement arrested the Defendant the following day, March 2, 2022. Subsequent to his arrest, the Defendant was evaluated by three separate forensic psychologists that separately concluded Defendant was guilty except for insanity, meaning that he suffered from schizophrenia and lacked substantial capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct and to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law. 

Senior Deputy District Attorney Eric Zimmerman and Deputy District Attorney Eric Palmer prosecuted the case for the state. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to express its sincere condolences to the families of the victims. Further, MCDA would like to thank Portland Police Bureau detectives Foote, Gandy, and Pontius for their investigative work on this case. We would also like to thank victim advocates Alex Bidwell, Lyssa Simmons and Alie Aguilera for their kind and compassionate work with the victim’s families before and during this trial.

DATE: April 14, 2025

TIME: 6:00 p.m.

LOCATION: via Zoom

SEATTLE, WA – The FBI Seattle Field Office, Lacey Police Department, and ATF Seattle are seeking the public’s assistance to locate an individual responsible for causing significant damage to a Tesla supercharger station in Lacey, Washington.

FBI Seattle has opened a Digital Media Tipline at www.fbi.gov/lacey-tesla-arson for potential witnesses to upload media, such as cellphone video or any other multimedia recordings.

On April 8, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., an individual started a fire at the Tesla Supercharger, located at 665 Sleater Kinney Road SE, Lacey, Washington. The fire resulted in substantial damage to the station and surrounding area.

This individual may have injuries consistent with being in close proximity to an explosion or intense heat, such as a concussion, burns, or shrapnel injuries. The suspect is a White male, approximately 5’10” to 6’2”. He was wearing a dark jacket with a hood, gray pants, and a face covering. The suspect walks with a unique gait, including a slight limp with his right leg kicking out and, at times, his right hand held behind his back. He was carrying a white bag which may have been plastic.

Anyone in the surrounding area of the Target and Kohl’s stores in the South Sound Center, also to include along the Chehalis Western and Woodland Creek Trails, is requested to review any doorbell and security camera footage which may show this person walking or accessing a vehicle from the late evening of April 7, 2025, to the early morning of April 8, 2025.

Anyone who may recognize this person, possess video footage of the suspect, or have information related to the arson at the Tesla supercharger station is asked to contact the FBI's Toll-Free tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. You may also contact the Lacey Police Department at (360) 459-4333, or contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

FBI Seattle is one of the 55 FBI field offices located in the United States. The mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. For more information, visit www.fbi.gov or www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/seattle.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Battleground, Washington man was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for coercing and sexually exploiting three children online using Discord, an instant messaging social media application.

Jakob Joshua Stickney, 26, was sentenced to 246 months in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to each of his victims.

According to court documents, between August and September 2023, Stickney, who used the names “UNHOLY,” “unholy_xx2,” or “Unholy_22x” online, engaged in sexually explicit communications with children on Discord. Following months of online chatting with children in different states, Stickney attempted to arrange an in-person meetup with a child in Oregon. Stickney went in person to the child’s house where he was confronted by the child’s mother, and she reported the contact to law enforcement.

In October 2023, Discord submitted a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for sexually explicit messages that occurred between Stickney and another child. Stickney learned the child had a sibling and persuaded both children to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, he convinced the child to record sexually explicit conduct and send to him to gain membership to a Discord group called “Unholy Girls” that Stickney created and maintained.

Stickney was arrested on November 17, 2023, and his phone, which contained child sexual abuse material, was seized. 

On December 30, 2024, Stickney was charged by criminal information with coercing and enticing a minor, sexually exploiting children, and possessing child pornography.

On January 23, 2025, Stickney pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting children and coercing and enticing a minor.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Portland Police Bureau. It was prosecuted by Eliza Carmen Rodriguez, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

The FBI Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation. 

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

# # #

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver invites community members to attend “Health, Place and Environment,” a free workshop from 3:30 to 5 p.m. April 21 in the Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110 on campus. A community reception will be included.

Led by Dr. Leslie King, a physician and environmental health expert, the workshop will explore how systemic injustices impact health and belonging, and how environmental factors directly affect well-being.

Dr. King brings a global perspective to her work, with medical experience in rural and remote regions of Australia and the Pacific. She has a special interest in health equity and environmental justice and currently serves as a Governor-appointed Commissioner for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Her advocacy focuses on incorporating justice, equity, diversity and inclusion into environmental policy—particularly river restoration.

About WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134^th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-TRAN bus service. Find a campus map at vancouver.wsu.edu/map. Parking is available at meters and in the Blue Daily Pay lot for $4.

As one of six campuses of the WSU system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations. 

WSU Vancouver is located on the homelands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Peoples of the Lower Columbia Valley. We acknowledge their presence here. WSU Vancouver expresses its respect towards these original and current caretakers of the region. We pledge that these relationships will be built on mutual trust and respect.

# # #

CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on May 13, 2025, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

To view the Corrections Policy 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 February 11, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

    a) Bonnie Kessell; DPSST No. 46671

        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Supervisory Parole and Probation Certifications

    b) Nathan Lelek; DPSST No. 54004

        Basic Parole and Probation Certification

4. Chris Barnhart, DPSST No. 42754; DOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution

    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

5. Phillip Barrier, DPSST No. 60490; Lane County Sheriff’s Office
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

6. Peter Collins, DPSST No. 49894; Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

7. James Damon, DPSST No. 44535; DOC/South Fork Forest Camp
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

8. Bradley Herrera, DPSST No. 49861; Harney County Sheriff’s Office

    Presented by Cindy Park

9. Justin White, DPSST No. 53769; DOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

10. Corrections Policy Committee Chair and Applicant Review Committee Nominations

11. Agency Updates

12. Next Corrections Policy Committee Meeting: August 12, 2025, at 10:00am

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 Corrections 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.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on April 15, 2025.  At the end of the Regular Session meeting, the Board will move to Executive Session under (ORS 192.660(2)(i))- To review and evaluate the employment-related performance of the chief executive officer, employee or staff member who does not request an open hearing. 

This meeting will be held virtually through Zoom.
https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/86971102136?pwd=X8Fszshij2lQLQsWBE8O38dYA6hUav.1
Passcode:468805

La Pine, Ore. -- Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) in La Pine is holding an open house Wednesday, April 16 starting at 1 p.m. to re-welcome the community to its completely renovated and redecorated office. The La Pine office is located at 16493 Bluewood Place in Bluewood Plaza.

The renovation work started March 6 and was recently completed. The revived office space offers a more welcoming, inviting and visually appealing experience with an emphasis on the comfort for the people they serve.

“This was the first office where we’ve done the work of changing the furniture and uplifting the space based on work functions. From here we will assess how the new furniture system affects workflow and how it is received by the public and by the staff,” Karuna Thompson, ODHS Facilities Director, said.

The next step will be assessing when ODHS buildings need additional space or changes in space. Part of that assessment will be looking at the furniture to decide if there is an actual space need or if using the current real estate in different way can better meet the program needs. Using office space more efficiently can be more cost effective than adding more square footage or moving, which is generally more expensive.

“It’s also important that people should be received with dignity and a sense of welcome and comfort when coming to us for help. We need to explore what trauma informed and culturally responsive spaces can look like for the people we serve,” Thompson said.

“Our office was very outdated. It had mostly mismatched furniture and low ceilings.  We got the leftover furniture from other offices. We made it work, but we had completely overgrown our space. If everyone showed up from all the programs there would not have been enough space for everyone to work,” Gray Evans, Oregon Eligibility Partnership Manager, said. The office also houses the Aging and People with Disabilities and Self-Sufficiency programs, which support people with food benefits, long-term care and other services.  

The office space was hard to get through and often people winding their way through the cubicles got lost. People would call out, “Marco” like in the children’s game. And someone would answer, “Polo,” to find where they were going.

“The layout didn’t work for the workflow. It was like walking into a true mousetrap game,” Thompson said.

During the renovation the office remained open but most of the 18-person staff worked from home. One Eligibility Worker, one Adult Protective Services worker, five Support Staff and Gray worked out of a small conference room so that the office would remain open to the community.

Now the space has light yellow walls, natural wood walls with black accents. The furniture is heather gray and blue gray with pops of orange, lime green and light tan.

“It is so light and bright and happy. It matches the energy that this team brings to work every single day. The space promotes even more collaboration and communication than before. It also shows the team that they matter. They work hard. They deserve equipment that works and promotes the great team that they are,” Gray said.

“We’ve been excited about the possibility of reimaging our space and transforming it from traditional cubicles to a warm, welcoming environment for employees and people we serve.  It was challenging to imagine how different our existing space could look and function. I appreciate our La Pine team being willing to embrace such a large-scale change,” April Munks, District Manager for Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties, said.

One of the best improvements in the office is the interview pod. It has the adaptability to accommodate people in wheelchairs and is also great for families. There’s a couch, which means it’s safer for kids than sitting in a chair that could topple over on a child. The space also promotes visibility for the safety of the staff. The pod also has a refresh button that brings in clean air between uses. Everything is wipeable and cleanable.

“The first client to use the pod was a woman in a wheelchair. Her husband was eyeing the comfortable looking lounge chairs located just outside the pod. She went to the pod. And he went to lounge chair by the window,” Gray said.

“If you think about it, our state of mind is shaped by the space we are in. If you walk into space that is warm and welcoming, it’s better for any business. This is a beginning to invest in people’s – both our staff and our community’s – well-being,” Thompson said.

                                                  # # #

Fundraising campaign nears goal as neighbors rally with donations, gear, and support

Portland, OR — April 11, 2025 — Three weeks after Hillsdale Farmers’ Market’s truck and essential equipment were stolen, the Southwest Portland community has stepped up in a big way—donating funds, replacing gear, and offering everything from logistical support to heartfelt encouragement.

The stolen truck has since been recovered, but it sustained significant damage, and critical equipment remains missing. Despite the setback, a community-led fundraising campaign has already reached 90% of its $15,000 goal, just as the market transitions from its winter season to its weekly Sunday market season starting April 27th.

“We’ve received not only financial contributions, but also in-kind donations, offers to borrow equipment from Portland-area markets, business associations and vendors, and countless words of encouragement,” said Market Manager Lacey Waldon. “My heart is full of gratitude. This has been a powerful reminder of why this market matters to our community.”

The truck and gear are vital to making the market happen — transforming a neighborhood parking lot into a bustling, welcoming hub for local food and connection. In the immediate aftermath of the theft, staff and volunteers acted quickly, using loaned equipment and last-minute workarounds to keep the market running without missing a beat.

Funds raised will go toward repairing the truck, replacing essential equipment, and investing in additional security to help prevent future incidents.

“The theft was a major setback,” said Board President Linda Rogers, “but the response from our community has been overwhelming in the best possible way. It’s clear that people aren’t just shopping here—they’re helping sustain something they truly believe in.”

Come show your support for local food! Hillsdale Farmers’ Market is held every Sunday from now through November 23 (excluding April 20) from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 1405 SW Vermont St., Portland, OR, in the parking lot between Rieke Elementary School and Ida B. Wells High School.

How to Help

• Donate: Visit givebutter.com/recover to help close the final gap!
   

• Spread the Word: Follow and share updates on Instagram and Facebook @hillsdalefarmersmarketpdx.
   

• Partner: Local businesses interested in supporting the market can reach out to contact@hillsdalefarmersmarket.com.

• Get Involved: As a nonprofit organization, the market relies on volunteers to thrive. Whether you’re assisting with setup, supporting special programs, or welcoming shoppers, your time and energy make a huge difference.  We’d love to hear from you! Email us at ketvolunteers@gmail.com" style="text-decoration-line: none;">hillsdalemarketvolunteers@gmail.com.
   

About Hillsdale Farmers' Market

Founded in 2002, Hillsdale Farmers' Market is a producer-only market serving Portland’s Southwest neighborhoods. Home to over 50 local farmers and food artisans, the market also offers food access programs like SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, and the Power of Produce Kids Club—making local food accessible to all.  More information about the market can be found at www.Hillsdalefarmersmarket.com.   

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

Isaiah Johnson, age 16 months, is a child who went missing from Oregon City on April 1. He was found April 11.

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

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

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04/11/2025  10:00 am

Media Contact:

Lt. Ben Harvey, Corvallis Police Department

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

Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest of Armed Felon in possession of Methamphetamine

On April 10, 2025, at approximately 9:07 p.m., a Corvallis Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop near SW Pickford Street and SW Leonard Street for traffic violations. The driver, identified as 36-year-old Samuel Josiah Hunt III of Washington, exhibited signs of intoxication and was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.

During the stop, Hunt became uncooperative and returned to his vehicle to retrieve a travel bag, which he refused to relinquish. When the officer attempted to place him under arrest, Hunt fled on foot and actively resisted. Additional officers responded, and Hunt was safely taken into custody.

A search of the bag Hunt had retrieved revealed a loaded handgun and a quantity of methamphetamine exceeding the felony threshold. Hunt was later confirmed to be a convicted felon.

He was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital, where a search warrant was executed for a DUII blood draw. Hunt continued to physically resist and required the use of a WRAP restraint device to ensure the safety of himself, medical staff, and officers.

Samuel Josiah Hunt III was lodged at the Benton County Jail on the following charges:

• ORS 813.010 – Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII – Alcohol)
• ORS 811.140 – Reckless Driving
• ORS 162.155 – Escape in the Second Degree
• ORS 162.315 – Resisting Arrest
• ORS 475.894 – Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony Amount)
• ORS 166.270 – Felon in Possession of a Weapon
• ORS 166.250 – Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

STATEMENT REGARDING INCIDENT AT WALDPORT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
 

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, Sheriff Shanks was requested to attend the Waldport City Council Meeting to present and answer any questions on an agenda item regarding the continuance of the police services contract between the Sheriff’s Office and the City of Waldport. 

Leading up to the meeting, there were concerns from City Council members and the City Manager anticipating a disruption involving former Mayor Heide Lambert in response to a decision made by the City Council on April 3, 2025, which formally removed her from office in accordance with the city’s governing charter. 
  

During the public meeting, Ms. Lambert took a seat at the council’s table and proceeded to make a statement. After being asked multiple times by members of the City Council to vacate the seat reserved for current officials, Ms. Lambert refused to comply which prohibited council from proceeding with the meeting.  

Sheriff’s Office members attempted to de-escalate the situation. The Sheriff spoke with Ms. Lambert and explained she could leave the council table without consequences; he also explained the legal consequences pursuant to ORS 166.025 if she refused to comply with the lawful order to leave the council table. After continued refusal, Ms. Lambert was escorted outside and cited for disorderly conduct. She was released at the scene and then allowed to re-enter the building to attend the meeting in the public seating area with other community members.  
 
In Oregon, public meetings, such as City Council meetings, are open to the public. While public attendance is allowed and encouraged, there are rules (such as Robert’s Rules of Order or local ordinances). This means someone disrupting those proceedings can legally be removed.  
  
We recognize this event has caused concern and strong emotions within our community. Our office does not take such actions lightly. Regardless of a person’s status or position, the law applies equally to everyone. When a lawful order is issued and refused, our duty is to uphold the law while maintaining order and safety.   
 

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to transparency, impartiality, and respectful enforcement of the law. 

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The Sandy Fire District Board of Directors will hold a regular board meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Agenda items include regular monthly division reports.

If you would like to provide public comment during the meeting, please sign up by completing the Sandy Fire District Public Meeting Comments form by Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

The public can attend either by remote video conferencing or in person at the Sandy Fire District Station 71 Annex building (17459 Bruns Ave., Sandy, OR 97055). If you would like to attend online or by phone, please access Sandy Fire’s website for the Zoom meeting link and passcode at: https://sandyfire.org/about/board.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (April 10, 2025): With the arrival of warmer weather in Portland, many children are beginning to experience seasonal allergy symptoms. Dr. Tracy Peck, a pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente Mt. Scott Medical Office in Portland, emphasizes the importance of early intervention to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life during allergy season.

"As spring blooms, we see a significant uptick in allergy symptoms among children," said Dr. Peck. “Unlike adults, kids may not always be able to explain what they’re feeling, so parents should watch for signs like persistent sneezing, itchy eyes, or nasal congestion. Early recognition and action can make a big difference. Over-the-counter remedies can help in many cases, but if symptoms persist or interfere with sleep or school, it’s time for parents to talk with their pediatrician about treatment options.

Recent studies indicate that climate change is contributing to longer and more intense allergy seasons. Warmer temperatures and extended growing seasons lead to increased pollen production, exacerbating allergy symptoms in children.

​To help manage and reduce allergy symptoms in children, Dr. Peck recommends the following strategies:

• Limit Outdoor Exposure: Pollen counts are typically higher during midday and afternoon. Encourage children to play outside during early morning or late evening hours when pollen levels are lower.​

• Keep indoor air Clean: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home to trap allergens. Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons to prevent allergens from entering.

• Maintain cleanliness: After outdoor activities, have children change clothes and shower to remove pollen from their bodies and hair. This practice helps prevent the spread of allergens within the home.​

• Monitor pollen forecasts: Stay informed about daily pollen counts in the Portland area. On days with high pollen levels, consider indoor activities to minimize exposure.​

• Consult a pediatrician: If allergy symptoms persist or interfere with daily activities, seek medical advice. A pediatrician can recommend appropriate over-the-counter medications or prescribe treatments tailored to your child's needs.

"By taking preventive steps, parents can significantly reduce their children's allergy symptoms and enhance their overall well-being this spring," Dr. Peck adds.​

Interviews available: 

Dr. Tracy Peck, MD, Pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Friday, April 11 between 2-4 p.m. en.a.vitt@kp.org" id="OWA0ebc1813-1591-a861-493e-eec0f47114ed" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(5, 99, 193) !important;" title="mailto:karen.a.vitt@kp.org">Contact Karen Vitt to schedule. 

Dr. Peck is prepared to discuss: 

• Common allergy symptoms in children 

• Ways to minimize or prevent spring allergies  

• Treatments available and when to seek medical advice 

• Why spring allergy season seems longer and worse lately 

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE  

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org

The Board of Directors for Clackamas Fire and Sandy Fire will hold a joint work session on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. The agenda will include presentations from Coastline PR and DHM Research on Community Polling Results, as well as FAQ Review, and Open House Schedule. 

If you would like to provide a public comment during the work session, you must sign up no later than Wednesday, April 16, at 1:00 p.m. Please sign up by filling out the Public Meeting Comments form on the Clackamas Fire website: https://clackamasfire.com/public-meeting-comments/.

The public can attend either by remote video conferencing or in person at the Sandy Fire District Station 71 Annex building (17459 Bruns Ave., Sandy, OR 97055). If you would like to attend online or by phone, please access Sandy Fire’s website for the Zoom meeting link and passcode at: https://sandyfire.org/about/board.

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Douglas County, Ore. 10 April 2025- On Monday, April 7, 2025, at 6:38 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 138E, near milepost 28.5, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by Craig Francis Hindle (65) of Merlin, crossed the roadway for unknown reasons, left the eastbound shoulder, and struck a tree.

The passenger of the Chevrolet, Scoti Allena Hoadley (43) of Grants Pass, was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt and was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Hindle) suffered reportedly minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. 

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by ODOT.

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

 The SW Polk Fire District is honored to announce it has been awarded a generous grant of $39,123.20 from the Gary Sinise Foundation’s First Responder Outreach program. This funding will be used to acquire essential equipment and training to enhance emergency response capabilities in the region.

The Gary Sinise Foundation, known for its unwavering commitment to supporting first responders and military personnel, provides funding to districts that demonstrate a critical need for resources. The SW Polk Fire District, which serves a vast rural area with limited funding, will use the grant to purchase vital protective gear and medical equipment, ensuring the safety of both firefighters and the community they serve.

“This grant will allow us to replace expired and damaged personal protective equipment (PPE), which are crucial for responding effectively to emergencies,” said Fred Hertel, Fire Chief of the SW Polk Fire District. “With rising operational costs and increasing demands on our district, this funding helps bridge the gap and enables us to continue providing high-quality emergency services.”

The district, funded primarily by property tax levies and user fees, has faced financial challenges in recent years, particularly with rising personnel costs and station infrastructure needs. Support from organizations like the Gary Sinise Foundation ensures that first responders have the tools they need to protect lives and property.

For more information about the SW Polk Fire District, visit https://www.swpolkfd.org/. To learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation and its mission to serve and honor first responders, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.

PORTLAND, Oregon-April 8, 2025. A Multnomah County jury found Damariea Ramone Harris guilty today on all counts related to the execution style killing of Marieo Camel-Harris and the shooting and wounding of Larry Bell, Jr. on April 1, 2024.

Harris was charged with Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm, Assault in the First Degree with a Firearm, two counts of Unlawful use of a Weapon with a Firearm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

The shooting was captured on a surveillance cameras nearby.

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Kristen Kyle-Castelli prosecuted the case for the state. After the verdict, she said “I’m pleased that the jury was able to see that the defendant was indeed the gunman in the surveillance video. The Defendant ambushed and executed Morieo.  Even though the criminal justice system cannot bring Morieo back, I hope they find closure that Damariea Harris will be held accountable for this brazen, mid-day murder.”

The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank Portland Police Bureau Detective Calvin Goldring and MCDA Investigators Matt Estes and Anthony Merrill for their important investigative work on this case.

We’d also like to acknowledge the kind and compassionate work of MCDA Victim Advocates Kristen Stowell and Suzanne Rapagnani during the case.

THE FACTS:

On April 1, 2024 Portland Police were called to a shooting at the Venue Gentlemen's Club located at 9950 SE Stark. Upon arrival, officers located a male that was later determined to be deceased and identified as Marieo Camel-Harris. A second victim, Larry Bell, Jr. was transported to OHSU where he subsequently underwent several surgeries. A security guard at the club told investigators a group of individuals trickled in and were hanging out inside the Club for about 20 to 30 minutes. One of the men, later identified as Deamaria Ramon Harris, entered the club wearing a cross body bag. Upon being told that he would need to be patted down, Harris left the club for a short time and returned without the cross body bag. Harris provided his identification, which was scanned by Venue. The security guard looked at the identification that he scanned and believed it was the same individual. The guard stated that the group exited the Club and went outside to smoke. He heard gunshots and looked outside and saw the shooter running with a gun that appeared to have a long magazine. Another witness heard the gunshots and turned to see the shooter holding a gun with a long magazine. He told investigators that the shooter appeared to have cornered the victim, later identified as Marieo Camel-Harris, and then shot him numerous times. Police tracked down and arrested Harris after his parole and probation  officer identified him as the man seen on the surveillance video doing the shooting.

Harris is scheduled for sentencing at 9am on April 30, 2025 in front of Judge Katharine von Ter Stegge at the Multnomah County Courthouse.

                                ##MCDA##

SALEM, Ore. — The Compliance Monitoring Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Thursday, April 17, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Landowner access plan

• Compliance monitoring story map           

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing ta.L.FriasBedolla@odf.oregon.gov">marta.l.friasbedolla@odf.oregon.gov.

The CMP Committee assists efforts to monitor compliance with Forest Practices Rules. The committee advises ODF regarding monitoring projects and procedures. View more information on the CMPC webpage.

When: 9 a.m., Thursday, April 17, 2025       

Where: Clark County Public Works 78th Street Operations Center, 4700 NE 78th St., Vancouver      

What: Every summer, drivers encounter work zones on state highways and local roads. Increasingly, driver behavior is making work zones more dangerous for everyone.

Clark County Public Works, Washington State Department of Transportation, Vancouver Public Works and Portland Bureau of Transportation are partnering to raise awareness of how drivers can keep workers and themselves safe ahead of National Work Zone Awareness Week, which begins April 21.

At 9 a.m., speakers from partner road agencies will share alarming data from 2024, when serious injury work zone collisions in the state increased by 36%. Speakers will also share stories from our crew members who have been struck or experienced many close calls while on the job in work zones. Speakers will include WSDOT Regional Administrator Carley Francis, Clark County Public Works Director Ken Lader, City of Vancouver Public Works Transportation Division Manager Ryan Lopossa, Clark County Public Works Highway Maintenance Crew Chief Derek Stutz, and Detective Durbin of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit.

Participants will enter the 78th Operations Center from Northeast 78th Street and park in the parking lot before the secure access gate.

After the speakers, media partners are invited to “feel the whoosh” – the powerful force of air felt by our workers every day as they work a few feet away from traffic. Participants will be directed to a location along Northeast Padden Parkway where a small work zone will be set up. At the work zone, media partners can use the multiuse path next to the roadway to interview workers about their experience working very near traffic traveling on the 50-mph roadway. While the path is separated from the roadway by a shoulder, the high traffic speeds will give participants firsthand experience of putting themselves just feet from thousands of pounds of metal speeding past them. Media partners interested in participating in this portion of the event must RSVP before April 17 to Clark County Public Works Public Information Officer Kaley McLachlan-Burton by emailing kaley.mclachlan-burton@clark.wa.gov.

Why: Work zone-related collisions in Washington increased by 17% in 2024. This includes a 36% increase in serious injury collisions that forever alter the lives of those impacted. The top three causes of work zone collisions in 2024 were following too closely, excessive speed, and inattention or distracted driving. We need media partners to help spread awareness of work zone driving safety. Drivers need to remember that their choices behind the wheel mean the difference between life and death, not only for workers but also for themselves. When crews work on the roads, lives are on the line.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability's (BPS) Office of Community Technology is pleased to announce the selection of three finalists for the Small Business Digital Navigator Grant. Each organization will receive $155,000 to implement projects that enhance digital skills and access for underrepresented small business owners in Portland. 

Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Community Project Fund, this grant program aims to: increase digital skills among underrepresented small business owners and entrepreneurs; enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Portland's small businesses; and establish long-term digital equity capacity through community-based services. 
 

The City of Portland is proud to partner with Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO), the Soul District Business Association (SDBA), and Xcelerate Women—three organizations selected for their powerful, forward-thinking projects aimed at expanding digital access and uplifting historically marginalized communities. 

 "Our goal is to build a foundation for long-term digital equity,” said Alonso Melendez, Digital Equity Coordinator at the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. “These projects aren’t just about closing today’s digital gaps—they’re about creating lasting infrastructure for more inclusive communities and resilient small business ecosystems. At the core, these grants are about more than technology—they’re about investing in people and the future of their communities." 

Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) 

MESO will use the grant to expand its digital advising support from 10 to 20 hours per week. This enhancement will allow MESO to assist more Portland entrepreneurs and small businesses in integrating e-commerce strategies, enhancing digital marketing, and adopting tools like QuickBooks to improve operational efficiency and financial tracking. 

Soul District Business Association (SDBA) 

SDBA plans to scale its Small Business Digital Navigator program by offering hands-on digital training, personalized technical assistance, and cohort-based learning labs. This expansion aims to address the digital exclusion that disproportionately affects BIPOC and historically marginalized business owners in Portland. 

Xcelerate Women 

Xcelerate will provide customized one-on-one digital marketing coaching to women and gender-expansive business owners. Services will include training on website fundamentals, SEO audits, social media strategy workshops, and Google My Business optimization. Each participant will receive an individualized evaluation to develop a tailored training plan supported by expert coaches. 

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELLED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for April 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., has been cancelled due to a lack of quorum.

The next Applicant Review Committee meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

(Salem) – Isaiah Johnson, age 16 months, went missing with his mother Cierra Rosemon from Oregon City on April 1. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that Isaiah may be at risk and is searching for him to assess his safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Isaiah. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Isaiah or Cierra should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

They are believed to be in the NE Portland area; Vancouver, Washington; or Tacoma, Washington.

Name: Isaiah Johnson
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Dec. 11, 2023
Height: 32 inches
Weight: 24 pounds
Hair: Black and curly
Eye color: Brown
Oregon City Police Department Case #25-007198
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2047766

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

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

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Salem, OR – The State Library Board will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Eugene, Oregon and online. This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Susan Westin at susan.westin@slo.oregon.gov. See the agenda below.

Questions or concerns can be addressed to Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian at 503-378-4367 or wendy.cornelisen@slo.oregon.gov. Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested 48 hours before the meeting; notice 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in an alternate format 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to Susan Westin at susan.westin@slo.oregon.gov.

STATE LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
April 23, 2025

Eugene, OR
Greg Williams, Chair
Agenda

9:00 a.m. Approval of the Minutes – January 17 Meeting Williams
9:05 Public Comment
9:10 Reports of the Board Chair and Members Williams
9:45 Report of the State Librarian Cornelisen
10:00 Budget Report Cornelisen
10:15 IMLS Updates Cornelisen
10:30 Break
10:40 Quarterly Strategic Plan Report Cornelisen
10:45 Quarterly Stats Cornelisen
11:05 Advisory Council Appointments Bruton
11:10 Advisory Council Bylaws Nielsen, Robinson
11:15 Talking Books Library Donation Budget Robinson
11:30 Minimum Conditions Update Nielsen
11:45 Q&A Williams
11:55 Nominating Committee Report Williams
Noon Adjournment Williams

Any person may address the State Library Board on any topic for up to 3 minutes. The State Library Board does not generally engage in dialog with those making comments but may refer any questions or issues raised to the State Librarian.

NOTE: The times of all agenda items are approximate and subject to change.

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Vancouver, Wash. –  On Friday, April 11, the public is invited to join family, friends and former colleagues of Royce Pollard to celebrate the life and times of the former long-time Vancouver Mayor.

“Through his work as both a city councilor and mayor, Royce was instrumental in completing several major projects that have shaped the city,” Mayor Anne McEnerny-Olge said. “His contributions have left a lasting impact on Vancouver, cementing its place as a vibrant and forward-thinking community.”

Mayor Pollard dedicated his life to Vancouver’s growth and success. As mayor from 1996 to 2010, he played a key role in revitalizing downtown, championing projects like Esther Short Park and the Vancouver Hilton Hotel and Convention Center. 

What: Public memorial for Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard 

When: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 11

Where:  Royce Pollard Community Room, Firstenburg Community Center, 700 N.E. 136^th Ave.

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A second suspect has been arrested related to a stabbing homicide investigation of Drew Courtright. On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Anthony V. Staggs, 54, turned himself in on a warrant for Assault in the Third Degree. The case remains under investigation. 

###PPB###

Original Messages Below

The victim in the homicide that occurred on March 21, 2025, has been identified as Drew Hayden Courtright, 26.  His family has been notified of his death and provided the attached photograph of him for public distribution.

The Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be by stab wound and the manner of death to be homicide.
 

On March, 25, 2025, Portland Police arrested Mitch Schoonover, 42.  Schoonover was charged with Murder in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Assault 3, and lodged in the Multnomah County Detention Center.

Drew Courtright’s mother is willing to speak about her son to interested media. Contact pio@police.portlandoregon.gov">ppbpio@police.portlandoregon.gov for her information.

Photo Description: Portrait of Drew Hayden Courtright

###PPB###

Original Message Below

One man is deceased after a stabbing in the Parkrose Neighborhood.

On Friday, March 21, 2025 at 8:02 a.m., Portland Police Officers from North Precinct responded to a report of a stabbing at a hotel in the 11700 block of Northeast Airport Way. When they arrived with paramedics, they found a male victim deceased at the scene.

The suspect or suspects fled the scene and no immediate arrests were made.

Portland Police Homicide Unit Detectives are responding to the scene to investigate. No public roadway traffic is affected by the investigation.

If anyone has information about this incident, please contact Detective Sean Macomber at Sean.Macomber@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-0404 or Detective Tony Harris at Tony.Harris@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-0441. Please refer to case number 25-72238.

The PIO is not responding to the scene. Additional information will be released when appropriate.

###PPB###

Flooding Update

Burns, Oregon – April 10, 2025, as of 1:30 p.m. – While Harney County has shifted toward a clean-up and recovery response, we continue to monitor for any potential new flooding. The National Weather Service indicates the Silvies River gauge will continue to hover around 12 feet, minor flood stage, due to warm temperatures. Because of this, evacuation levels remain unchanged. We ask residents to remain vigilant and be ready to evacuate if ordered to leave.

The reinforcement of Dike D was successfully completed earlier this week. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the large, permeable rock used in the project could allow some water leak during another high-water event, but they emphasize that Dike D remains stable and structurally sound, even if water is observed seeping through the reinforced area. Harney County extends its gratitude and the Army Corps of Engineers, and supporting contractors, for responding and reinforcing the dike in a timely and thorough manner.

Cleanup efforts following the flood are underway. Teams from the Hines Fire Department, Hines Police Department, and the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management are actively canvassing affected neighborhoods, gather essential information to effectively coordinate recovery operations.

Public health officials continue to stress the serious health risks associated with floodwaters. Residents are urged to practice caution when in flooded or previously flooded areas. We are asking the public to refrain from taking flood contaminated debris from local dumpsters due to potential health risks.

The City of Burns' drinking water remains safe and unaffected.

On Thursday, Grocery Outlet donated approximately 140 pallets to store filled sandbags.

County Roads Update: OO Road (Double O Road) is down to one lane only.

For propane tank questions, Burns Fire Chief Scott Williamson recommends contacting Ed Staub & Sons, 429 Crane Blvd. in Burns.

For the latest information and a list of resources, including shelter, public health, road conditions and disposal information, please visit harneycountyor.gov/flood/ and our Facebook page.

FIRE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELLED

The Fire Policy Committee (FPC) of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for May 28, 2025, at 09:00 a.m., has been canceled due to a lack of agenda items.

The next Fire Policy Committee meeting is scheduled for August 27, 2025, at 09:00 a.m.

April 10, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov 

OHA empowering communities to reduce tobacco harms statewide 

New report chronicles more than 25 years of progress -- though work remains  

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority is making steady progress in reducing harmful effects of tobacco use through education and community partnerships, according to a new report.  

The 2023-25 Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) annual report shows gains have been made in lowering tobacco use over more than a quarter century, through ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting public health.  

However, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Oregon, claiming more than 8,000 lives each year and contributing to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

“Our commitment to reducing tobacco use is unwavering,” said Naomi Adeline-Biggs, director of the OHA Public Health Division. “Through the Tobacco Prevention and Education Program, we have made significant strides in protecting the health of Oregonians, and we will continue to build on this legacy.”

The report shows that the tobacco industry “focuses its ads, offers and store displays toward specific groups.”

For example, about one in five people targeted in this strategy have household incomes of less than $20,000 per year. An identical percentage of targeted tobacco users report being in poor mental health.

Widespread evidence shows that tobacco marketing causes youth tobacco use and makes it harder for people who are addicted to nicotine to quit.

Another marketing strategy involves the addition of menthol – a flavor additive in cigarettes -- that creates a cooling sensation in the throat when the user inhales, making cigarettes feel less harsh, more appealing and easier to smoke, especially for youth and young adults. Tobacco companies manufacture menthol cigarettes to attract potential smokers, especially among communities of color and youth.

Menthol cigarettes contribute to greater nicotine dependence in youth and young adults than non-menthol cigarettes. About 61% of African Americans in Oregon who smoke report using menthol cigarettes, compared to 17% of White residents.

The tobacco industry has been marketing menthol products to African Americans through targeted campaigns since the 1970s. They advertise and promote menthol-flavored tobacco in African American neighborhoods and use campaigns that exploit cultural hallmarks and stereotypes.

For example, Newport, a menthol-flavored cigarette brand, is commonly cheaper to buy in areas with more African American residents.

Youth and teenagers are especially attracted to the flavored products. Roughly 75% of eighth graders and 11th graders who use these tobacco products report using flavored tobacco or vaping products.

Other report findings include:

• Sustained reduction in tobacco use—Oregon has experienced a 46% decrease in adult smoking rates and a 70% reduction in per-capita cigarette sales since TPEP's inception in 1996.
• Community-centered solutions—TPEP has focused on addressing health inequities by investing more than 65% of its funding directly into local communities, supporting culturally relevant prevention and cessation programs.
• Youth-focused initiatives—The program has implemented strategies to reduce youth tobacco use, including anti-vaping education, mentorship programs and alternatives to suspension for nicotine use.

In 2021, the Oregon Legislature created the Tobacco Retail License Program to ensure compliance with sales laws. Since its inception, youth tobacco use has dropped from 26% in 2022 to 14% in 2024.

This video shows how Youth Adult Inspectors with OHA’s Tobacco Retail Licensing Program are getting involved in reducing retail sales to minors.

OHA’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program has further implemented initiatives that have significantly decreased tobacco use among Oregonians.

This latest report underscores the program's achievements and outlines ongoing initiatives aimed at improving health.

Key to the momentum behind the state’s tobacco reduction efforts has been the development of collaborative efforts with community partners to further reduce tobacco-related harm and promote health equity across the state.

One such partner, AntFarm, a community-based organization in rural Clackamas County, has a robust mentorship program to help youth quit tobacco. It does this by creating spaces and projects that give youth a sense of belonging.

Youth-created videos highlight the organization’s work.  

Kim Wheeler, director of Youth and Family Services at AntFarm, emphasized the importance of these efforts: “We empower youth and families to breathe freely, live strong and healthy lives while building a future without tobacco or vaping through bringing awareness and education to our communities,” she said. 

Quitting tobacco makes a difference – and quitting is different for everyone. That’s why there are a variety of free options across Oregon. 

• You can get free counseling with a coach by visiting the Oregon Tobacco Quitline, or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or texting “READY” to 34191.
• You can visit a pharmacist near you who will work with you to build a personalized treatment plan and provide follow up to see how the treatment plan is working.
• You can also learn how to quit in your own way, with or without the help of a coach or pharmacist, by visiting this

Increasing awareness and education about primary prevention, public health risks and preventive health services are among actions OHA is taking as part of its 2024–2027 Strategic Plan.  

For more information about tobacco prevention visit the OHA website. 

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The stage is set, the lights are up, and magic is in the air as Ridgefield High School Theatre proudly presents its spring production of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical! Audiences of all ages are invited to experience this high-energy, heartwarming tale of an extraordinary girl who dares to take a stand and change her story.
 

Performances will take place at the Ridgefield High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the following dates:

• Friday, April 11 at 7pm

• Saturday, April 12 at 2pm and 7pm

• Friday, April 18 at 7:00pm

• Saturday, April 19 at 2pm and 7pm

Advance tickets are available online at https://gofan.co/app/school/WA22061. It is strongly recommended that tickets be purchased in advance, but tickets are available for purchase at the door prior to each performance.
 

This whimsical musical, based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, is a celebration of imagination, courage, and the power of young voices. Featuring unforgettable songs, dazzling choreography, and a talented cast of Ridgefield High School students, Matilda the Musical is a must-see event for the entire community.
 

"We are absolutely blown away by the incredible work being put in by our cast, crew, and pit orchestra," said RHS Theatre Arts Director Kaitlyn Etter-Burnet. "They are pouring their hearts and souls into bringing this show to life, and we know you will be amazed by their dedication and talent. Prepare to be dazzled!"
 

Don't miss your chance to be inspired by this captivating story and the remarkable student talent behind it.

Oregon completes post-pandemic Medicaid renewals; 83% maintained benefits  

EUGENE, Ore.—A Eugene man was sentenced to federal probation Wednesday for posting violent threats on Facebook.

Jeffrey Alan Voss, 31, was sentenced to a five-year term of probation in addition to the six months in custody he served prior to sentencing.

According to court documents, between September 24 and 27, 2024, Voss posted several videos of himself online making violent threats, including two in which he was holding a firearm. In another video, Voss discussed becoming the next Kip Kinkel, referring to a school shooter who, in 1998, murdered his parents and then opened fire at a Springfield, Oregon high school, killing two of his classmates and injuring twenty-five others.

Following those videos, on September 27, 2024, a concerned citizen called 911 to report a Facebook Live video Voss posted in which he claimed he was minutes from a specific high school and made violent threats. The Eugene Police Department located and arrested Voss the same day.

On October 1, 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant on Voss’s Eugene residence. Agents located and seized two firearms, one replica firearm, ammunition, body armor, and a handwritten note outlining his desires for vengeance and specifying individuals Voss wished to harm. The same day, upon learning his residence would be searched, Voss attempted to persuade an individual to conceal or remove evidence from his home.

On November 5, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene indicted Voss. He made his initial appearance the following day and was ordered detained. On March 6, 2025, Voss pleaded guilty.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, in coordination with the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.

# # #

EVENT PRESS RELEASE  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
APRIL 10, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY: Southwest Washington’s Top Young Minds Compete in National Civics Bee
 

WHAT: 2025 National Civics Bee- Southwest Washington Regional Competition

OVERVIEW: The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, proudly presents the 2025 National Civics Bee—a high-energy competition designed to inspire middle school students to expand their civic knowledge and actively engage in their communities.  

Twenty finalists from Battle Ground, Camas, Evergreen, Hockinson, and Vancouver school districts, as well as homeschool programs and private schools, have earned their place in this event after excelling in an essay competition. These young scholars will take the stage to showcase their understanding of U.S. government, history, and civic engagement, vying for a chance to advance to the state-level competition. 

This year’s distinguished panel of judges includes: 

• Dr. Christine Moloney – Superintendent, Evergreen School District 
• Dr. John Anzalone – Superintendent, Camas School District 
• Denny Waters – Superintendent, Battle Ground School District 

The event promises an exciting and insightful challenge, highlighting the importance of civic education and fostering the next generation of informed and engaged citizens. 

WHY ATTEND: Media representatives are invited to cover this inspiring competition, which shines a spotlight on civic literacy and celebrates the achievements of Southwest Washington’s future leaders. Your coverage will help raise awareness of the critical role civic education plays in shaping engaged, knowledgeable citizens.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025 
• Location: Kiggins Theatre (1011 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660) 
• Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Media Check-In: 9:50 AM) 
• Event Link: National Civics Bee 

RSVP: To confirm your attendance as a media representative, please email lsalmonte@vancouverusa.com. 

For interviews, additional details, or special media requests, please contact Lourdes Salmonte at lsalmonte@vancouverusa.com. 

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com. 

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Media Assets:   
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XdY9zjy3IEqxmNaaUuCUg2cNJEMa3c_f?usp=sharing

Official Program Link:   
National Civics Bee  

Nation’s Report Card: 
NAEP Report Card: 2022 NAEP Civics Assessment 

DISTRACTED DRIVING  
 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving is any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving. Cell phone use including texting, talking on the phone, or using social media are some of the activities that are the most dangerous. This is because cell phone use takes your visual, manual, cognitive, and auditory attention away from driving.

While cell phones are some of the most dangerous distractions, other activities such as eating, talking with passengers, grooming, and reading can be dangerous and deadly. According to the NHTSA, 3,275 people were killed by distracted driving in 2023. You can learn more about the dangers of distracted driving by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month” webpage.

Use these tips to help keep your car distraction free:

• Don’t call or text while driving. Instead, pull over in a safe place to read and send texts or make a phone call.

• Establish a “co-pilot” passenger to manage your cell phone, GPS, and other distractions.

• Look up your destination ahead of time and become familiar with the area. This will help prevent the need to look at GPS while driving.

• Enjoy your meal at home, in the restaurant, or while parked safely. Eating while driving increases your risk of traffic collisions and the likelihood of choking.

• Keep pets crated or otherwise secured for safety. This will help keep your furry friend safer in the event of a crash and prevents them from crawling onto your lap or other distracting activities.

• Recruit the whole family for distraction-free driving. Teach your children the importance of keeping your attention on the road even before they can drive.

• If your children need help, pull over to help address their needs instead of reaching to the backseat while driving. 

• Encourage friends and family to drive distraction-free. By speaking up, you may save their life and others on the road.

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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The suspect in the Sunday, March 9, 2025, shooting death of Kevin Rhinehart has been arrested in Texas.

On Monday, April 7, 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Che Bell, 35, of Portland, in Killeen, Texas. The victim’s family has been notified of the arrest.

Bell is currently being held in the Bell County Jail on the following charges: Murder in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Bell will be extradited back to Oregon, but the timing of the extradition is unclear at this point.

The Portland Police Bureau would like to thank the U.S. Marshals Service, Bell County Sheriff's Office, and the Killeen Police Department for assistance.

Anyone with information about this incident, who has not spoken with police, is asked to contact Detective Joseph Corona at ona@police.portlandoregon.gov">joseph.corona@police.portlandoregon.gov (503) 823-0508 or Detective Jennifer Hertzler at .hertzler@police.portlandoregon.gov">jennifer.hertzler@police.portlandoregon.gov (503) 823-1040. Please reference case number 25-061720.  

###PPB###

Original Messages Below

The man killed in the Hazelwood Neighborhood homicide on Sunday, March 9, 2025, is identified as Kevin Rhinehart, 33, of Portland. His family has been notified of his death and is asking for privacy.

The Medical Examiner determined that he died of homicide by gunshot wound. The investigation is continuing and no further information is being released at this time.

###PPB###

Original Message Below

A Man has been shot and killed in the Hazelwood neighborhood.

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 7:03 p.m., officers from the East Precinct responded to the 10500 block of East Burnside Street on reports of a person shot. When officers arrived at the location, they found a male victim who died at the scene. No arrests have been made.

Portland Police Bureau Homicide detectives have responded to the scene to investigate. If anyone has information about this incident, they are asked to please contact Detective Joseph Corona at joseph.corona@police.portlandoregon.gov (503) 823-0508 or Detective Jennifer Hertzler at jennifer.hertzler@police.portlandoregon.gov (503) 823-1040. Please reference case number 25-061720.

During the investigation, the westbound lanes of East Burnside Street will be closed between Northeast 102nd Avenue and Northeast 108th Avenue.

The identity of the victim will be released after the Medical Examiner has confirmed the cause of death and after family members have been notified. The PIO is not responding to the scene. More information will be released when appropriate.

###PPB###

OREGON CITY – Clackamas Community College successfully sold its $120 million in general obligation bonds on April 1, a major milestone for the college’s voter-approved bond measure 3-613. The sale was met with overwhelming demand from investors, allowing the college to secure favorable interest rates and receive approximately $11 million in premium proceeds — $10 million of which will be used to help offset potential construction cost escalations.

According to the bond underwriters, Piper Sandler & Co., the successful bond sale reflects the market’s strong confidence in Clackamas Community College and its commitment to responsible financial management.

“We’re proud to be able to deliver more for our community while also saving taxpayer dollars,” Jeff Shaffer, CCC Vice President of Finance and Operations, said.

The college’s strong financial position was bolstered by an Aa1 credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service, issued last month. This high rating — equal to the State of Oregon’s — played a significant role in the favorable market response. In its rating summary, Moody’s highlighted the college’s prudent fiscal management, healthy reserves, and strong and growing tax base.

In addition to the new bond issuance, CCC also refinanced the remaining portion of its 2015 general obligation bonds. This strategic move will result in a net present value savings of more than $1.5 million for local taxpayers.

Funds from the bond measure will be used to modernize and expand facilities across CCC’s campuses, enhance safety and security, and improve access to career-technical education and transfer programs.

For more information about the college’s bond projects and timelines, visit www.clackamas.edu/2024bond.

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On Tuesday, April 8^th, 2025 Officers were dispatched to a burglary at the Lincoln City Dutch Bros location after a subject shattered a window and entered the store. The subject failed to break open a cash register and fled the area without success. On Wednesday, April 9^th, 2025, Officers were dispatched to the Lincoln City Human Bean after the same subject shattered a window and entered the store, stealing approximately $150 before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.

On Wednesday, April 9^th, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, a Lincoln City Police Department Officer conducted a traffic stop on a Chevy Trailblazer suspected of being involved in these burglaries. Officers arrested the driver, 47-year-old John Albert Herriges, of Salem, Oregon, and lodged him at the Lincoln County Jail on two counts of Burglary in the 1^st Degree, two counts of Criminal Mischief in the 2^nd Degree, Theft in 2^nd Degree, and Attempted Theft in the 2^nd Degree. Officers obtained a Search Warrant, and after seizing multiple pieces of evidence, the vehicle was impounded.

It should be noted that in 2021, Herriges had a 48-month sentence for multiple counts of Burglary commuted by the previous governor. In 2022, Herriges was again arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 42 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections for multiple residential burglaries. These current crimes are similar to other recent burglaries in Lincoln County and additional investigations are ongoing.

The Lincoln City Police Department recommends businesses invest in security measures such as audible alarms, video surveillance, and secured safes to strengthen the security of their locations, as well as train staff to report suspicious activity. We would also like to thank the multiple area businesses who helped by providing surveillance video during this investigation. Thanks to the assistance of our tight-knit community, we were able to resolve this issue quickly and hopefully prevent additional victimization.

Evergreen Virtual Academy - 04/10/25
 

EVERGREEN VIRTUAL ACADEMY NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS April 10, 2025, 6:30PM Evergreen Virtual Academy Board Members are Hereby notified that a Session of the Board will be held via Zoom Webinar at https://evergreenvirtual-org.zoom.us/j/86346138790
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592

SALEM, Oregon – Main Street America announced Sheri Stuart, Main Street Coordinator for Oregon Main Street, as a 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient. This prestigious award is the organization’s top honor recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the field of comprehensive preservation-based economic development and commercial district revitalization. The award highlights the impact of these individuals and amplifies the critical role that leaders play in shaping the Main Street Movement. The 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award was presented at the closing plenary for the Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“Sheri Stuart is an incredible example of what Main Street leadership looks like in action,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. “Her purposeful approach to statewide coordination, her ability to spark innovation in rural and urban communities alike, and her tireless advocacy for reinvestment in Oregon’s Main Streets make her an exemplary recipient of this award.”

Sheri Stuart’s Main Street career spans the local, state, and national level and includes being an Executive Director of a local Main Street organization, Program Officer for the National Main Street Center providing technical assistance to several state coordinating programs, and she currently serves as the Coordinator of Oregon Main Street (OMS), a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program that Sheri has led since 2009.

Sheri was nominated by participants in the Oregon Main Street Network with Lise Grato, Executive Director of Albany Downtown Association, and Rebeca Hollenbeck, Executive Director of Historic Willamette Main Street, leading the nomination effort.

“While impact of her work can be seen in the economic impact numbers, the grant dollars, the technical assistance she provides, the greatest impact she has is on the humans that make up the Main Street Network,” says Lisa Sumption, Director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “The personal connections she forms with Main Street Managers and Board Members and the people first approach she implements is by far the greatest impact she has.”

About Oregon Main Street

Oregon Main Street (OMS), a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program, leads a network of over 100 communities across the state implementing efforts to build community, support local businesses, and create an attractive and vibrant environment for workers, visitors, and residents. Led by Coordinator Sheri Stuart, OMS provides training and technical assistance to communities that have achieved substantial results since the program began in 2007. Oregon Main Street is part of Oregon Heritage in the state’s Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

A recent OMS impact study reported that between 2011 and 2021, the Oregon Main Street network:

• Supported the creation of more than 2400 jobs throughout the state

• Boosted statewide tax revenue by 3.5 million dollars

• Contributed an additional $266 million dollars of revenue statewide

One of the tools available to Oregon Main Street Network Participants in the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant established by the Oregon Legislature in 2015. This grant program to date has awarded over $17 million for over 100 building improvement projects in Oregon’s downtowns. See a summary of the impact of this grant program here.

Learn more about Oregon Main Street by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

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A prowler who broke into an occupied apartment and assaulted a woman is being booked into jail on multiple sexual assault related charges.

Michael Lynn Moore, Jr, 39, was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of Burglary in the First Degree, Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree, Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, and Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree.

The adult female victim has been evaluated and released from the hospital. She has been assigned an advocate from the Portland Police Bureau's Victim Services Unit. 

This case remains under investigation. Detectives in PPB’s Sex Crimes Unit do not believe there are any other victims at this time, but anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Wendi Hamm at wendi.hamm@police.portlandoregon.gov or Detective Torrey Streed at rey.streed@police.portlandoregon.gov">torrey.streed@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 25-90575.

###PPB###

Original Message Below

An adult male is in custody after breaking into an apartment and assaulting a woman who was asleep.

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Central Precinct officers responded to the area of Southeast 30^th Avenue and Southeast Schiller Street on reports of a male climbing fences and balconies of area residences. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at approximately 4:45 a.m., officers responded to reports of a burglary at an apartment in the 4800 block of Southeast 30^th Avenue. Officers learned a man broke into the apartment and assaulted a sleeping woman before another occupant in the apartment chased the man out. With the help of a UAS drone and a K9, officers located the suspect and took him into custody. The suspect will be identified after he is booked into jail. The victim in this case was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Detectives in PPB’s Sex Crimes Unit do not believe there are any other victims at this time, but anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Wendi Hamm at wendi.hamm@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 25-90575.

###PPB###

Salem, OR – The City of Salem has released its Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget, addressing a $13.8 million gap in the General Fund through a combination of staffing reductions, one-time revenues, and cost-saving measures. The Interim City Manager’s proposed budget will be reviewed by the City of Salem’s Budget Committee beginning on April 16, 2025.
 

The City’s $764.2 million proposed budget for 2026 covers the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and includes estimates of revenue and costs of services and capital projects. The Proposed FY 2026 Budget shows significant position reductions impacting both staffing and service levels, including cuts to parks maintenance, Center 50+ outreach programs, recreation programs, and operating hours at the Salem Public Library. Reductions in positions that support Community Planning and Development, Community Services, and City business operations—such as Finance, Legal and Enterprise Services – are also included.
 

“As Interim City Manager, my top priority is to work toward long-term financial stability for the City while maintaining essential services for the Salem community,” said Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi. “Through temporary cost-saving measures and one-time revenues, we were able to preserve 41 FTE positions and some of the essential services they support. However, despite our best efforts, we are unable to maintain the services the community expects and deserves. Our budget constraints will result in the loss of 51.4 staff positions. This is a significant loss for this organization and our community, and I share in the sadness of seeing these impacts on our colleagues and our community. Our thoughts are with the employees directly impacted, and we are committed to supporting them through this difficult transition.”
 

Impacts to Services and Staffing. To comply with Oregon State law requiring a balanced budget by aligning anticipated revenues with projected expenditures, the City has proposed difficult but necessary reductions, including:

• More than half of Salem Public Library’s staff positions,
• Close to 30% of the City staff who support parks maintenance and recreation programs,
• Two part-time staff at Center 50+,
• Community Services Administration, including the elimination of the Deputy City Manager position
• Elimination of some vacant positions in Finance, Enterprise Services, Community Planning and Development, and a filled part-time position in Legal.

Community-Led Efficiency Recommendations. Two advisory committees of Salem residents and business leaders have helped guide the City’s response to its structural deficit. Earlier this year, the Forecast Review Team’s recommendations led to a $3.9 million reduction in the projected FY 2026 deficit. Additionally, a City Efficiency Committee found no inordinate waste in the General Fund and recommended increasing intergovernmental collaboration, exploring alternative service delivery, reducing employee overtime and turnover, implementing AI solutions to enhance efficiency, and leveraging performance audits to be more efficient.
 

Cost Control Measures, One-Time Revenues, and Ongoing Savings. In February 2025, the City introduced immediate, temporary cost control measures to reduce the deficit heading into FY 2026. Measures such as reducing staff travel, training, consultant engagements, equipment purchases, and holding some vacant positions open is anticipated to yield more than $1.3 million in savings in the remainder of FY 2025. To reduce the size and scope of future reductions, most of these cost control measures will remain in place for FY 2026, with an additional $1.11 million anticipated in savings.

In addition to cost savings, the City secured one-time revenues totaling $3.62 million in FY 2025 and FY 2026, including:

• $2 million from the State of Oregon: In March 2025, the City reached an agreement with the State to support a security perimeter around the State Capitol. This agreement will reduce vehicle traffic on State Street to two lanes and accommodate a dedicated access lane for parking spaces south of the Capitol.
• $1.62 million transfer from the Cultural Tourism Fund: During COVID, the City used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to offset tourism-related revenue losses, particularly the decline in transient occupancy taxes due to travel restrictions. As tourism has rebounded, the remaining $1.62 million in ARPA funds previously allocated to the TOT fund will be reallocated to the General Fund.

Starting July 1, 2025, the City will assume emergency medical services from its former contractor. A new EMS fund will manage related revenues and expenses, taking over the cost of 9-1-1 dispatch service for ambulance transport from the General Fund. The City anticipates an additional $900,000 in ongoing savings from these changes to emergency medical services beginning July 1, 2025.
 

The Five-Year Local Option Levy. The Budget Committee’s work takes place within the context of a broader community conversation. The Salem City Council has referred a five-year local option operating levy to voters for the May 20, 2025, special election.
 

If passed, the proposed local option levy would generate an estimated $14 million for services in FY 2026 and a total of $76.4 million over five years. The revenue generated would be placed in a dedicated fund overseen by a committee to ensure that the revenue is used only for purposes outlined in the measure, including:

• Restoring and continuing Salem Public Library services.
• Operation of Center 50+  including classes, activities, outreach services, and support services.
• Recreation programming, such as youth day camps, youth sports, and community events.
• Management and maintenance of more than 90 parks, including facilities, playgrounds, splash fountains, sports fields, trails, and more.

This potential revenue is not included in the FY 2026 Budget. If voters approve the levy, an amended budget proposal will be provided to the Budget Committee on May 28^th for consideration. Most of the recommended reductions in the FY 2026 Budget proposal would be reinstated.
 

The Path Forward. Even with these actions, the structural deficit in the General Fund remains. By FY 2027, the General Fund balance is projected to fall below Council policy. Without new revenue, the City may be unable to adopt a balanced budget by FY 2028, with the fund balance depleted by the end of FY 2029. Public safety—long identified as the community’s top priority—faces potential reductions in future years without a sustainable solution.
 

“This budget year offers several opportunities to address these challenges,” said Namburi. “Our goal is to close the gap through a combination of revenue, efficiencies and cost savings. Every dollar counts. Together, with the continued collaboration of the City Council, staff, community partners, residents, and businesses, we will navigate these challenges and build a more sustainable and resilient future for Salem.”
 

Next Steps for Salem’s FY 2026 Budget. The Budget Committee begins their work on the City Manager’s proposed 2026 budget at the first of four scheduled meetings Wednesday, April 16, at 6 p.m. at Salem Council Chambers, 555 Liberty Street SE., in Salem. Weekly Wednesday meetings continue April 23, April 30, and May 7. All will be held at Council Chambers.
 

Any person may provide written testimony on the City and Urban Renewal Agency budgets for consideration by the Budget Committee. Send written testimony to udgetoffice@cityofsalem.net">budgetoffice@cityofsalem.net by 3 p.m. the day of the meeting. In-person public comment may be provided at the meeting. To provide testimony through video conference, sign up online the day of the meeting between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The meetings are available to view online through the CC:Media YouTube channel or Comcast channel 21.

# # #

On April 9, Educational Service District 112 (ESD 112) hosted the 2025 Southwest Washington Regional High School Art Show. Presented on YouTube, ESD 112 Superintendent Tim Merlino welcomed guests and participants in this year’s online showcase.

“To the students, thank you for sharing your creativity with us. Your work is inspiring and we celebrate each and every one of you,” said Superintendent Merlino. “This exhibition is a testament to the talent, passion, and vision of our young artists.” 

Winners of the Regional Awards will compete against entries from across Washington State in the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Art Show. This event, now in its 52nd year, honors the tradition and innovation in student art, culminating in a virtual awards presentation on May 14.

In addition to the recognition from ESD 112, select students received scholarships to continue their education in the arts. These scholarships are generously provided by the Department of Art + Design at Central Washington University and the Pacific Northwest College of Art.

Click here to see the gallery of all participants. Student artists who received awards and/or scholarships are listed below.

Regional Awards

These 15 pieces received the highest average scores from the judges and will represent the Southwest region in the Annual State Superintendent of Public Instruction Art Show in Olympia.

• Caelyn Smith, Tattered Paths, Kelso High School, Kelso School District

• Jasmyn Bethards, Safe Haven, Evergreen High School, Evergreen Public Schools

• Ada Chen, 巾巾, Fort Vancouver High School, Vancouver Public Schools

• Anna Caine, Coleoptera, Camas High School, Camas School District

• Elliana (LeeAnn) Higgins, The Chase, R.A. Long High School, Longview School District

• Aiden Lloyd, Nice Docs, Baby!, Kelso High School, Kelso School District

• Elizabeth Stovall, Sgraffito Wildlife Mug, Camas High School, Camas School District

• Kimberly Aldous, boredom., Evergreen High School, Evergreen Public School

• Lilly Adams, Ivy to I-beams, Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield School District

• Connor White, Rusty Blue Teapot, Camas High School, Camas School District

• Sophia Jiang, Mom, Camas High School, Camas School District

• Mia Johnson, Peachy Keen, Kelso High School, Kelso School District

• Hannah Kessler, Sweet Somnolence, Mark Morris High School, Longview School District

• Malya Garza, Comfort of Sleep, Camas High School, Camas School District

• Sarah DeRoos, Wounds of Time, Hockinson High School, Hockinson School District

ESD 112 Awards

The judges rated these 15 pieces very highly in the judging criteria which aligns with the Washington State Arts K-12 Learning Standards, including creativity, composition and technique.

• Ella Hill, The Hills are Alive, Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield School District

• Molly Jung, Take a Breath. Take it In., Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield School District

• Hannah Tapio, Recapturing Hawaii, River HomeLink, Battle Ground School District

• Maria Austin, A Tear in Time, Woodland High School, Woodland Public Schools

• Arkira Phuttong, My Heart Beats For You, Skyview High School, Vancouver Public Schools

• Julien Hewson, If You Can Spin It, Camas High School, Camas School District

• Valencia Hernandez, Small Disruption, Mark Morris High School, Longview School District

• Ava Noble, Obsession Spiral, Woodland High School, Woodland Public Schools

• Avery Berg, Self-Portrait #18, Hockinson High School, Hockinson School District

• Lucas Young, Quilt Vessel, R.A. Long High School, Longview School District

• Nox Woods-McFarland, Oliver the Raccoon, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Vancouver Public Schools

• Leonell Alpyorov, Tower of Solitude, River HomeLink, Battle Ground School District

• Tori Rehwaldt, Heavy Things, Skyview High School, Vancouver Public Schools

• Karina Cooper, Home Field Evenings, Camas High School, Camas School District

• Patrick (Tzu Liang) Wang, Tainan City, Camas High School, Camas School District

Honorable Mentions

These 17 pieces were also rated very highly by the judges.

• Elina Caine, What Needs Revival, Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield School District

• Hadley Shores, What’s next?, Woodland High School, Woodland Public Schools

• Emma Ulmer, Burning Out, Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield School District

• Kingston Chapman, Diminishing Glare, Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield School District

• Laurellie Beers, Who’s There?, Woodland High School, Woodland Public Schools

• Abril Solorio-Antonio, Jarritos De Mi Cultura, Fort Vancouver High School, Vancouver Public Schools

• Anonymous, Butterfly, Fort Vancouver High School, Vancouver Public Schools

• Daniel Bareford, Do A Kickflip!, Woodland High School, Woodland Public Schools

• Loralai Nichols, Shroomy McShroom Face, Fort Vancouver High School, Vancouver Public Schools

• Nevaeh Shaw, Seasonal Blooms, Fort Vancouver High School, Vancouver Public Schools

• Piper Gannon, Escaping Destruction, Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield School District

• Benjamin Kerr, Deadly Duel, Camas High School, Camas School District

• Atlas Arianna Nicholson, DAYDREAMZzz, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Vancouver Public Schools

• Karlie Bach, My First Try, Stevenson High School, Stevenson-Carson School District

• Megan Wallingford, Garden Party, R.A. Long High School, Longview School District

• Aden Sparman, Kitchen Rush, Kelso High School, Kelso School District

• Avery Deal, Brain Fog, Kelso High School, Kelso School District

ESD 112 Choice Award

This  award is chosen by the staff at ESD 112. The winning piece is purchased for permanent display in the ESD building.

Zachary Clayton, Home on a Winter Night, Camas High School, Camas School District

The Department of Art + Design at Central Washington University Scholarship Awards

The Department of Art + Design at Central Washington University is awarding scholarships in the amount of $2,000 towards future enrollment.

• Kimberlyn Aldous, boredom., Evergreen High School, Evergreen Public Schools

• Anna Caine, Coleoptera, Camas High School, Camas School District

• Molly Jung, Take a Breath. Take it In., Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield School District

• Sarah DeRoos, Wounds of Time, Hockinson High School, Hockinson School District

• Elliana (LeeAnn) Higgins, The Chase, R.A. Long High School, Longview School District

• Zoe Meyer, Auuggghhh, Prairie High School, Battle Ground School District

• Sarah Guzman, family portrait, Woodland High School, Woodland Public Schools

• Anonymous, Solitude, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Vancouver Public Schools

• Mia Johnson, Peachy Keen, Kelso High School, Kelso School District

• Tori Rehwaldt, Heavy Things, Skyview High School, Vancouver Public Schools

Pacific Northwest College of Art Scholarship Awards

PNCA is awarding Vision Scholarships in the amount of $3,000 towards Fall 2025 enrollment that will renew annually. 

• Kimberlyn Aldous, boredom., Evergreen High School, Evergreen Public Schools

• Caelyn Smith, Tattered Paths, Kelso High School, Kelso School District

• Connor White, Rusty Blue Teapot, Camas High School, Camas School District

• Ada Chen, 巾巾, Fort Vancouver High School, Vancouver Public Schools

• Sarah DeRoos, Wounds of Time, Hockinson High School, Hockinson School District

• Malya Garza, Comfort of Sleep, Camas High School, Camas School District

• Sophia Jiang, Mom, Camas High School, Camas School District

• Hannah Kessler, Sweet Somnolence, Mark Morris High School, Longview School District

ESD 112 extends its heartfelt thanks to the Department of Art + Design at Central Washington University and the Pacific Northwest College of Art for their generous scholarships and continued support of the Southwest Washington Regional High School Art Show.

Additional photos available upon request.

Detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit are leading the investigation into the deaths of a mother and three children found yesterday, April 8, at about 3:00 p.m. in Cornelius.

The family has been notified of their deaths, and their names are being released:

• 37-year-old Hong Phuong Le
• 7-year-old-son Thanh Tien Dam
• 5-year-old-daughter Ha Ngan Dam
• 2-year-old-daughter Viena Mai Dam

The Sheriff’s Office is in contact with the Forest Grove School District, ensuring timely communication reaches students, teachers, and personnel impacted by this tragic story.

The investigation is still in the early stages, and the release of information will be limited.

Detectives are asking for any information the community may have that could further the investigation, including personal or professional connections. If you have information about this case or a connection with the family, please contact the investigations division at 503-846-2500 and reference case number 50-25-4892. 

Investigation Underway into the Deaths of Four People in Cornelius

April 8, 2025

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 3:03 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies serving the city of Cornelius responded to a home near the 300 block of North 15th Avenue. A 911 caller reported finding four people deceased at the home.

Arriving deputies found the bodies of a 37-year-old woman and her three children, ages 2, 5, and 7. Their identities are not being released at this time. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit are assisting in the investigation, and additional information will be released later.

Investigators do not believe there is a danger to the public. If you have information about this case, please contact the WCSO Investigations Division at 503-846-2500 and reference case number 50-25-4892.

EUGENE, Ore.—A known, high-volume Central Oregon drug trafficker was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison today following a multi-agency investigation led by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Ricky Fontaine, 32, of Bend, Oregon, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

“This case is the result of excellent collaboration among the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit, the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon,” said William M. Narus, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “We thank the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office for partnering with us to prosecute this case in federal court.”

According to court documents, on April 1, 2023, after obtaining information that Fontaine was actively selling drugs—including fentanyl—in Deschutes County, detectives from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Fontaine. Fontaine, who at the time of the stop had an unrelated active felony arrest warrant, attempted to walk away from the traffic stop on foot, but was quickly apprehended by the detectives.

The detectives searched Fontaine’s vehicle and found more than 1,000 grams of fentanyl, a .22 caliber handgun, scales and drug packaging materials. The detectives also found several photographs of Fontaine posing with large quantities of packaged fentanyl pills. A few hours later, the detectives executed a second search warrant on Fontaine’s residence and found additional fentanyl pills, scales and packaging materials.

On January 18, 2024, Fontaine was charged by superseding indictment with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On December 4, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit with assistance from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) and Redmond Police Department. It was prosecuted by Andrew R. Doyle, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 3-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Live phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

# # #

Lane County, Ore. 9 April 2025- On Monday, April 7, 2025, at 3:28 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 99 S, near milepost 1.5, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Kenworth logtruck, operated by Christian James Gossett (52) of Cottage Grove, slowed to make a left turn when it was rear-ended by a southbound Toyota Matrix, operated by Josef Alexander Ward (29) of Creswell. 

The operator of the Toyota (Ward) was transported to an area hospital and later declared deceased.

The operator of the Kenworth (Gossett) was reportedly uninjured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 2.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

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

# # #

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

Annual event celebrates friendship between cultures

VANCOUVER, Wash.— The annual Sakura Festival returns on Thursday, April 17 to the Clark College main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way. Weather permitting, this free community event is typically held beneath a canopy of cherry blossoms, and is presented by Clark College, the city of Vancouver, and Vancouver Rotary. 

Opening remarks begin at 1 p.m. in the Royce Pollard Japanese Friendship Garden, located next to Beacock Music Hall on Clark’s main campus. In case of inclement weather, the event will be inside Gaiser Student Center in the Penguin Union Building.

New this year: Hosted by Student Life, there will be a special display and release of a Butterfly Garden in addition to this year’s music and performances. In the Japanese culture, butterflies hold deep symbolic meaning, representing symbols of transformation, renewal, and the fleeting beauty of life. They also signify the connection between the physical and natural worlds. Butterfly motifs are often featured in Japanese literature, various art form, textile, and household items, serving as a celebration of beauty, fragility, and harmony with nature.

History of Sakura Festival at Clark College

More than 25 years ago, the City of Vancouver received a gift of friendship: 100 Shirofugen cherry trees from Mr. John Kageyama, President of America Kotobuki in commemoration of the 100^th anniversary of Washington’s statehood. These trees were planted at Clark College, creating an enduring reminder of the bonds between our region and Japan. 

Twenty years after the trees were planted, Clark College was bequeathed another generous gift from Dr. Chihiro Kanagawa, CEO of Shin-Etsu to build a Japanese Friendship Garden. At his request, the garden was named the Royce E Pollard Japanese Friendship Garden for his role in promoting international friendship. 

Royce Pollard and Bob Knight were both present at the dedication ceremony on April 19, 2012.

Over the years, those trees have grown and blossomed—as has that friendship, creating traditions like the establishment in 1995 of a sister-city relationship between Vancouver and Joyo, Japan, and our annual Sakura Festival, begun in 2006. 

Learn more about the history of the Sakura Festival. 

2025 Schedule:

12:50 p.m.– Koto performance by Yukiko Vossen, accompanied by LeeAnn McKenna

1:00 p.m. – Ceremony and greetings from:

• Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards
• City of Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle
• Mr. Yuzo Yoshioka Consul General of Japan
• Clark College student, Nicole Vara, who studied abroad in Japan

1:30 p.m. – Clark College Treble Ensemble performance

1:40 p.m. – Enroute to the Gaiser Student Center, guests are invited to enjoy the Japanese garden and to stop by Andersen Fountain to visit the Student Life Butterfly Garden. 

2:00 p.m. – Butterflies Release, Andersen Fountain Courtyard

Butterflies hold significant symbolic meaning in Japanese culture, representing a variety of themes and ideas. Their imagery appears frequently in traditional Japanese art, literature, and aesthetics, embodying various aspects of life, nature, and the human experience.

2:00 p.m. – Activities, displays and performances, Gaiser Student Center

• A Haiku reading by Clark College Japanese Club
• Traditional Japanese Noh performance  “Fuji Musume” (Wisteria Maiden)
• Art share by children enrolled in Child and Family Studies program
• Taiko Drum performance by Takohachi Taiko. 
• Variety of cultural displays and demonstration tables around the room. 
• Hand-painted cherry blossom cookies by the college’s Professional Baking & Pastry Arts students.    

3:15 p.m. - Event adjourns

The Sakura Festival event is free and open to the public.

Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.
1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663

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

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.

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

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At 1046 this morning, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a possible residential fire in the Foster Powell Neighborhood of Southeast Portland. There were reports from the dispatch center of a possible house fire on SE 65^th with “lots of gray smoke” coming from a home midblock.

The first arriving apparatus of four members, Truck 25, had redirected themselves from a low-acuity medical call to respond to this fire and arrived in front of the other five responding apparatus on this incident. The officer reported heavy gray smoke was present and pushing out of the front of the home. With a few vehicles out front, crews were concerned with a need for imminent rescue and the truck crew made entry into the home to initiate a search as the first arriving engine, Engine 25, arrived to assume command. This allowed the truck officer to join their crew to have a full complement of members to search the small yet heavily cluttered home.

The engine company began to stretch hose lines to the home with a need to get water onto the fire present. Additionally, members were running hose from the engine to the fire hydrant to establish a water supply to allow for a continuous availability of water on this incident. As hose lines were being put in place at the entry, the front room of the home experienced a flash over, where the smoke and aerosolized fuels simultaneously reach their ignition temperatures leading to a rapid spread across an enclosed area. In this case, members of the search crew were in the area and affected by the explosive action. Although the crew had properly donned their protective clothing that covers members from head to toe, one of the members received a minor burn to an ear through the protective hood worn while working in areas of Imminent Danger to Life and Health (ILDH).

With the truck crew affected safely out of the structure, other firefighters continued move hose lines on the interior to apply water on the fire which was now present on both living floors of the home. Additionally, hose lines were added in play from the exterior of the home to apply water through open windows. With the fire reported to be knocked down on the second level of the home from crews on the interior, the command officer reported heavy fire now on the front porch. Crews drew hose lines to the porch and began to extinguish this body of flames now present.

While crews worked to cool and extinguish on the interior, a second truck crew assigned to this incident focused their efforts on cutting holes in the roof to release the hot gasses and smoke trapped in the home. Upon the arrival of members in the “on-the-job” training phase of their careers from our training academy, they quickly joined the members on the roof to join in cutting more holes to increase the number of holes on the roof to allow a better working environment for those on the interior. This addition of the training station placed 32 members on scene working along with additional command staff present for the safety of those working to extinguish the flames.

Shortly after the 10-minute timer was broadcasted to the crews from BOEC the fire was reduced to safe levels eliminating the concern of the flames consuming the home and spreading to neighboring structures. With a 10’ distance between homes, it is critical the flames are reduced to eliminate the threat of the fire spreading to neighboring homes and keeping the overall damages as small as possible.

Portland Fire would like to thank the assistance provided by BOEC in managing the communication on this incident. Additional thanks to PGE for responding to remove the electricity actively coursing through the home by disabling the drop line on the exterior while crews were still working at extinguishing the flames. The PF&R Fire Investigations Unit is performing a forensic evaluation of the home in hopes of determining a cause of the blaze.

Portland Fire Logistics, Safety, and Clothing Officers are examining the protective clothing of members who experienced the flashover to evaluate if these items of protective clothing can be considered safe for use in the future or will need to be replaced. The firefighter who experienced burns to the ear is currently receiving the appropriate level of care given the extent of this minor injury.

xxx

EUGENE, Ore.—A Junction City, Oregon man with two prior child pornography convictions was sentenced to federal prison today for repeatedly possessing and distributing child pornography online.  

Christopher Lyn Sparks, 59, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release.

According to court documents, in 2006 and 2013, Sparks was convicted of federal child pornography charges and violating the terms of his supervised release. In November 2023, following his second release from prison, Sparks was required to serve a lifetime term of supervised release.

In May 2024, officers with the Portland Police Bureau alerted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents to a series of CyberTipline reports related to child sex abuse material from several online social media and messaging platforms including Google, X (formerly Twitter), Tumblr, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Telegram, and TikTok.

Investigators traced multiple accounts from those CyberTips to Sparks and learned he had resumed distributing child sexual abuse material online through these platforms while still under federal supervision. An HSI agent, posing as a person interested in these materials, contacted Sparks through his Telegram account. Sparks exchanged messages with the agent and discussed sexually exploiting children. The agent discovered that Sparks was openly offering to trade and advertising child pornography using his Telegram account.  On June 11, 2024, Sparks was arrested after agents executed a federal search warrant and seized his phone, which contained child pornography.

On July 9, 2024, Sparks was charged by criminal information with possessing and distributing child pornography. On December 11, 2024, he pleaded guilty to both charges.

This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the FBI and the Portland Police Bureau. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

# # #

On April 8, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the April 2025 Employees and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees!

Ashton Shipp, Pre-K at the Early Learning Center

Ashton is a wonderful and dependable friend in our class! He is always ready to help with any task and takes his role as a teacher’s helper very seriously. His bright smile and funny jokes bring joy to everyone around him. He is a smart and curious learner who listens carefully and always gives his best effort. He is kind, caring, and a great friend who includes everyone in play and makes sure his classmates feel happy and safe. We are so lucky to have Ashton in our class! 

Sofia Tucker, 1st grade at South Ridge Elementary School

Sofia Tucker is an incredible first grader who shines in everything she does. She is responsible, always taking care of her work and helping others. She is resilient, never giving up when faced with challenges. And she is respectful, treating everyone with kindness and a big smile. Sofia is also such a curious scholar and guides our classroom discussions to help us all learn more deeply. We are so lucky to have her in our classroom and as a fellow Roadrunner!

Kinleigh Flatz, 2nd grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy

After going to South Ridge in kindergarten and first grade, Kinleigh transferred to Wisdom Ridge to help her deal with her anxiety. She says being able to stay home with her mom and having the flexibility to travel with her family during the school year are two reasons why she enjoys Wisdom Ridge, although she does say she misses recess at South Ridge. Her favorite part about Wisdom Ridge is Enrichment and seeing other kids her age, and her favorite subject is math. She also loves her teacher, Ms. Pinkleton.

Kinleigh enjoys playing piano and riding horses in her free time and she hopes to go to beauty school to learn how to “do hair” after high school, although her mom says that may change a few times over the next 10 years of school. Her teacher, Ms. Pinkleton, says Kinleigh has an outstanding work ethic and a positive attitude. She also says Kinleigh demonstrates self-motivation and is a joy to have in class. While there are many exceptional students at Wisdom Ridge, Kinleigh’s enthusiasm and commitment to her studies makes her stand out among even the exceptional students.

Faelan Proctor, 4th grade at Union Ridge Elementary School

Faelan’s dedication to learning and growing as a student shows in everything he does. In the library, he is consistently respectful, follows directions and routines, and is always a joy to have around! In music, Faelan shows disciplined and thoughtful practice. He approaches his work with care and accuracy and pays close attention to foundational skills like posture and hand placement, resulting in a beautiful, ringing guitar sound.

He also advocates for himself when he needs help, which is such a valuable skill. In art, Faelan goes above and beyond on his projects, applying new skills with creativity and intention. And when things don’t go as planned, which happens in the creative process, he stays flexible and positive, finding a way to move forward. In addition, Faelan is thoughtful, kind, and works well with his peers. We’re so proud of him!

Ariani Martinez, 6th grade at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School

Ariani Martinez exemplifies what it means to be a model student. She approaches each day with enthusiasm and determination that inspires both peers and teachers alike. In the classroom, Ari demonstrates responsibility through her focused approach to learning and dedication to her studies. Her hard work is evident in everything she does. Ari doesn't just want to learn the material; she wants to go to the next level and understand the whys and hows of what she's learning.

What truly sets Ari apart is her respectful nature. She actively listens to others' perspectives, offers encouragement to struggling classmates, and serves as a natural team builder who brings people together. Her positive attitude creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued. Ari's resilience shines through in how she approaches obstacles. Rather than becoming discouraged when facing challenges, she views them as opportunities to grow and improve. This mindset has helped her develop into the remarkable student she is today. Beyond academics, Ari expresses herself through her creative artistic talents. Her artwork reflects both technical skill and imaginative vision, offering a glimpse into her unique perspective on the world.

Echo Kimball, 8th grade at View Ridge Middle School

Echo's dedication, leadership, and kindness have made a lasting impact on her peers and teachers alike. Here’s what some of her teachers had to say: Mrs. Davis shares, "Echo is a highly responsible and hard-working student who always stays on top of her assignments. She creates a fun and inclusive atmosphere by encouraging her peers and making sure no one is left out. Whether working independently or in a group, she demonstrates both leadership and teamwork. Echo is an incredible role model for those around her!"

Mr. Nelson adds, "Echo is a natural leader and incredibly kind. She comes to class every day with a focused, hard-working attitude. Echo is personable and always willing to help her classmates. In addition, she performs at a high level, making teaching very rewarding. She is truly deserving of this honor."

Mr. Amble states, "Echo is always respectful, responsible, and resilient—an absolute pleasure to have in the classroom."

And Mrs. Young remarks, "Echo works hard each and every day. She is an intuitive student who is both creative and thoughtful. Along with being a strong student, she is kind and supportive to everyone in our class."

Echo's positive attitude and commitment to excellence make her a shining example of what it means to be a Ridgefield School District Student of the Month. 

Ryley Adams, 11th Grade at Ridgefield High School

Riley’s passion and positive attitude make her a standout individual at RHS. Ryley’s enthusiasm for learning and her dedication to success are truly inspiring. Riley regularly participates, asks insightful questions, and remains determined, demonstrating a level of resilience that others can only aspire to. Her commitment to learning not only contributes to her personal growth but also serves as an inspiration to those around her. What sets Ryley apart is her willingness to help others. She is always ready to offer support to peers who might be struggling, and she makes it a point to include those who might be left out. Her kindness and ability to lift others up speak volumes about her character.

Additionally, her sense of humor and lightheartedness bring a sense of joy to every classroom, whether she’s brightening the day with a song or sharing a smile with a fellow student. Ryley dreams of working in robotics for NASA or in game development with Nintendo. Both of those career paths show the incredible potential Ryley has to make an impact in the world. Ryley, your work ethic, positivity, and caring nature make you a joy to have in class and an asset to Ridgefield High School. You truly embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence, and we have no doubt you will continue to achieve great things. Keep pursuing your dreams, and always remember the incredible impact you have on those around you.

Employees of the Month

Jared Hundley, Career and Technical Education teacher at Ridgefield High School

There are times that feel like we don’t deserve the talents of Jared Hundley. With teaching as his second profession, he has amazing industry experience. He’s a creative and gifted graphic designer. Students in his classes get real-world experience and opportunities to learn the craft. Beyond being talented, Jared is excellent with students. When students are placed in his classes, we know that they will be well cared for and treated with respect. He gives students the courage to be creative and wrestle with the in-between place as they learn new things.

Jared is a huge asset to our staff and he helps in so many different ways - helping staff with their course videos, creating visual products and any material we may need. Jared leads our staff as one of the “Commissioners of Staff Fun,” complete with stickers and other memorabilia. Over his long tenure in the Ridgefield School District, Jared has stepped into many different roles. He’s always willing to try new things, teach new classes, and was instrumental in creating a course that was CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies), before CAPS was even a thing. Jared is humble and kind and deserves all of the recognition he would never ask for!

Meghan Green, Speech Language Pathologist at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School

Meghan Green is one of the most caring and dedicated staff members at Sunset Ridge. She creates meaningful relationships not only with her students, but also with those beyond her caseload, making every student feel valued. As a key member of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team, Meghan steps up to lead social lunch groups, helping students with social struggles gain confidence and develop friendships. Her engaging approach—using storytelling, interactive activities, and games—makes learning enjoyable and impactful. Students make progress under her care not only because of her expertise but also because they feel safe and supported.

Meghan’s presence is felt throughout the school, whether she is checking in on students having a tough day, collaborating with staff, or bringing joy to the Life Skills classroom. Despite a full caseload, she prioritizes attending MTSS meetings, offering invaluable input on interventions and accommodations. Her commitment to teamwork is evident in her collaboration with special education staff, administrators, and the Positive Behavioral Interventions and SUpports (PBIS) team, where she has contributed significantly to fostering a positive school culture. Even in the face of personal challenges, Meghan remains a source of kindness and positivity, offering support and laughter to colleagues. Meghan’s dedication and compassion make her an extraordinary asset to our school. 

Portland, OR — On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere, William Dawes, and others rode to Lexington, Massachusetts, warning minutemen and households about the approach of British forces. Behind him, lanterns in the steeple of the Old North Church were shining the agreed upon code made famous by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “One if by land, and two if by sea.” The next day, April 19, were the battles of Lexington and Concord — and the colonists were well prepared.

As part of the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the America 250 Oregon Commission joins semiquincentennial commissions across the country in Two Lights for Tomorrow, a multi-state initiative that reminds citizens everywhere that our shared history is grounded in coming together to build a more perfect union.

Oregonians are called to participate by shining two lights on April 18, 2025, in their homes and community spaces.

“The America 250 Oregon Commission hopes that communities across the state will join us in Two Lights for Tomorrow to kick off the semiquincentennial commemorations,” said Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society and Chairman of the America 250 Oregon Commission. “Any kind of light can be used in any size building, be it a home, office, museum, community center, or government building. Using the imagery of shining lights as a uniting call to action, Two Lights for Tomorrow reminds us of the importance of working together for a promising future.”

If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact egon.250@ohs.org">oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.

Today in Vancouver, Wash., more than 50 Kaiser Permanente employees rolled up their sleeves to celebrate National Volunteer Month with a Vancouver community cleanup event in partnership with SOLVE.

Armed with gloves and trash bags, Northwest staff gathered outside the Kaiser Permanente Cascade Park Medical Office before heading out in teams to collect litter and help beautify the surrounding neighborhood.

“Volunteering and giving back to the communities we serve is so important to Kaiser Permanente and our employees,” said Ron Shoals, Community Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Cleaner communities are healthier communities, and this is one way we can support the well-being of our neighbors right here in Vancouver.” The event is one of 25 volunteer activities Kaiser Permanente employees are taking part in throughout April, all aimed at supporting healthier, more vibrant communities.

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

•Traffic Stops

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

•Restoring the Peace

•Premise Checks

•Welfare Checks

•Flagged Down by Citizen

OREGON CITY - A total of 513 students made the Clackamas Community College honor roll and 1,479 students made the president’s list for winter term 2025.

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

-30-

Winter term CCC honor roll 2025.xlsx

GLADSTONE, Ore. – Just in time for Oregon Arbor Month, the Oregon Department Forestry (ODF) is announcing that the city of Gladstone in Clackamas County has earned the Tree City USA designation. ODF administers the program for the national Arbor Day Foundation, based in Nebraska.

Gladstone joins 69 other communities in Oregon that hold the Tree City USA designation.

Brittany Oxford, ODF Urban and Community Assistance Forester, says to earn the designation, a city or town must meet four criteria:

• Maintain a tree board or department
• Have a community tree ordinance
• Spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry
• Celebrate Arbor Day each year

The Tree City USA program dates to 1976, when the first group of 42 cities in 16 states were named. Today, more than 3,500 communities across the country and located in every state and Puerto Rico hold the distinction.

With a little over 12,000 residents, Gladstone is situated where the Clackamas River flows into the Willamette. The town is noted for having 14 parks and trails within its four square miles. It is also one of three dozen Oregon communities with a Hiroshima peace tree, located in Gladstone Nature Park. The tree is a descendant of a ginkgo tree that survived the atom bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 near the end of World War II.

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REGULAR SESSION

The Gervais School District #1 School Board, Gervais, Oregon, will convene in a Working Session at 5:30 p.m., and following will be a Regular Session at 6:50 p.m. at the District Office Conference via ZOOM on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.  The agenda for the Regular Session meeting includes, but is not limited to, the following business:

WORKING SESSION

• Visit New GHS Food Truck
• Update on Strategic Plan Goals

REGULAR SESSION

Reports:

Action Items:

• Policies Second Reading

EBBAA: Infection Control and Bloodborne Pathogens

• Possible Reduction in Workforce
• Approve Contracts for Turf Field Site Prep/Excavation & Lighting
• Roofing
• Budget Committee Calendar Adjustment
• Health Education Curriculum Adoption

Discussion Items:     

• Bond Project Update

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The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet via online meeting on April 25 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussion of Cemetery Special Districts future workplan items. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Follow this link to register for meeting access information.

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities or to attend in person, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov.

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For more historic cemetery resources or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

Baker County, Ore. 9 April 2025- On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:52 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 345, in Baker County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by John Carl Allyn (85) of Baker City, was stopped for unknown reasons in the slow lane when it was struck by an eastbound Volvo commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Anatolii Gulei (36) of Vancouver (WA), in a rear-end collision.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Allyn) was transported by LifeFlight to an area hospital and was later declared deceased.

The operator of the Volvo (Gulei) was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by Baker Fire and ODOT.

# # #

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

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is partnering with The Cowlitz Indian Tribe to restore habitat and provide nature-based recreational opportunities at the Gordy Jolma Family Natural Area in Brush Prairie. The property was part of the former Cedars on Salmon Creek golf course. It was purchased in 2022 by the County’s Legacy Lands program. The program, funded by the Conservation Futures levy, provides funding to preserve lands highly valued for habitat, scenic corridors, and low-impact recreation. These properties enhance the native landscape treasured by locals.

The Gordy Jolma Family Natural Area is currently open to the public for walking, bird-watching and other nature-based, low-impact activities.

The County is partnering with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe to develop preliminary plans to return the property to a more natural state. Preliminary plans include removing existing fish passage barriers, enhancing instream fish habitat, and improving opportunities for walking, birdwatching, fishing, picnicking, and cultural and environmental education.

The project is progressing, with two important activities occurring in April in support of the planning process. Planning to restore the property to maximize environmental benefit for Salmon Creek requires gathering extensive data about existing conditions. Geotechnical testing will occur at the property for up to two days in mid-April to get data about the site’s soil characteristics. The property will remain open during the work and trails will not be impacted, but visitors may notice an excavator digging small test pits. The pits will be refilled, and work will only occur during park hours.

On April 24, the community is invited to view draft conceptual plans for habitat restoration and improved recreational elements at the property and provide feedback at an open house. At the event, the County and the Tribe will gather feedback on:

• Draft plans of two different options for trail alignments
• Parking and trailhead designs
• Nature-based recreational opportunities

Community members can attend the open house in-person at the Cedars Public House, 15001 NE 181st St. in Brush Prairie. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and attendees can view project displays and meet with staff. Coffee and cookies will be provided.

Staff will give a presentation at 6:30 with a Q&A (question-and-answer) session immediately following.

The presentation and Q&A session will also be streamed online via Webex. Online attendees can ask questions during the Q&A via the chat feature. Registration not required; those who register on the project webpage will receive a link to join the meeting in their email inbox. A link to join the meeting will also be posted to the project webpage about 10 minutes before the start of the presentation.

Presentation slides, visuals, and a recording of the presentation and Q&A session will be posted on the project webpage within five business days. Materials are available in Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian, and additional languages upon request. To request interpretation, translation or accommodations to participate in the open house or survey, please contact the project manager, Evelyn Ives, at evelyn.ives@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.5885.

All community members, whether able to attend the open house or not, are invited to view project information and provide feedback via an online survey, open April 24 to May 31. The survey will be posted on the project webpage.

More information is available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/gordy-jolma-family-natural-area. 

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

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

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

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

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

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Please disregard the second update that I said corrected the Mom spelling. It was correct in the first release. 

Multnomah County Judge Christopher Marshall found James Calvin Smith Guilty Except for Insanity on three counts connected to the killing of 26-year old Haley Rogers.

Smith stabbed Rogers to death as she worked alone on the night shift at a mental health care facility. 

The judgment came after a stipulated-facts trial in which both the prosecution and defense agreed on facts they submitted to the judge. The facts in this case included evaluations by both prosecution and defense doctors who each found the defendant suffered from mental illness at the time of the crime and lacked the ability to appreciate the criminality of that conduct.

Judge Marshall found Smith is a ‘substantial danger to others’ and shall be confined to the Oregon State Hospital under the authority of the Oregon Psychiatric Security Review Board for a lifetime term.

Haley’s mother Michelle Rogers addressed the court at the hearing and said her daughter loved caring for the mentally ill.

She called her daughter “the most loving person I’ve ever met. If she survived she’d be here advocating for Mr. Smith,” she said. 

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Sean Hughey prosecuted the case for the state. He said: “Nothing can undo the tragedy of Haley’s death and the pain felt by her family and loved ones.  This resolution recognizes the public safety risk posed by Mr. Smith and the need that he be committed to a secure psychiatric treatment facility for a lifetime term.” 

The DA’s office would also like to thank Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate Allison Miller for their care and compassion toward the family during this difficult case, Lead Detective Frederick Huffman and the East County Major Crimes Team.

Here is our earlier press release from the indictment of Smith in 2023.

Indictment, Arraignment of James Calvin Smith in Group Home Homicide Case 

July 25, 2023

James Calvin Smith, 59, was indicted and arraigned on charges related to the homicide of an employee at a group home in Gresham earlier this month.

FACTS:

In the morning of July 16, Gresham Police officers responded to McCarthy Place, which is a group home for adults with mental health care needs, after receiving a 911 call from a day-shift staff member. The staff member reported that she arrived for her 7 a.m. shift when she found a night-shift staff member deceased from apparent stab wounds. Upon arrival, officers observed signs of an apparent struggle in the common area and, based on other physical evidence and witness information, they identified Smith as the suspect and took him into custody.

Following the initial investigation, Deputy District Attorney Sean Hughey presented the case to the Grand Jury, which resulted in an indictment (filed July 24) on three charges:

Murder in the Second Degree

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Tampering with Physical Evidence

Smith appeared for arraignment today in front of Judge Christopher Ramras, where he entered a plea of not guilty.

The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office thanks the Gresham Police Department and the East County Major Crimes Team for their assistance in this case.

PRESS RELEASE                                                                        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4/8/25

Multnomah County Judge Christopher Marshall found James Calvin Smith Guilty Except for Insanity on three counts connected to the killing of 26-year old Haley Rogers.

Smith stabbed Rogers to death as she worked alone on the night shift at a mental health care facility. 

The judgment came after a stipulated-facts trial in which both the prosecution and defense agreed on facts they submitted to the judge. The facts in this case included evaluations by both prosecution and defense doctors who each found the defendant suffered from mental illness at the time of the crime and lacked the ability to appreciate the criminality of that conduct.

Judge Marshall found Smith is a ‘substantial danger to others’ and shall be confined to the Oregon State Hospital under the authority of the Oregon Psychiatric Security Review Board for a lifetime term.

Haley’s mother Meshell Rogers addressed the court at the hearing and said her daughter loved caring for the mentally ill.

She called her daughter “the most loving person I’ve ever met. If she survived she’d be here advocating for Mr. Smith,” she said. 

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Sean Hughey prosecuted the case for the state. He said: “Nothing can undo the tragedy of Haley’s death and the pain felt by her family and loved ones.  This resolution recognizes the public safety risk posed by Mr. Smith and the need that he be committed to a secure psychiatric treatment facility for a lifetime term.” 

The DA’s office would also like to thank Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate Allison Miller for their care and compassion toward the family during this difficult case, Lead Detective Frederick Huffman and the East County Major Crimes Team.

Here is our earlier press release from the indictment of Smith in 2023.

Indictment, Arraignment of James Calvin Smith in Group Home Homicide Case 

July 25, 2023

James Calvin Smith, 59, was indicted and arraigned on charges related to the homicide of an employee at a group home in Gresham earlier this month.

FACTS:

In the morning of July 16, Gresham Police officers responded to McCarthy Place, which is a group home for adults with mental health care needs, after receiving a 911 call from a day-shift staff member. The staff member reported that she arrived for her 7 a.m. shift when she found a night-shift staff member deceased from apparent stab wounds. Upon arrival, officers observed signs of an apparent struggle in the common area and, based on other physical evidence and witness information, they identified Smith as the suspect and took him into custody.

Following the initial investigation, Deputy District Attorney Sean Hughey presented the case to the Grand Jury, which resulted in an indictment (filed July 24) on three charges:

Murder in the Second Degree

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Tampering with Physical Evidence

Smith appeared for arraignment today in front of Judge Christopher Ramras, where he entered a plea of not guilty.

The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office thanks the Gresham Police Department and the East County Major Crimes Team for their assistance in this case.

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Gladstone, Oregon man was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison today for abducting and sexually abusing a Canadian child he met through a music creation social media platform.

Noah Madrano, 43, was sentenced to 600 months in federal prison, a $5,000 fine, and a lifetime term of supervised release. The sum of restitution he must pay to his victim will be determined at a later date.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the FBI special agents and Oregon City police officers who rescued the victim in Oregon and brought the defendant to justice,” said William M. Narus, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “This sentence is a result of the extraordinary efforts of the victim, the victim’s family, their community, and law enforcement here and in Canada.”

“The persistence with which Madrano pursued his heinous crimes - traveling internationally on multiple occasions to victimize a child he met online, and ultimately smuggling that victim across an international border, speaks to how predatory his actions genuinely were,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Olson. “Madrano will be in his mid-nineties when he is eligible for supervised release. His removal from our communities benefits everyone.”

According to court documents, Madrano met a child online whom he sexually exploited for more than a year. In May 2022, he traveled to Canada to meet the child in person, took the child to a hotel room, sexually abused the victim, and recorded his abuse. A few weeks later, on June 24, 2022, Madrano returned to Canada, where he abducted the child from outside a school and took the victim to another hotel room. At the hotel, Madrano sexually abused the child for several days and recorded videos of his abuse. On July 1, 2022, Madrano hid the child in the trunk of his vehicle and drove back to the United States. Once in Oregon, Madrano brought the victim to a hotel room, where he continued to sexually abuse the child.

In the early morning of July 2, 2022, FBI special agents and Oregon City police officers entered Madrano’s hotel room and found him inside with the victim. Madrano was arrested and the child was taken into protective custody, reunited with her parents, and returned to Canada.

On September 21, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Madrano with sexually exploiting a child, traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, transporting a child with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and possessing child pornography.

On January 13, 2025, Madrano pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a child and transporting a child with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

This case was investigated by FBI Portland’s Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) with assistance from the Oregon City Police Department, the Gladstone Police Department, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the Edmonton Police Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It was prosecuted by Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

The FBI Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Vancouver, Wash. – This spring, Clark County will upgrade several traffic signals throughout the county. The traffic signals project will upgrade traffic and pedestrian signals to meet current regulations and traffic signal design standards, including installation of fiber optic Intelligent Transportation Systems. The project also includes upgrading sidewalks to meet current ADA regulations.

This work includes constructing or upgrading traffic and pedestrian signals at:

• Northeast 27th Avenue at Northeast 134th Street
• Northeast 7th Avenue at Northeast Fraser Road
• Northeast 5th Avenue at Northeast 78th Street
• Northeast Hazel Dell Avenue – from Northeast 78th Street to Northeast 82nd Street

Construction is expected to begin in mid-April. Construction activities will occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. For the safety of workers and the public, traffic lanes and/or sidewalks may be temporarily closed near worksites. Travels will be directed around closed lanes and sidewalks.

For more information about the project, visit clark.wa.gov/public-works/traffic-signal-upgrades.

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

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

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

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

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

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In May 2023, the Salem Police Department (SPD) collaborated with researchers to conduct an in-depth analysis of local gun violence from 2018 to 2023. Following the release of this report, Marion County initiated its own comprehensive gun violence analysis in March 2024, focusing on county-wide dynamics from 2014 to 2023.

The Crime Report & Gun Violence Problem Analysis is a series of analytical exercises designed to inform the implementation of effective violence reduction strategies. The primary objective of this analysis was to examine the circumstances surrounding violent incidents, understand the characteristics of individuals involved, and identify the social networks most at risk for involvement in violence. Additionally, the analysis explored risk factors and criminal trajectories among youth involved in violence throughout Marion County.

Consistent with trends observed in many U.S. cities, Marion County experienced an increase in violent crime following the COVID-19 pandemic. The goals of this analysis were to explore long-term trends, assess recent surges in violence across the county, and foster enhanced cross-jurisdictional collaboration and resource sharing.

The report provides a detailed examination of Marion County’s homicide rate, property crime rate, and gun violence, with comparisons to national averages. It incorporates data from all law enforcement agencies within Marion County, offering insights into agency-specific trends. The Crime Report & Gun Violence Problem Analysis covers a range of important topics, including city-specific shooting incidents, demographics of victims and suspects, juvenile involvement, criminal justice system engagement, and detailed incident analysis.

The report concludes with a series of recommendations based on its findings, which the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is actively working to implement and strengthen. These recommendations include enhancing county partnerships and intelligence sharing, engaging high-risk individuals, expanding programs for high-risk youth, and hosting community meetings to foster dialogue and collaboration.

Sheriff Hunter stated, “Reducing violence within our community requires a collaborative approach, balancing community engagement, early intervention strategies, and pro-active enforcement. Over the last year, we have worked tirelessly to foster and strengthen relationships throughout Marion County to support open dialogue and collaborative efforts to better our community. At the same time, our deputies are doing their part to help hold people accountable, seizing 91 unlawfully possessed firearms in 2024 alone.”

The full report is available on the Marion County Sheriff’s Office website: https://www.co.marion.or.us/SO/Enforcement/Pages/default.aspx.

The Civil Service Commission for Clackamas Fire will hold a regular quarterly meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. 

The public can attend either by remote video conferencing or in-person at Station 5 (9339 SE Causey Ave., Happy Valley, OR 97086). If you would like to attend online or by phone, please access Clackamas Fire’s website for the Zoom meeting link and passcode at: https://clackamasfire.com/public-notices/.

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The latest episode of the Talking Beat Podcast, produced by the Portland Police Bureau, focuses on the important work being done to address bias crimes in our community.

In this episode, a member of the Major Crimes Unit discusses with our host how PPB investigates and helps support victims of crimes motivated by bias and hate. Listeners will gain insight into the unique challenges these cases present, and the collaborative approach taken with community and state partners.The discussion emphasizes the importance of encouraging victims and witnesses to report bias incidents and crimes.  

The "Talking Beat" podcast is part of the Portland Police Bureau's broader efforts to connect with the public, provide transparency, and engage in meaningful conversations about public safety issues.

The new episode is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Bureau's website.

To listen to this episode and others, visit https://www.portland.gov/police/podcast

Photo description: Talking Beat logo with PPB badge

###PPB###

DALLAS, Oregon (April 8^th, 2025)

Dallas City Councilmember, Debbie Virden, has formally announced her resignation from the City Council, effective April 3, 2025.  

Ms. Virden, in a letter to the council, stated, “While I have, thoroughly, enjoyed the research, discussions, and public input during my years as a City Councilor, there are other matters which need and deserve my full focus right now.”

Councilmember Virden has been a dedicated member of the City Council since 2022. Her contributions to the city and commitment to public service have been greatly valued by her fellow councilmembers, city staff, and the community.  

The City of Dallas extends its gratitude for her service and wishes her the very best in this next chapter.  

Details regarding the process for filling the resulting vacancy will be shared in the coming days. For the most up to date information, please visit the City of Dallas website at www.dallasor.gov or follow us on Facebook.  

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Date: Wed, April 23, 2025

Time: 7 pm

Location: Alberta Rose Theatre

Tickets: $15-$45

Event Website: https://www.scienceontaporwa.org/events/alberta_april_23_gaia/

One of humanity’s oldest beliefs is that our world is alive. Though once ridiculed by some scientists, the idea of Earth as a vast, interconnected living system has gained acceptance in recent decades. We, and all living things, are more than inhabitants of Earth—we are Earth, an outgrowth of its structure and an engine of its evolution.

Acclaimed science writer Ferris Jabr reveals a radical new vision of Earth where lush forests spew water, pollen, and bacteria to summon rain; giant animals engineer the very landscapes they roam; microbes chew rock to shape continents; and microscopic plankton, some as glittering as carved jewels, remake the air and sea.

Humans are one of the most extreme examples of life transforming Earth. We have altered more layers of the planet in less time than any other species, pushing Earth into a crisis. But we are also uniquely able to understand and protect the planet’s wondrous ecology and self-stabilizing processes. Jabr introduces us to a diverse cast of fascinating people who have devoted themselves to this vital work.

Ferris Jabr is a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine. He has also written for The New Yorker, Harper’s, The Atlantic, National Geographic, and Scientific American. He is the recipient of a Whiting Foundation Creative Nonfiction Grant and fellowships from UC Berkeley and MIT. Jabr lives in Portland, Oregon, with his husband, Ryan, their dog, Jack, and more plants than they can count.

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

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in an Executive & Working Session Meeting on Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Parkrose Middle School located at 11800 NE Shaver St. Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30pm.

Guests and members of the public may attend in-person or virtually.  

Virtual Link - Please click this URL to join: https://zoom.us/j/94961285856 or join by phone: 1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 949-6128-5856

We encourage and welcome all members of our community to engage with our board. Please email questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or call 503.408.2100 to arrange for translation services at least 72 hours before this meeting. Closed captioning provided on zoom. Other appropriate auxiliary aids and services may be provided upon request and appropriate advance notice.

The agenda is posted on our website at: LINK.

Agenda items include but are not limited to: Recognitions for Principal of the Year, Charger Student Champions & Bronco Student Champions. Presentations include a High and Middle School Goals Report & a High School SUN presentation. Other agenda items include a consent agenda, board budget, teacher appreciation, graduation speaker, board self-evaluation, Parkrose advocacy with local leaders and the district budget for next year.  

Additionally, the Parkrose Educational Foundation is hosting their 20th Annual Dinner & Auction ~ Night at the Museum ~ April 26th ~ $75 per person or $145 per couple ~ Buy tickets at: www.ParkroseEdFdn.org ~ For more information or to donate an auction item, Email predfdn@gmail.com.

Electronic/Virtual Public Comment Protocol - If you wish to submit a public comment before, or during this Board Meeting please fill out this electronic public comment form before "Public Comments" on the agenda: https://forms.gle/5sUjRZjxJikqmqVg9. If you don’t submit your comment in time we will read it at the next board meeting.

In-Person Public Comment Protocol - Upon arrival at the meeting, please fill out an Intent-to-Speak card and hand it to the Board Assistant prior to "In-person Public Comment" on the agenda. You will have a 3 minute time limit.

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

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

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Re-Imagined Radio will sample two sound-based stories produced by Martin J. Gallagher, a composer and sound designer based in Portland, Ore. Titled “Waters and Ruins,” the episode premieres at 1 p.m. April 15 over KXRW-FM (99.9), Vancouver, and KXRY-FM (91.1 and 107.1), Portland. Subsequent broadcasts and streams will be provided by local, regional and international broadcast partners.

A strong musical element enhances each story. One story, “And the Waters,” remembers Portland playwright and poet William (Sam) Gregory, who died in 2024. The second story, “The Ruins of Mariupol,” is a three-part string quartet by Vancouver composer Daniel Truschov. The story also includes a sampling from Francis Poulenc’s “Gloria,” recorded by Gallagher and featuring musicians and singers from Portland, Vancouver and Southwest Washington.

Gallagher said a trip to China provided inspiration for “And the Waters,” while “The Ruins of Mariupol” responds to the 2022 Russian invasion and destruction of the coastal city of Mariupol in Ukraine.

The episode is part of Re-Imagined Radio’s Guest Producer series. Gallagher’s career spans 60 years and includes, he said, “teaching others to capture moments of sound that otherwise would have come and gone, locked in the memory of a select few, but otherwise lost in time.”

Re-Imagined Radio premieres episodes on the third Monday of the month on community radio stations KXRW-FM and KXRY-FM. Each episode is streamed globally and is then available as a podcast and on YouTube. Previous episodes are also released on YouTube each month. Information and listening opportunities are available at reimaginedradio.fm, where all episodes are archived.

Community Partners

Re-Imagined Radio draws on community voice actors, Foley artists, musicians, sound artists and engineers. Partners include KXRW-FM, KXRY-FM, the Electronic Literature Lab at WSU Vancouver, Marc Rose of Fuse Audio Design, Rylan Eisenhauer and Holly Slocum Design, with Evan Leyden.

About Re-Imagined Radio

Re-Imagined Radio is produced and hosted by John Barber, faculty member in the Creative Media and Digital Culture program at WSU Vancouver, who created the program in 2013 to explore sound-based storytelling. “We select, produce and perform classic and contemporary stories across a spectrum of genres, from dramas to comedies, from oral to aural histories, from documentaries to fictions, from soundscapes to sonic journeys, from radio to sound art, using a variety of media, including performances, radio broadcasts, streaming, podcasts and social media, especially YouTube,” Barber said. 

About WSU Vancouver

As one of six campuses of the WSU system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations. 

WSU Vancouver is located on the homelands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Peoples of the Lower Columbia Valley. We acknowledge their presence here. WSU Vancouver expresses its respect towards these original and current caretakers of the region. We pledge that these relationships will be built on mutual trust and respect.

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Vancouver, WA – April 8, 2025 – Vancouver Clinic today announced that Chief Executive Officer Mark Mantei will retire at the end of 2025. Mark has served as CEO since 2015, leading the clinic through significant growth and transformation, marking the largest expansion in Vancouver Clinic’s 89-year history.

Mark has been instrumental in expanding Vancouver Clinic's services and enhancing patient care. Under his leadership, Vancouver Clinic has grown from six to 19 clinic locations, increased the number of clinicians from 300 to 520, and expanded its surgical and urgent care services to respond to growing community needs.

"Mark’s dedication and strategic vision have been instrumental in Vancouver Clinic’s growth, setting a strong foundation for the future,” said Board Chair Dr. Keren Rosenblum. “Mark’s “lead with quality” approach to healthcare will have a lasting impact on our patients and community.” Vancouver Clinic will launch an internal and external national search to find a new CEO. Mark will work closely with the Board and the Executive Leadership Team during this period to ensure continuity and support for the incoming CEO.

Reflecting on his time at Vancouver Clinic, Mark said, "I’ve always believed that working in healthcare is a 'calling'. By that, I mean we are in it for a greater good and not just ourselves." As the son of a Lutheran minister, he emphasizes service to others as the core of his leadership philosophy.

Mark began his career overseeing medical records and the ER in a large trauma hospital in Detroit MI. He worked for 26 years at The Everett Clinic, and as Chief Operating Officer, he helped grow the clinic from 50 clinicians to 500. He is a proud alumnus of the University of Michigan, holding a master's degree in healthcare administration/management and a bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, and finance. Mark is active in the community, serving as Chair of Identity Clark County. He has served on several national boards, including America’s Physician Groups and the American Medical Group Association.

“In making this announcement, I’m excited to spend time with my wife and family, enjoying our new granddaughter and spending more time doing the things we love,” said Mantei. “I’ll miss my Vancouver Clinic family, our staff, and our patients. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve.”

About Vancouver Clinic

Vancouver Clinic is the largest independent, physician-owned multispecialty medical practice in the Pacific Northwest. With more than 500 clinicians and 1,800 employees, Vancouver Clinic is also one of the largest employers in the region. Founded 89 years ago, Vancouver Clinic offers comprehensive primary, specialty, surgical, and urgent care. For more information, visit tvc.org.

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports last night on, April 7, 2025, deputies arrested Burl Hilburn, 57, of Lebanon. Hilburn was taken into custody and lodged at the Linn County Jail for Online Sexual Corruption of a Child I (x2) and Luring a Minor (x2).

On March 11, 2025, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office received the report from a social media personality reporting Burl Hilburn, 57 of Lebanon, was communicating with them as they posed to be an underage male. The social media personality went to the home of Hilburn and caused a disturbance with family members, video recording people at the residence. The social media personality then called the Linn County Sheriff’s Office for help relating to the disturbance.

Deputies responded to the location, learned Hilburn was not home, and spoke with the social media personality to obtain details. The social media personality would not fully cooperate with deputies as they requested detailed information on the conversations with Hilburn. The social media personality would only send deputies emails of certain screenshots between them and Hilburn and denied deputies access to download their phone. Downloading the phone was important to validate messages, including receiver and sender information, and dates that the messages were sent, which are all important to the investigation and the determination of which crimes to charge, how many charges, and that the crimes fall within the statute of limitations.

Due to a lack of cooperation from the reporting party, deputies investigated the incident in a way to re-establish what messages had been sent by Hilburn and the social media personality through search warrants and interviews. A search warrant was served on Hilburn’s phone, and it had to be manually searched for the validated evidence needed for the case. After days of filtering through information, deputies were able to confirm Hilburn had sent sexually explicit texts and photographs to a person he believed to be a 14-year-old boy.

When deputies went to re-contact Hilburn, they learned the same social media personality had continued to send harassing messages to Hilburn and his family while deputies were building their investigation. Deputies had been in contact with the social media personality during the investigative process and they were aware of the continued investigation being conducted.

Deputies are continuing to follow up with information obtained in search warrants to identify any additional crimes or victims.

Linn County Sheriff’s Office and surrounding agencies have seen an increase in reports of similar private citizens (cyber-vigilantes) who conduct undercover online operations to “catch” potential predators who target minors to entice them into illegal sex acts, then call in law enforcement so they can video the arrest. Unfortunately, many of these private citizens (cyber-vigilantes) are more focused on making their videos and sensationalizing the encounter for their own attention, social media presence and sometimes money earned from their sites, and/or channels, than ensuring a proper investigation is conducted and an arrest is made safely. Without training, even well-meaning citizens cannot only endanger themselves, but also the general public, or responding law enforcement during these encounters. 

Even locally, we have even seen instances where actual minors are being sent to meet an alleged predator in person as “bait” or the private citizen that conducted their own investigation causing disturbances with others not involved in the crime or the suspect themselves.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office takes these reports seriously and will always investigate tips of anyone preying on children. We ask that once the tip is given, let us conduct a thorough investigation.  Our goal is to collect all evidence of ALL crimes being committed, not just the ones being initially reported. Often this takes time to locate other evidence, not readily available, on these private citizen operations, such as other computers, phones, tablets, etc. This additional evidence may also lead to other real child victims that can be identified and connected to victim advocacy services, counseling, or other services to help them. Unlike some of these private citizens who call law enforcement at the last minute, our deputies are concerned about much more than wanting to just get a sensationalized moment on camera for social media. 

WHO:
The Visit Downtown Campaign presents BUSKATHON 2025, a vibrant, four-day celebration of Portland’s street musicians.

WHAT:

The BUSKATHON Festival runs from April 10^th to April 13^th, 2025.  This is a free, family-friendly event celebrating Portland’s street musicians. 

WHERE:

Downtown Portland and Old Town

WHEN:
April 10–13, 2025

• Busker performances: April 10–12 at venues throughout Downtown and Old Town
• BUSK-OFF Finale: Sunday, April 13, 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Director Park

WHY:
BUSKATHON celebrates the talent and presence of street musicians while highlighting the creative spirit of Portland. This event aims to bring visibility to buskers as essential contributors to a vibrant urban experience and encourages Portlanders to explore, engage, and support the businesses and performers that bring the city to life.

THE DETAILS:

From April 10 to 12, thirty local buskers will perform 214 live sets across 18 Downtown and Old Town locations, offering numerous opportunities for media coverage and dynamic urban storytelling. Musicians will perform on sidewalks and plazas in front of participating businesses, bringing spontaneity and creative energy to Portland’s streets. The public is invited to come downtown, check out Downtown’s vibrant food and retail scene, and vote for their favorite busker.

Sunday, April 13, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., the top 10 buskers will take the stage at Director Park (815 SW Park Ave.) for the BUSK-OFF, a live performance finale judged by a panel of local experts.

Judges include Christina Fuller, co-owner of Fuller Events and the Portland Blues Festival; Agyei Marshall, a multi-instrumentalist and producer living in the Pacific Northwest; Tony Ozier, a musician and Portland’s Funk Pioneer; Jennifer Carrizo , Senior Talent Buyer for McMenamins; and David Pollack, co-founder of Curbside Serenade.  The Master of Ceremonies for the BUSK-OFF is Portland’s Inanna Miss Guinness World Record holder for the tallest Drag Queen.

Two awards will be presented at the BUSK-OFF on April 13th:

• Portland’s Favorite Busker – $1,000 grand prize
• Rising Star Award – $500 prize for performers aged 16–25, presented in part by Friends of Noise

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
Buskers will be performing throughout Downtown and Old Town each April 10 – 12th—ideal for capturing candid images, video content, and vibrant scenes of Portland’s public spaces activated by live music. A full performance schedule for each day is available at https://www.busk-athon.org/.

The Grand Finale, The BUSK-OFF will be hosted in Director Park on Sunday, April 13^th. This family-friendly event will feature the top artists performing their favorite pieces, we will also have a special guest performances from Curbside Serenade and our MC, the Drag Queen Inanna Miss, the Guinness World Record holder for the tallest Drag Queen.

VOTE ONLINE:
The public is invited to vote for their favorite performers throughout the whole festival via QR codes on-site or by visiting the BUSKATHON website. Voting goes live on April 10. Top artists will advance to the grand finale at the BUSK-OFF on April 13th.

SPECIAL THANKS:

Special thanks to Travel Portland, Travel Oregon, & Portland Metro Chamber for sponsoring this first time event.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on May 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

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

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve February 5, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

     Presented by Cindy Park

     a. Jeris Nakamasu; DPSST No. 64153

     Basic Telecommunications Certification applicant

4. Review of Telecommunication Curriculum Advisory Committee

     Reapproval of the Current Bylaws

     Presented by Chris Enquist

5. Applicant Review Committee Nominations

6. Agency Updates

7. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: August 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Telecommunications 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.

MEDFORD, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene April 22 and 23 in Medford.

On April 22, commissioners will hold a work session from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the draft real property policy and commission best practices.

On April 23, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. at the Rogue Regency Inn & Suites, 2300 Biddle Road, to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public.

A business meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be open to the public. 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 related to any items not on the agenda. Registration is required to speak at the meeting if attending online, and is available online at https://bit.ly/registerApr2025commission.

The deadline to register to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., April 18. No advance registration is required to speak in person at the meeting. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. April 18 to katie.gauthier@oprd.oregon.gov.

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

• Request to approve grant recommendations for the following:
  • Recreational Trails Program
  • All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
  • Veterans and War Memorial Grants
• Request to adopt rules 736-10-0026 and 21-0065 for Electric Assisted Bicycle use in Oregon State Parks and the ocean shore.
• Request to adopt 736-24 -0015 concerning ocean shore vehicle access to Manzanita
• Request to approve temporary emergency rules for ATV safety equipment and noise emissions. A new Oregon law transferred the rulemaking responsibility from Oregon Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Quality to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Temporary rules 736-004-0150 and 736-004-0160 will keep existing rules for 180 days to give OPRD time to develop and adopt new permanent rules.

Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance: 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.

It's spring, the flowers are blooming and the bunnies are hopping—time for a delightful spring train ride behind a steam locomotive!

Polson #2 is coming out of the Enginehouse to pull all three runs of the Easter Bunny Express Saturday, April 19. Trains leave at 1pm, 2:30pm and 4 pm. Come along to smell the flowers and take selfies with our Easter Bunny. Enjoy a scenic 45-minute ride along the Willamette River in Portland to Oaks Park and back.

Hop aboard the first ride of the season! Get your tickets at https://orhf.org/saturday-train-rides/.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Commission on Aging’s charge is to provide leadership in addressing the special needs of the aging population and to manage and assist with the implementation of the county’s Aging Readiness Plan. This month, the Commission focuses on Chapter 2 of the Aging Readiness Plan. The COA and their guests will discuss county resources available to older adults for non-emergency health care, and mental health and dementia support. Join us in welcoming representatives from Clark-Cowlitz Fire and Rescue CARES program, HOPE Dementia Support, and local representatives from NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness).

The meeting will be held 4:30 pm Wednesday, April 16, and is open to the public.

Commission on Aging meetings are currently held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Training Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.

Commission meetings are carried on CVTV Channel 23/323 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the of the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.

Update

On April 2^nd detectives from the Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit arrested Jeremiah Santos Isezaki for Assault I and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm related to the shooting investigation. At the time the shooting charges were added, Santos Isezaki was lodged in the Clark County Jail on an arrest warrant unrelated to this case.

The investigation is continuing.

Vancouver, Wash. – This morning at approximately 6:52 a.m., Vancouver Police responded to the Burnt Bridge Creek trail near the area of NE Andresen Rd/18^th Street for the report of a shooting. Officers located a male with a life-threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital. A search of the area was conducted, including the use of UAS and a K9 track.

Detectives from the Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit are investigating and interviewing possible witnesses to confirm a suspect description.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

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Salem, Ore – The State of Oregon, alongside 19 other states, is seeking a temporary restraining order against the current administration’s March 31, 2025 action placing nearly all Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) staff on administrative leave. The motion is supported by written testimony from Oregon’s State Librarian, Wendy Cornelisen, detailing the effects of the IMLS shutdown on the State Library of Oregon and local libraries in Oregon.

“I know that the impact of this action would cause IMLS to be unable to administer financial programs on which the State Library of Oregon relies and on which it expects to rely in the future, it will cause significant financial harm to the State of Oregon and hamper the State’s efforts to facilitate access to information through providing library services,” Cornelisen said in her testimony.

This action follows from Executive Order 14238, which proposed eliminating the “non-statutory components and functions” of seven federal agencies, including IMLS. The IMLS action threatens $2.6 million in funding that the State Library relies on for a quarter of its annual budget.

Funds from IMLS support a number of critical services used by libraries across Oregon including:

• Two-thirds of the Library Support and Development Services division staff, who advise and support the 1,600 academic, public school, and special libraries and Tribal Nations around the state. These staff also coordinate the programs listed below.
• Free access for all Oregonians to electronic articles from magazines, newspapers, academic journals, and more through the Statewide Database Licensing Program.
• Northwest Digital Heritage, a site that collects over one million digitized photographs, letters, documents, and more from over 250 libraries, museums, and other institutions around the Pacific Northwest.
• Competitive grant programs for libraries that have funded projects as diverse as bookmobiles, teen internships in libraries, loanable laptops for low-income students, makerspaces, and digital skills training.
• Statewide and regional programs such as the Oregon Battle of the Books, Oregon School Library Information System (OSLIS), Library2Go, and half of the Sage Library System courier system serving over 75 libraries across 15 counties in Eastern Oregon.
• Answerland, the state’s 24/7 online chat reference service that connects people with questions to librarians with answers.
• Free professional development opportunities for library staff, volunteers, and board members.

The above programs and many more are paid in whole or part by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds, statutorily administered by IMLS. The LSTA was enacted by Congress as part of the Museum and Library Services Act in 1996. It includes annual grants to all 50 states through IMLS’s Grants to States program.

In addition to threatening current fiscal year projects, IMLS’s uncertain status means that the State Library is unable to make financial commitments for next fiscal year. The agency has not yet received its FFY 2025 award letter from IMLS. Confirmation of the 2025 award is necessary to fund staff, ongoing services, contracts with vendors, and the 2025 competitive grant cycle that is in process now. Congress authorized FFY 2025 funding for IMLS in continuing resolution HR 1968, which became law on March 15, 2025.

Oregon is joined in the motion for the temporary restraining order by Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. The request was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. The State is represented by the Oregon Department of Justice.

For more information, contact State Librarian Wendy Cornelisen at nelisen@slo.oregon.gov">wendy.cornelisen@slo.oregon.gov or 503-378-4367.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Finance Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. on April 10, 2025. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/83904409820?pwd=umlsbSA2OaJTt5tNmqlrYqvvEvox4d.1
Passcode:653784

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver is now seeking applicants to fill two full-term openings on its Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. Applications are due by Friday, May 2.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission advises the City on needs, plans and programs for parks, open space, playgrounds, facilities and recreation services, including the implementation of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Comprehensive Plan.  

Membership eligibility and requirements

• Must be a city resident 

• Ability to serve a term beginning Aug. 1, 2025 through July 31, 2028

• Knowledgeable, or willing to become knowledgeable, about Parks and Recreation services

• Members should broadly be representative of the different neighborhoods and areas served by the City’s parks system

For full board details, including meeting times, visit http://www.cityofvancouver.us/boards.

How to apply

Visit www.cityofvancouver.us/boards to apply online. For questions or to request the application in other languages or formats, please contact the City’s Boards and Commissions Coordinator by mail at Vancouver City Hall, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995, by phone at 360-487-8600 (WA Relay 711), or by email at c_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us">bc_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us.

###

HILLSBORO, Ore- On April 2, 2025, a Washington County jury found Isauro Garcia guilty of aggravated theft in the first degree and theft in the first degree and was sentenced to 60 months in prison by Judge Erik Buchér. Deputy District Attorney Alicia Gerten prosecuted this case.
 

On February 20, 2023, Mr. Garcia and a woman entered a Walmart in Tigard. The defendant tampered with a security case holding electronics. He then filled his cart with other items and left the store without paying for them. He returned about 30 minutes later and attempted to disguise his appearance. He extracted four security cameras from the electronics case he had previously tampered with and left without paying for the merchandise. The stolen items cost more than $1,500.
 

The next month, the defendant and the same woman stole more than $10,000 in electronics from a Walmart in Cornelius on two separate occasions. Mr. Garcia used a similar method to tamper with the locked electronics case to access the merchandise.
 

Mr. Garcia was on probation related to separate property crimes when he committed these additional acts. This allowed the judge to enhance his sentence.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the Tigard Police Department and the Cornelius Police Department for their work on these cases. This office also acknowledges the work of loss prevention teams in identifying the suspects and reporting these crimes to law enforcement.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office, on behalf of the Washington County Interagency Organized Retail Theft Task Force, has secured grant funding from the State of Oregon to support efforts to combat organized retail theft and shoplifting across the county. This grant allows this office to purchase security systems upgrades for qualifying small and medium-sized businesses. Visit our website to learn more about this effort and to submit an application.
 

Mr. Garcia will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence. 

(Tualatin, Ore.) - Oregon Health and Science University’s (OHSU) acquisition of Legacy Health has widespread support from community leaders, including the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), who are invested in creating a stronger and more vibrant healthcare system in Oregon. ONA represents thousands of frontline healthcare professionals at both OHSU and Legacy Health, who perform critical jobs that make these hospitals work. ONA strongly supports this acquisition because it will drastically increase our ability to recruit and retain more frontline caregivers while increasing access to high-quality care for Oregonians.

While ONA is disappointed by the advisory vote of the Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) community review board, which opted not to support the acquisition, we remain confident that this deal will be finalized.

Oregonians face agonizing delays in accessing needed care due to lack of capacity at OHSU, while Legacy has beds that are going unstaffed. OHSU’s $1 billion investment will address this critical challenge by hiring staff and modernizing outdated facilities. As a result, we believe patients will be more likely to see improved health outcomes if the transaction is approved. Patients will experience shorter wait times for care, healthcare workers will gain access to better training, and the system will improve language access and generate substantial resources to advance health equity, ultimately improving our community health. The system will create more opportunities for clinician collaboration and a seamless process for access to patient care records that will improve coordination and health outcomes. 

In addition, as a public institution, OHSU's transparency, at a time when patients are becoming more and more distrusting of our healthcare system, will extend to the new, integrated system, ensuring accountability and building public trust.

OHSU’s acquisition of Legacy Health is a win for patients, a win for frontline healthcare workers, and a win for all Oregonians. We look forward to the continuation of the Health Care Market Oversight process and for the acquisition to be approved.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 23,000 nurses and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals, including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Council Chair Sue Marshall will present the 2025 State of the County address in a video to be released on Wednesday, April 9. The video will be available beginning at 9 am on the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov. Clark Vancouver TV will begin airing the video later that day at 6:30 pm on channel 23/323 and www.CVTV.org.

In the speech, Chair Marshall will discuss local topics of interest in Clark County and what’s happening in the various county departments. Topics will include the county’s budget, the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update, law and justice funding and more.

“Clark County residents care about their community and want to know what’s happening in county government,” said Chair Marshall. “The State of the County address is our opportunity to provide an update on the programs and projects the county has been working on, discuss what’s coming up in the near future, and how the community can get involved.”

Wasco County, Ore. 7 April 2025- On Friday, April 4, 2025, at 9:08 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 65, in Wasco County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Honda CRV, operated by Eduardo Enrique Aguirre (34) of Spokane (WA), attempted to pass a commercial motor vehicle in a no-passing zone and struck a northbound Volkswagen Atlas, operated by Eric Daniel Smidt (45) of Pendleton, head-on.

A passenger of the Honda, a male juvenile (7) was transported by lifeflight and later declared deceased. The operator of the Honda (Eduardo Aguirre) and a passenger, a male juvenile (4), were seriously injured and transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The operator of the Volkswagen (Eric Smidt) and passengers, Heather Marie Smidt (46) and a male juvenile (15) of Pendleton, were seriously injured and transported to an area hospital for treatment. 

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. An unlawful pass is considered a primary cause of the crash.

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

# # #

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

SALEM, Ore.—Public hearings are scheduled April 17 and 18 to gather feedback on the proposed rules Oregon Administrative Rule 629-041-0515 and 629-041-0550, which adjusts the boundary between the Central Oregon and Northeast Oregon District.

The proposed rules establish the Central Oregon Forest Protection District Boundary to exclude approximately 122,321 acres in Morrow County, Oregon through a transfer to the Northeast Oregon Forest Protection District. See the notice of proposed rulemaking for rule language.

Public comment can be made by joining any of the public hearings at the specified time through the Zoom meeting links:

• April 17, 2025 1 p.m., Zoom meeting
• April 18, 2025, 5 p.m., Zoom meeting

Comment on the proposed amendment can also be submitted by email until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 to yan.miller@odf.oregon.gov">ryan.miller@odf.oregon.gov.

Standing Water Persists in Some Neighborhoods, Renewed Flooding Expected

Burns, Oregon – April 7, 2025, as of 3 p.m. – Floodwaters continued to recede over the weekend, and properties in the area of N Broadway Avenue became accessible again, with a low point of the street with standing water. Meanwhile other neighborhoods in Eastern Burns near the Silvies River are still experiencing standing water.

As forecasted, the Silvies River is expected to reach flood stage on Tuesday, due to additional snowmelt. This renewed threat necessitates that residents, even those in areas where water has receded, remain alert and prepared for potential evacuation orders. Evacuation levels could be reinstated or expanded at any time. Residents in these areas are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Efforts to reinforce the Dike D levee are expected to be completed today, thanks to the ongoing partnership between the Army Corps of Engineers and local contractors. Gravel operations on the Dike D are ongoing.

In anticipation of rising river levels, emergency managers are resuming sandbag operations to ensure bags are available for residents, located at City of Hines Public Works.

The City of Burns' drinking water remains safe and unaffected. Public works crews continue to address the city’s sewer system, which remains impacted by the flooding.

Public health officials continue to stress the serious health risks associated with floodwaters. Residents are urged to practice caution when in flooded or previously flooded areas.

For the latest information and a list of resources, including shelter, public health, road conditions and disposal information, please visit harneycountyor.gov/flood/ and our Facebook page.

On Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 4:44 pm, Weyerhaeuser security personnel located Dean Kirby’s gray 2016 Mazda locked and unoccupied in a remote area approximately 3.5 miles onto Weyerhaeuser-owned property at the end of Ostrander Road. Kirby’s vehicle was found slightly off the traveled portion of the road, immobile and it appeared to have been there for a period of time.

Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, preserved the immediate area and conducted a preliminary search for Mr. Kirby without success. The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, Kelso Police and Cowlitz County Search & Rescue reconvened this morning to complete a more thorough search of the heavily-wooded area.

At 11:44 am, members of Search & Rescue located the body of a deceased male approximately one mile from where Mr. Kirby's vehicle was found. There is no evidence to suggest there is any danger to the public related to this discovery.

The identification and cause and manner of death of the decedent will be released by the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office in the following days.

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver is now seeking applicants to fill two positions on the Urban Forestry Commission. Applications are due by Friday, May 2

The Urban Forestry Commission is an active, working group that advises City Council on Vancouver’s urban forestry policies and regulations, assists with updating the Urban Forestry program's work plan, and administers the Heritage Tree Program, Arbor Day recognition and awards programs.

Membership eligibility and requirements

• An interest in making our community a greener place 

• Commit to monthly in-person meetings

• Ability to serve a term beginning July 1, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2029 or a term beginning June 2, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2026

For full board details, including term information and meeting times, visit http://www.cityofvancouver.us/boards.

How to apply

Visit www.cityofvancouver.us/boards to apply online. For questions or to request the application in other languages or formats, please contact the City’s Boards and Commissions Coordinator by mail at Vancouver City Hall, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995, by phone at 360-487-8600 (WA Relay 711), or by email at c_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us">bc_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us.

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The Easter Bunny has already RSVP’d for his favorite Easter Egg Hunt anywhere! It’s the
Tualatin Lions Club’s 52’nd annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the big green
Tualatin Community Park, 8515 SW Tualatin Rd., Tualatin OR.
The Tualatin Lions Club and their Scout Troop 530 Scouts have been busy getting ready for this
giant event and the Ester Bunny’s visit. As always, EVERY hunter is a winner! Hunters just need
to have fun on the hunt, get an egg or two, or even none, then meet up with the Troop 530
Scouts for a bag of safe Easter candy! There will be “special” eggs in each hunting area to be
exchanged for Big prizes!
Be sure to come early for photos with the Easter Bunny, who has promised to arrive by Noon.
Hunts will start promptly at 1:00PM with the Toddlers to 2-year-olds in the playground area
(the only hunt where parents and grandparents can help). The 3 and 4-year-olds are next in
the field between the tennis/pickle-ball courts. Next come the 5 and 6-year olds in deep left
field, finishing with the big kids, 7 and 8-years-old in shallow left field. All hunters should bring
their own basket/bag/bucket … container for Easter Eggs.
A special feature of the Tualatin Lions Easter Egg Hunt is the hunt for our vision impaired
friends. The Lions have beeping Easter eggs for those friends and that hunt starts at 12:50PM
just north of the main picnic shelter.
Troop 530 Scouts and Tualatin Lions will be on hand to give directions to hunting areas and to
help with photos with the Easter Bunny. The Tualatin Lions will also have their popular
popcorn/soda/water sales on hand. Each item is still just $1.
There is NO charge to any hunter or their families. This is the Tualatin Lions Club’s annual fun
“give back” to Tualatin children and their families. The Tualatin Lions will gladly accept
monetary donations (near the popcorn popper) or donations of non-perishable food items for
local food pantries (no glass containers, please).
The Lions and Scouts are all excited to see the regions children and to welcome the Easter
Bunny, Saturday, April 19, 2025.
The Tualatin Lions Club welcomes anyone with interest in having fun and serving their
community, especially those less fortunate. The Tualatin Lions Can be reached at
tualatinlionsclub@gmail.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2025

New Avenues for Youth Presents the 15^th Annual Scoop-A-Thon to Prevent Youth Homelessness

Serving up scoops of joy New Avenues for Youth and Ben & Jerry’s celebrate Free Cone Day while raising funds to support Portland’s Homeless Youth

PORTLAND, Ore. – 4.7.25 - On Tuesday, April 8^th, local nonprofit New Avenues for Youth in partnership with Ben & Jerry’s, will celebrate the Scoop-A-Thon and Free Cone Day from 12 pm to 8 pm at the non-profit’s Partner Shop (524 SW Yamhill St, Portland, OR 97204). This year they will scoop more than 2000 cones, with all proceeds benefitting programs for youth currently experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.

Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone day began in 1979, as a way for Ben & Jerry’s to give back to the community that helped it grow from a single Scoop Shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, to one of the most beloved ice cream companies worldwide. Free Cone Day has turned into a global celebration, with fans lining up for free scoops in more than 35 countries. Last year fans showed up in record numbers, helping Ben & Jerry’s scoopers serve up over 1 million scoops of free ice cream.

The only Ben & Jerry’s in the Portland area is also the ONLY store in the country owned and operated exclusively by a non-profit – a unique and long-standing partnership between New Avenues for Youth and Ben & Jerry’s. To celebrate Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day, New Avenues hosts an annual “Scoop-A-Thon” event on the same day, funds going directly towards its youth homelessness programs. This year’s event is presented by New Avenues long-time partner, Bank of America.

Opening in 2004, the New Avenues for Youth Ben and Jerry’s Partner Shop aims to provide tangible job training skills to youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. In addition to the Ben & Jerry’s shop, New Avenues also owns and operates New Avenues INK, a screen-printing shop that has been printing high-quality items for businesses and individuals within the community for the past 12 years. Together these shops comprise New Avenues’ social enterprise program, which over the past 20 years has provided hundreds of young people with real job skills and work experience.

“Free Cone Day has always been about gratitude – we want to thank our fans for being the best fans in the world with free ice cream and a moment of pure joy,” said Jennie Vinson, Director of Social Enterprise at New Avenues for Youth. “This year, more than ever, we’re reminded how powerful those small moments of happiness can be. AND- we are excited to be celebrating our 20^th Free Cone Day in Downtown Portland, with all Scoop-a-Thon proceeds going to New Avenues for Youth.”

Next week join the Ben & Jerry’s New Avenues team alongside ‘Scooper Sponsors’: KGW Media Group, NW Natural and US Bank, as they scoop classic Ben & Jerry’s chunky, swirly flavors. This year’s event is also sponsored by ‘Sundae Sponsors’:  Canopy, Colas Construction and Ferguson Wellman Capital Management. 

Although the ice cream served on Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day is free, donations are gratefully accepted in the Partner Shop and online at www.newavenues.org/donate with all proceeds generated at the event going directly towards New Avenue’s programs.

To learn more about New Avenues social enterprise shop, career-readiness programs, and other programs aimed at preventing youth homelessness visit www.newavenues.org/programs.

For more information, visit www.newavenues.org/scoopathon. News organizations are also invited to cover this event on the day of and can schedule by contacting Lauren Eads, leads@newavenues.org

About New Avenues for Youth

New Avenues for Youth is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and intervention of youth homelessness. Since 1997, our programs and services have impacted more than 30,000 young people as they work to overcome barriers, pursue their goals, and realize their potential. From supporting basic needs like meals and counseling to providing opportunities for education, job training, employment, and housing, we meet youth where they are—and help them get where they want to go.  For more information, go to www.newavenues.org.

CONTACT:

Lauren Eads
Director of Development & Communications
She/Her/Hers

leads@newavenues.org
P: 503.517.3909
 

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Policy Committee will meet at 12:00 p.m. on April 9, 2025. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/82856646712?pwd=erz8gXiByaygWJ3ihrR2SwW2pU9RXq.1
Passcode:861226

The City of Vancouver is now seeking applicants to fill ​three​ ​full-term​ openings on its ​Building and Fire Code Commission​. Applications are due by Friday, May 2. 

​​The Building and Fire Code Commission is a volunteer group that advises the Vancouver City Council on building and fire code updates or new rules.  

​The Building and Fire Code Commission:

• ​Reviews building, fire and construction code issues  

• ​Recommends safety and construction regulations  

• ​Evaluates proposed code changes  

• ​Advises City Council on code updates  

• ​Helps resolve disputes about building and fire codes 

​ ​Membership eligibility and requirements 

• ​Someone with substantial experience or expertise in codes or construction, such as a licensed architect, professional structural engineer, professional mechanical engineer, professional electrical engineer, general building contractor, residential contractor, mechanical contractor, fire systems contractor, fire code specialist, plumbing contractor, electrical contractor, building material supplier and/or construction industry union representative. 

• ​Ability to serve a term beginning July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2031 or a term beginning May 12, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2026 

​​ For full board details, including term information and meeting times, visit http://www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. 

How to apply 

Visit www.cityofvancouver.us/boards to apply online. For questions or to request the application in other languages or formats, please contact the City’s Boards and Commissions Coordinator by mail at Vancouver City Hall, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995, by phone at 360-487-8600 (WA Relay 711), or by email at c_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 48, 87); background-color: transparent; text-underline-offset: 0.25ch;" target="_blank">bc_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us.  

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Media Advisory – Media Invited

What: Kaiser Permanente goes Out of Office, Into Nature with SOLVE

When: Wednesday, April 9, from 9 – 11 am

Where: Kaiser Permanente Cascade Park Medical Office, 12607 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA |
Map Link (We are meeting at the Southwest Corner of the parking lot)

Event Description: To celebrate National Volunteer Month, Kaiser Permanente employees are stepping into the community for a litter cleanup event in Vancouver, WA. Hosted in partnership with SOLVE, this “Out of Office, Into Nature” cleanup will bring together more than 50 Kaiser Permanente staff from facilities across the region. Volunteers will fan out around the Kaiser Permanente Cascade Park Medical Office to remove litter and beautify the surrounding area. SOLVE’s corporate event program makes it simple for organizations like Kaiser Permanente to empower their teams and take collective action for a cleaner, healthier environment -- right in their own backyard.

"Volunteering and giving back to the communities we serve is so important to Kaiser Permanente and our employees," said Ron Shoals, Community Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "Hundreds of our employees are participating in 25 volunteer activities this month, and we're very proud to be partnering with SOLVE today to clean up the neighborhood around our Cascade Park Medical Office.

"We know that cleaner communities are healthier,” said Shoals. “80 percent of people's health is determined outside of the clinical environment, and most significantly by the socioeconomic conditions in the neighborhoods where people live, work and play. Partnering with SOLVE today is a great way to fulfill our mission of giving back, as well as demonstrating our commitment to keeping our Vancouver communities clean and healthy.

Why: This cleanup event reflects Kaiser Permanente’s deep commitment to community health, recognizing that the conditions in which people live, work, and play significantly impact their overall well-being. By partnering with SOLVE, Kaiser Permanente is investing in the health of the neighborhoods they serve. As part of National Volunteer Month, this effort is one of many across the region that celebrates the power of corporate volunteerism and the role of local businesses in building more resilient, vibrant communities.

Media Crews: Arrive by 9 am outside the Kaiser Permanente Cascade Park Medical Office in Vancouver to see more than 50 staff members volunteers being greeted by SOLVE staff, checking in, collecting their cleanup supplies, receiving a safety speech and event briefing, and then heading out in groups to pick up litter in the surrounding area. Kaiser Permanente staff based in Vancouver, along with team members from other regional locations, will participate in this cleanup.

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

Available interviewees will include: 

Ron Shoals, Community Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northwest

Visit the Corporate Events page on the SOLVE website for more information.

About SOLVE:

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

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org

FVRLibraries invites residents of the library district to get to know the library and the communities it serves in a new way! As part of FVRLibraries’ 75th Anniversary celebration, the FVRLibraries Road Trip Passport offers individuals and families the opportunity to visit the 15 libraries of the district, get the unique passport stamp for each one, find the answer to a challenge question, and visit some fun and interesting community locations. Many local attractions qualify for free admission passes through the library’s Experience Pass program. Answers to challenge questions can be logged online to earn badges and enter the traveler in the grand prize drawing at the end of the program. There’s even an option for armchair travelers.

Passports are now available at all FVRLibraries locations. The journey continues through December 1. Three winners will take home a grand prize at the end of their adventure. Learn more and get started at fvrl.org/passport.

SALEM, Ore. – As the Black Cove Complex is turned back to the local district, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) 39 firefighters have begun the demobilization process and are returning home.

“This deployment was the best way we could say thank you.” Michael Curran, ODF Protection Division Chief, said. “Firefighters are so interconnected and being able to lean on each other when we need it is what makes us stronger.”

Over the weekend, 26 firefighters flew home, eight people will fly home today, and one individual will fly home on Tuesday. This will leave four ODF staff remaining in North Carolina to help close the Black Cove Complex.

The firefighters went to North Carolina under state-to-state mutual assistance agreements, which creates a reciprocal cache of resources. When wildfire activity is low in Oregon, like during spring, firefighters can be spared to help in places experiencing high levels of wildfire. Oregon can and has called on those same states to send firefighters and equipment when wildfire here exceeds local capacity. Most recently, Oregon gratefully welcomed an incident management team and other overhead positions from North Carolina in the 2024 fire season. 

Through these mutual assistance agreements with other states, including Alaska, Hawaii and NW Canadian territories, states, provinces and territories can share resources with one another, creating a larger, comprehensive fire management system.

“The complete and coordinated system is there not just to benefit other states, but Oregon as well when peak season hits,” Curran said.

Oregon saw the benefit of these agreements this past fire season, in which ODF received resources from about 20 states and Canadian provinces/territories. The department is continuing to expand its state-to-state agreements nationwide to facilitate reciprocal resource sharing during heightened times of need.

It’s been a year since Cheng “Charlie” Saephan’s life was forever changed, as he discovered the Powerball ticket he purchased was worth $1.3 billion - the largest in Oregon’s history and fourth largest Powerball jackpot in history. Saephan shared the prize with his wife and a friend, who went in on the ticket purchase.  

Since April 6, when the winning drawing took place, he’s been focused on his health, and is “still fighting” a cancer diagnosis. Other than a guys’ trip to Vegas, he has chosen to stay in the Portland area and has undergone two surgeries, not allowing for much jet setting.     

So how has the prize changed his life over the past year? Saephan used some of his good fortune to buy a new home for his family and made a fun purchase for himself – a metallic, neon Lamborghini. The color and style is so rare, he had to purchase the sports car from a dealer in Canada.  

“I don’t worry about money now,” he said. “I’ve got my family set up.”  

He’s also supporting the community, with the purchase of east side apartments as an investment property and is financially invested in a growing, local Thai restaurant group.  

The response to his big win had his heartfelt story and picture show up in media coverage across the globe. He was even recognized by a stranger at a Blazer game.  

“’Hi, how are you doing?’ a woman at the game asked,” Saephan said. “I had a beer in my hand and we cheered and she was acting like she knows me. I said, ‘do I know you?’ and she said, ‘I saw you on the news. You look like the guy who won the lottery.’”   

Day to day, not much has changed. Saephan is at home when his children arrive after school and mostly continues to enjoy a simple life. He still enjoys some lottery play, buying Powerball and Megabucks tickets each week. He believes he could win again, as much as he believes in using his good fortune to help support his family and community.  

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $16.5 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.  

New Exhibit, Artist in Residence, Art Talks and Workshops Offered  
 

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Archer Gallery at Clark College is hosting a new exhibit and a slate of public programs including an artist in residence, art talks and art workshops in April and May. All events are free and open to the public. All events will take place on Clark’s main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way. Except where noted, all talks take place in Archer Gallery, located at the lower southwest entrance of Penguin Union Building. Light refreshments will be provided. Directions and maps are available online. 

Find details at Archer Gallery (clark.edu) or https://www.archergallery.space/upcoming-art-talks.
Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds. If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 Email: hr@clark.edu

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: Bruce Conkle

• Opening Reception: April 10, noon – 4 p.m. in Archer Gallery
• Artist Talk:                April 15, 1-2 p.m. at Penguin Union Building, Room 161
• Workshop 1:             "Paper Sculpture" April 30, 1 – 2:30 p.m. in Archer Gallery
• Workshop 2:             "Silver Leafing" May 6, noon – 1:30 p.m. in Archer Gallery
• Closing Reception:  11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on May 10 in Archer Gallery
• Artist website:          https://bruceconkle.com/

Archer Gallery Director Kendra Larson explained why Conkle was chosen as artist in residence: “His work is engaging, thoughtful, and funny and because he has experience working with students. He has an extensive resume and plans to use his time in the residency to create ambitious drawings and sculptures. His first workshop will be about creating paper sculptures, and his second workshop will be on silver leafing. His work explores climate change, which is an important, current topic discussed in science, art, philosophy, and social science classrooms amongst others.” 

Bruce Conkle declares an affinity for mysterious natural phenomena such as snow, fire, rainbows, crystals, volcanos, tree burls, and meteorites. He examines contemporary attitudes toward the environment, including deforestation, climate change, and extinction. Conkle's work often deals with man's place within nature and frequently examines what he calls the misfit quotient at the crossroads. 

His work has been shown in Reykjavik, Iceland; Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and in the United States in New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Seattle and Portland. Conkle’s recent projects include public art commissions for the Oregon Department of Transportation, TriMet/MAX Light Rail, and Portland State University's Smith Memorial Student Union Public Art + Residency. He has been the recipient of a Hallie Ford Fellowship, an Oregon Arts Commission Artist Fellowship and Regional Arts and Culture Council project grant.

CLARK ART TALKS

Larson said: “For the Clark Art Talks, I have invited artists from a variety of media, backgrounds, and experiences to share their work with our community. Each of these professional artists have unique histories and will share personal stories of artistic struggle and success with Clark students. As a student studying art, it is extremely valuable to hear how other artists have carved out careers for themselves.” 

Chris Lael Larson

• Artist Talk:        April 21, 10 – 11 a.m.
• Zoom:                 https://clark-edu.zoom.us/j/89415804013
• Artist’s website: https://www.chrislaellarson.com

Chris Lael Larson combines digital media with traditional painting, photography, and drawing materials. His colorful work playfully challenges our ideas of visual perception. His artist talk will be via Zoom to accommodate a digital painting class that meets online.

Larson has shown work in more than 30 cities across the U.S., with notable exhibitions at the Berkeley Museum of Art, Portland Institute of Contemporary Art, and The Portland Art Museum NW Film Center. He received a 2020 grant from The Regional Arts and Culture Council to publish Cape Disappointment, a photo book documenting the visual vernacular of the distinctive towns of the coastal northwest — places where historical, cultural, commercial, and natural forces layer to create a confounding visual mélange. 

Malia Jensen

• Artist Talk:          April 23, 1 –2 p.m. in Penguin Union Building room 161
• Artist’s website: https://www.maliajensenstudio.com/

Malia Jensen creates sculptures and videos that investigate systems of nature. Her aesthetic is clever, polished, and highly crafted with a nod to symbolic imagery. Jensen draws inspiration from the natural world and the complex relationships we negotiate within it. Her technically accomplished work marries the tactile authority of the handmade with complex psychological narratives and a genuine quest for harmony and understanding. 

Her work can be found in many public and private collections nationally and throughout the Northwest. Her project, Nearer Nature, received support from the Creative Heights Initiative of the Oregon Community Foundation. The resulting six-hour video, “Worth Your Salt,” was screened online during her virtual residency with the Portland Art Museum and was added to its permanent collection. 

Kimberly Trowbridge

• Artist Talk and Color Workshop:  May 1, 10 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Frost Art Center, room 108
• Artist’s website:                              https://www.kimberlytrowbridge.com

Kimberly Trowbridge works with installation, paint, and performance to create psychological landscapes and large narrative paintings. A lecturer on color theory, Trowbridge is the director of The Modern Color Atelier, a multi-year painting program at Gage Academy of Art, Seattle. She has led plein-air painting tours in Spain, Portugal, and Twisp, Wash. She is currently developing work in the Pacific Northwest and the Mojave Desert and is writing her first book on color. 

Trowbridge, who has developed a practice of traveling and oil painting directly from nature, says, “On the field is where I cultivate a deep and sensitive awareness of color interaction. I consider these field works my ‘primary documents,’ and they help inform my larger, narrative paintings.” She added: “I use stage-like, pastoral settings to create visual allegories of our physical and spiritual connection to the natural world.” 

Mark R. Smith

• Artist Talk:           May 9, 1 –2 p.m., Penguin Union Building, room 161
• Artist’s website: https://markrsmithstudio.com

Mark R. Smith’s art utilizes textiles as a way to examine and understand social structures. He will talk about teaching, collaboration and public art. His current studio practice involves using recycled textiles which he incorporates into labor-intensive, densely patterned motifs that reference communal architecture, crowd dynamics and the behavioral aspects of social organisms.

His work has been featured in institutions across the U.S. His solo exhibitions include Gallery Hlemmur, Reykjavik, Iceland; the Office of the Governor, Salem, Oregon and the Elizabeth Leach Gallery in Portland, Oregon. His work is included in several public and private collections, including the American Embassy, Accra, Ghana; City Arts Inc., New York; King County Public Art Collection, Meta, Seattle, Washington and Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon and Nike Inc., Beaverton, Oregon.

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Todd Mikal Stafney, died the morning of April 5, 2025. Stafney was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away in the facility infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Stafney entered DOC custody on February 26, 2018, from Washington County and with an earliest release date of December 17, 2042. Stafney was 54 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

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

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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On Friday, April 4, 2025, at 10:08 p.m., deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a motorcycle crash in the area of SW River Road near SW Farmington Road, south of Hillsboro. The first deputy arrived just four minutes after the 911 call.

An off-duty firefighter from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue was driving through the area when he came upon a serious crash involving a motorcycle. Deputies arrived and were assisted during their investigation by the Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) and the Remotely Operated Vehicle Team (ROVT).

The investigation revealed that the motorcyclist had been traveling north on SW River Road from SW Farmington Road when he failed to negotiate a slight curve in the road and collided with a tree. The impact killed the motorcyclist, who was later identified as Andrew S. Canela, 25, of Beaverton. High speed was a factor in this crash.

The Oregon Department of Transportation has already recorded 94 motor vehicle traffic fatalities for 2025, including five motorcyclists. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to slow down, drive without distractions and designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service after using any substance that impairs one’s ability to drive safely.

April 5, 2025, REDMOND, OR- At approximately 3:30am this morning Redmond Fire & Rescue was alerted to a reported structure fire at 2033 SW 30th St. While responding to the fire, dispatch advised that multiple callers were reporting two or more homes on fire. Based on this information, the incident commander requested additional units to respond. 

Upon arrival of fire crews, a single family home, two sheds and a wooden fence were heavily involved in fire. Crews quickly deployed hose lines to control the fire and ensure everyone had evacuated. Due to the quick actions of fire crews, they were able to keep the fire contained to the one home and outbuildings. 
 

There were no reports of any injuries. An estimate on the dollar loss is not available.
 

The cause of the fire was determined to be embers from a recreational fire coming into contact with nearby combustibles. 

Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind everyone to ensure your recreational fire is completely out before leaving the fire. Drown the fire and surrounding area with water, stir the fire with a shovel, then drown it again. Add water and stir until the area is cold to the touch.

Remember to test your smoke alarms and to have an escape plan and practice it.

Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to thank Bend Fire & Rescue and Redmond Police for their assistance.

On April 4, 2025, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the Beaverton Police Department and loss prevention staff from Target and Home Depot on an organized retail theft mission. During the mission, 16 people were arrested.

During the mission, detectives from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Beaverton Police Department and uniformed patrol deputies and officers worked with loss prevention staff to identify people engaging in thefts at Target and Home Depot stores within the city of Beaverton and in Washington County. Hundreds of dollars of merchandise was recovered from those arrested.

Arrested during the mission were:

• Eric F. Brandon, 37, of Cornelius, for Theft in the Third Degree and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree;
• Alexander J. Berki, 38, of Portland, for Theft in the Third Degree;
• Andrea C. Berki, 40, of Beaverton, for Theft in the Third Degree;
• Annette J. Garcia-Garcia, 37, of Albany for Theft in the Third Degree and multiple warrants;
• Jennifer L. Humphrey, 48, of Beaverton, for Theft in the Third Degree and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine;
• Joshua T. Kreider, 23 of Beaverton, for Theft in the Third Degree;
• Brandon M. Newsome, 44 of Portland, for Theft in the Third Degree and a warrant for failing to appear in court;
• Dominik J. L. Noriega, 23, of Beaverton, for Theft in the Third Degree and a warrant for failing to appear in court;
• Jerika B. Padua, 29, of Beaverton, for Theft in the Second Degree;
• Taylor A. Phillips, 25, of Portland, for Theft in the Second Degree;
• Yihao Wu, 32, of Beaverton, for Theft in the Second Degree;
• Peng Zhang, 30, of Beaverton, for Theft in the Second Degree;
• Four juveniles whose names and other information cannot be released by our office;

This mission was funded by a grant obtained by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will continue to engage with retail and law enforcement partners on further missions to combat shoplifting in Washington County.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office extends its thanks to the Beaverton Police Department, Target and Home Depot for their cooperation and assistance.