At their City Council meeting on November 4, the Tigard City Council voted to donate $10,000 of their City Council funds to address food instability for the Tigard community.

The City will provide these funds to Packed with Pride as a match to donations from businesses and the community, up to $10,000. Packed with Pride is a food support program for students and families organized by The Foundation for Tigard Tualatin Schools, in partnership with the school district and Oregon Food Bank.

“I'm proud of our City Council for responding to this moment of need,” said Mayor Yi-Kang Hu. “One in six Tigard residents faces food insecurity, and that is unacceptable.  No one in our city should have to worry about where their next meal comes from. I know our community will step up, as we always do, to make sure every family has what they need.”

Packed with Pride, as well as other food pantries and service providers, have seen an uptick in people seeking support. Just last week, Pack with Pride reported 33 new families sought food assistance, and the organization saw its busiest day ever – feeding approximately 1,000 people.

The City invites individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to consider making a donation to a community service organization in support of food stability during these uncertain times.

“We all benefit when community comes together to support one another. This is a great opportunity for people to help,” added Acting City Manager Emily Tritsch.

Donations made to Packed with Pride in November will be matched dollar for dollar until November 20 and can be made here.

###

EUGENE, Ore.— Three Honduran nationals have been charged with trafficking two kilograms of fentanyl.

Oscar Bonilla-Sandoval, 24, Jonathan David Matamoros-Carcamo, 22, and Jorge Adalberto Escoto-Andrade, 34, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute over 400 grams of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl.

According to court documents, on October 30, 2025, an Oregon State Police K9 trooper stopped a Toyota Camry driving on Interstate 5 in Linn County after observing suspicious behavior and for a traffic violation. Bonilla-Sandoval was the driver of the vehicle, Matamoros-Carcamo was the front passenger, and Escoto-Andrade was in the back seat. The trooper deployed his drug detecting K-9 to the exterior of the vehicle who alerted to the presence of a narcotic odor on the lower passenger door seam. A search of the vehicle revealed a manufactured compartment or “trap” within the front passenger seat.  

Law enforcement accessed the compartment and located a Smith and Wesson revolver sitting on top of approximately two kilograms of suspected fentanyl with a street value of approximately $85,000. The fentanyl was wrapped in tape in two brick forms and sitting on tin foil covered in cinnamon, which is a method used by drug traffickers to avoid detection by drug detection canines. 

Law enforcement also seized approximately $10,000 in bundled cash with pink bands wrapped around it from Matamoros-Carcamo and approximately $3,000 in cash from Escoto-Andrade.

Defendants made their first appearances in federal court on October 31, 2025, before a Magistrate Judge and were ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, and Springfield Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case.

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

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is potentially 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. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.— A Colombian national made his initial appearance today after being arrested for his alleged role in a burglary ring that primarily targeted residents of Asian descent in Oregon and Washington.

Derinson Martinez-Grandas, 34, is one of seven individuals charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to transmit stolen property.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early October 2025, Martinez-Grandas and six co-conspirators burglarized homes in Oregon and Washington by traveling from state to state, staying in short-term rentals secured by Martinez-Grandas, identifying and surveilling  potential burglary victims—who were all Asian business owners—and then performing reconnaissance on the victims’ residences.

The complaint and court documents allege that Martinez-Grandas and his co-conspirators employed signal jamming technology, perimeter countersurveillance, and seven-way group calls when carrying out their burglaries. They entered their victims’ homes by shattering glass doors. Once inside, they ransacked the residences, stealing large amounts of United States and foreign currency, jewelry, designer handbags, purses, wallets, travel documents, and other valuables. After the burglaries, the crew would return to their short-term rental and package the proceeds for transport, transfer, or transmittal.

Court documents allege that defendants first burglarized a home in Auburn, Washington on October 3, 2025, then burglarized a home in Eugene, Oregon, on October 6, 2025, and burglarized a third home in Salem, Oregon, on October 9, 2025. All were the homes of Asian business owners who were away working at their businesses. Between the Eugene and Salem burglaries, detectives with the Eugene Police Department became aware of the group’s movements and began surveillance. Following the burglary in Salem, detectives surveilled and identified that Martinez-Grandas and his co-conspirators returned to their rental in Eugene, which had been rented by Martinez-Grandas. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the rental that night.  

Upon execution of the warrant, investigators recovered money and property believed to be burglarized from the various residences, digital devices believed to be used by the burglary crew, evidence of money wires to Bogota, Colombia, and various Colombian travel documentation, including passports. As officers went to execute the search warrant, the burglary crew fled into a nearby wooded area. After several hours, law enforcement eventually detained all seven individuals. Investigators later performed searches of the devices, which revealed additional evidence of the conspiracy, including sending and receiving burglary coordinates, surveillance communications, and shared messages containing messages highlighting the burglary targets from the preceding days. 

“This multi-state operation deliberately targeted hardworking families and struck at the very core of personal safety – the victims’ own homes – instilling fear throughout multiple communities,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

“This robbery crew instilled fear and directed violence toward the hard-working small business owners who make this community special and unique,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Working with our partners at Eugene Police Department, we were able to disrupt their acts and hold them accountable for their actions.” 

“The District Attorney’s Office is solely interested in seeing these individuals held to account for the victimization of our community members,” said Lane County District Attorney Christopher J. Parosa. “We appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in helping local law enforcement achieve that end.”

Martinez-Grandas made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

William Estiven Rodriguez-Gaviria, 26, a co-conspirator, made his first appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the District of Arizona. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Eugene Police Department with assistance from the Salem Police Department and the Auburn Police Department. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, in coordination with the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.

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

# # #

Salem, OR – November 6, 2025 – Salem Area Mass Transit District (Cherriots) has been awarded a Transportation and Growth Management (TGM) planning grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Department of Land Conservation and Development. The grant will fund the development of a Mobility Integration Plan to better connect local transit options and improve travel throughout the region.

The plan will bring together findings from three current studies Cherriots is conducting – on shared micromobility, microtransit, and the fixed-route bus network review – to design a coordinated transportation system that’s easier and more convenient for everyone to use.

“This grant will allow us to develop a cohesive vision and an integrated approach to how all of Salem-Keizer's transportation options can function together to build a more connected, accessible, and sustainable community,” said Shofi Ull Azum, Chief Planning and Development Officer at Cherriots. “Whether it’s a bus, a bike, or an on-demand ride, our goal is to make it seamless for people to get where they need to go.”

The Mobility Integration Plan will help guide how Cherriots expands service and coordinates new technologies in the coming years, to include the possibility of a single fare and trip-planning platform to link them together. By improving access and reducing reliance on personal vehicles, the project supports regional goals for safety, fairness, and environmental sustainability.

The planning process will include opportunities for public input as Cherriots works with local partners and stakeholders to shape the future of mobility in the Salem-Keizer community.

Albany Police Department detectives, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service-Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Medford Police Department, Central Point Police Department, Eagle Point Police Department and Oregon State Police arrested Alexzander Israel Bentley-Lopez, age 23, of Stayton, in Medford, Oregon, for crimes committed in Albany. 

Honoring Corporal Tom Millsap’s memory, we shared the news of his unexpected passing on Sunday, October 26th, while he was at home with family. Tom served in the Washington County jail beginning in 2001 and was a Veteran of the Army before joining the Sheriff’s Office. Tom’s dedication, easy-going demeanor, and quiet professionalism will be missed.

Tom’s family has chosen to provide details about the service so that those whose lives he touched can attend. The memorial service will be held on Monday, November 10th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at Scappoose High School (33700 SE High School Way).

For those wishing to, but unable to attend, the service will be streamed live on YouTube at the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/o7r4q1Ev7xY?feature=share  

Offers of prayer and condolences can be sent to:

Attn. Family of Tom Millsap

Washington County Sheriff's Office

215 SW Adams Avenue

Hillsboro Or. 97123

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation for its support in coordinating events during this incredibly difficult time, as well as the Clackamas and Multnomah County Sheriff's Offices for assisting our community so that others can attend. 

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 6 Nov. 2025 – Oregon State Police K-9 team traffic stop leads to seizure of fentanyl, a firearm, and cash.

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., an OSP K-9 trooper stopped a passenger vehicle for a traffic violation on I-5 near milepost 216 in Linn County. During the stop, the trooper noticed signs of potential criminal activity and deployed drug detection K-9 Millie around the outside of the vehicle. K-9 Millie alerted to the possible presence of controlled substances. The trooper received consent to search the vehicle and discovered a hidden compartment. The search resulted in the seizure of two kilograms of fentanyl powder, a handgun, and a large amount of U.S. currency.

The driver, Oscar Joset Bonilla Sandoval (24), of San Francisco, California; passenger Jorge Adalberto Escoto Andrade (34), residence unknown; and passenger Jonathan David Matamoros Carcamo (22), residence unknown, were taken into custody and charged with drug-related offenses. The case has been referred to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

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

# # #

About K-9 Millie

K-9 Millie was named by then 5-year-old Violet, who submitted the name as part of OSP’s “Name Our K-9” contest last year. She chose the name in remembrance of her twin sister, Millie, who had unexpectedly passed away earlier that year. Millie loved animals, and her family had been looking for a way to honor her memory. May the contributions of K-9 Millie serve as an ongoing remembrance of Millie Melton.  

OSP Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative
The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement (OSP-DHE) Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 6 Nov. 2025 – Oregon State Police K-9 team traffic stop leads to seizure of fentanyl, a firearm, and cash.

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., an OSP K-9 trooper stopped a passenger vehicle for a traffic violation on I-5 near milepost 216 in Linn County. During the stop, the trooper noticed signs of potential criminal activity and deployed drug detection K-9 Millie around the outside of the vehicle. K-9 Millie alerted to the possible presence of controlled substances. The trooper received consent to search the vehicle and discovered a hidden compartment. The search resulted in the seizure of two kilograms of fentanyl powder, a handgun, and a large amount of U.S. currency.

The driver, Oscar Joset Bonilla Sandoval (24), of San Francisco, California; passenger Jorge Adalberto Escoto Andrade (34), residence unknown; and passenger Jonathan David Matamoros Carcamo (22), residence unknown, were taken into custody and charged with drug-related offenses. The case has been referred to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

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

# # #

About K-9 Millie

K-9 Millie was named by then 5-year-old Violet, who submitted the name as part of OSP’s “Name Our K-9” contest last year. She chose the name in remembrance of her twin sister, Millie, who had unexpectedly passed away earlier that year. Millie loved animals, and her family had been looking for a way to honor her memory. May the contributions of K-9 Millie serve as an ongoing remembrance of Millie Melton.  

OSP Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative
The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement (OSP-DHE) Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.

Across Oregon and our nation this week, we gather as communities in gratitude for the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. When they raised their right hand and swore that solemn oath, they pledged to protect something far greater than themselves: the rights and freedoms of every American. Veterans Day is our solemn duty to honor that enduring commitment and the generations who have carried it forward in defense of democracy and peace.

Those of us who have served know that the decision to wear our nation’s uniform is not one made lightly. It begins with an oath, a promise to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Since the founding of our Republic, generations of Americans have taken that same oath, pledging loyalty not to an individual or a crown, but to an enduring ideal — that all people are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence next year, we are reminded that the American experiment was secured not only by words on parchment, but by those willing to stand in their defense. From the citizen-soldiers of the Revolutionary War to the service members of today’s all-volunteer force, each generation has answered the call to safeguard those freedoms.

Notably, this year also marks 250 years of continuous service by three of our nation’s oldest military branches — the United States Army, the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. All three of which continue to embody the courage, discipline, and devotion that define our nation’s armed forces.

Oregon is home to more than a quarter of a million veterans, each with a story that deserves to be heard and remembered. Some of us served in the heat of battle; others supported missions from ships, bases, and hospitals around the world. Together, we represent every era, from those who fought in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and countless operations in between. No matter the place or period, we all answered the same call to serve our nation and defend its ideals.

Every veteran reflects the strength and diversity of the nation we serve. We come from every walk of life, every community, and every corner of America and the world: rural and urban, coastal and inland, from every background, faith, and family story. Together, we embody the very fabric of this nation as a living testament to its promise that out of many, we are one. In our armed forces, Americans stand shoulder to shoulder not as strangers, but as equals, united by a shared oath and a shared belief in the enduring ideals of liberty and justice for all.

We defend the right to speak freely and to worship as we choose, to live without fear of tyranny or oppression, and to pursue our dreams in peace. We defend the rule of law, the equality of all people, and the democratic promise that our government exists to serve its citizens. On this day and every day, we honor the men and women who have sworn to defend those freedoms of a democracy and who have shouldered the responsibility of ensuring that our nation remains free, just, and strong.

When I meet with fellow veterans across our state, I am struck by the same thread of quiet resilience that runs through every story. We don’t think of ourselves as heroes. We think of ourselves as people who did our duty, who stood by our brothers and sisters, and who came home ready to continue serving in new ways as parents, teachers, public servants, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. That ongoing spirit of service is what keeps our communities strong and our democracy vibrant.

Veterans Day traces its origins to November 11, 1918, when the guns of the First World War finally fell silent. That moment marked more than the end of a conflict — it marked the beginning of a national commitment to peace, understanding, and unity. Each generation since has faced its own challenges, and each has produced men and women willing to step forward to defend the freedoms we hold dear. Those of us who have worn the uniform know that freedom is not guaranteed. It must be protected, nurtured, and renewed through each act of courage and compassion.

When we return home from service, our mission changes, but it does not end. We carry with us the lessons of the fragile ideals we served to defend through discipline, teamwork, and a strong sense of integrity. We carry the memories of those who did not come home and the responsibility to honor them through our actions in this life.

At the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, we are committed to ensuring that every veteran, no matter their era of service, background, or life experience, has information and access to the benefits and services our nation and state have offered in gratitude for their service. That commitment extends not only to veterans, but to the families who have served alongside us. Spouses, children, and caregivers share the burdens of military life — the deployments, the moves, the uncertainty. They too deserve our nations gratitude and support.

True appreciation for veterans goes beyond parades and ceremonies, though those are important and joyful. It means ensuring that every veteran has access to quality health care, education, housing, and meaningful employment. It means reaching out to those struggling with the invisible wounds of service and reminding them that they are not alone. And it means continuing to strengthen the systems of care and connection that honor our shared promise: to take care of one another, just as we did in uniform.

And so, as part of your Veterans Day observance this year, I ask every Oregonian to take a moment to reflect. Think about the freedoms you enjoy and the people who have ensured those rights over our nation’s history. Remember those who never came home, and those who continue to serve around the world today. Reach out to a veteran in your life, not only to thank them, but to listen and to hear their story, to understand their journey, and to stand beside them in unity and gratitude.

We may have served in different places and at different times, but we are all part of the same legacy. Our shared service, our shared sacrifice, and our shared hope for a better future unite us as one people. Let us continue to build on that unity and to care for one another, to strengthen our communities, and to ensure that the freedoms we defended endure for generations to come.

May we always be a nation worthy of our veterans, and may we honor the truth that our strength as a nation comes from the unity and service of those who stand for something greater than themselves.
God bless our veterans, their families, and the United States of America.

Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels
Director, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels is a proud veteran of the United States Army and the Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA), overseeing agency operations, ensuring the availability and access of vital veteran services and programs for more than 275,000 veterans and their families across the state. 

The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office contracts with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe to provide medical examiner services. The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a death at ilani hotel.

This individual was found on 10/05/2025 in Ridgefield, WA.

The name of the decedent: Arslan   Age: 38 years

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

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Pending

Manner of death:  Pending

Place of injury: Hotel

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

Media release issue date: 11/06/2025

PHOTO OPP: High school students learning vet science—miniature donkeys in class Friday, November 14

KELSO, WA – On any given Friday morning in the Kelso area, you’ll find high school students taking a dog’s heart rate, preparing a cat for a blood draw, or deworming miniature donkeys. It’s all part of Kelso School District’s newest community cooperative off-campus course: Veterinary Science. The offering is one of only two high school programs of its kind in Southwest Washington. The year-long class is designed to give students hands-on experience in the science, skills, and compassion that define the veterinary field.

The program currently serves 16 students from Kelso, Kalama, and R.A. Long high schools, with capacity to expand to 24. Offered as part of Kelso’s Off-Campus Career & Technical Education (CTE) program, the class gives students real-world, industry-aligned training that mirrors the work of veterinary assistants and technicians.

“Students in our area grow up around farms, family pets, and rural animal care; and many have a passion for working with animals,” said Instructional Coach and Veterinary Science Instructor Lynda Carlson. Most of the students in class want to be veterinarians, while others plan to pursue veterinary technician certification or other careers involving animals. “This class offers them a true head-start, giving practical experience and industry knowledge.”

Inside the Classroom, students are learning:

• Veterinary medical terminology and charting
• How heart sounds are formed and measured
• Blood smear preparation and white blood cell differential testing
• Identification and treatment of common parasites
• Disease prevention, vaccinations, and animal husbandry practices
• Sterilizing surgical instruments and preparing animals for surgery

Each Friday, students work with live animals—including dogs, cats, kittens, and donkeys—gaining confidence and comfort in handling and observing different species.

Next week, students will travel to the Oregon State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Corvallis for their first field trip, offering a look into professional veterinary environments.

Career Outlook: Why This Pathway Matters

The career prospects for animal-care professionals are strong and continuing to grow, making this new course especially timely for students considering a future in the field:

• For veterinary technicians, employment is projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• For veterinarians, employment is projected to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, also well above the average for all occupations. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• These favorable outlooks reflect rising pet ownership, increased spending on animal health and wellness, and expanded treatment options—including advanced diagnostics and surgical care for animals.

Photo Opportunity: Miniature Donkeys Return to Class
Friday, November 14 | 8:00–9:30 a.m.
Media are invited to capture students working hands-on with miniature donkeys during their weekly live animal lab session. Classroom access and interviews upon request.

About Kelso’s CTE Program

Kelso School District’s CTE program offers approximately 80 on-site courses and 7 off-campus courses in partnership with industry leaders. Kelso’s off-campus CTE programs connect students with career pathways in high-demand fields—including Aviation Science, Diesel Mechanics, Fire Science, Health Science Careers, Industrial Trades, Police Science, and Veterinary Science. These courses are open to eligible 11th and 12th grade students from Kelso and surrounding districts. Students can earn dual credit in 21 CTE courses.

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

On November 5,2025 at 9:38 AM, HPD officers responded to a disturbance involving a weapon in the 1700 block of NE Sunrise Lane. Upon arrival, officers determined a homicide had occurred. Officers located the victim, Braeden Leachman (29), deceased inside the residence. The suspect, Jefferson Brown (28), was located deceased in the backyard. There is no danger to the public. The investigation is ongoing.

November 6, 2025

Media contact: Franny White, anny.l.white@oha.orgon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">fanny.l.white@oha.orgon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">ranny.l.white@oha.orgon.gov, 971-349-3539 

Oregon seeks $1 billion federal investment in rural healthcare

EUGENE, Ore.—A Red Bluff, California, man was sentenced to federal prison today for using social media to coerce a minor into sending him sexually explicit material.

Elijah McCabe, 27, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and a 15-year term of supervised release.

According to court documents, in September 2023, McCabe posed as a minor on social media to trick a minor victim into sending him sexually explicit photos. McCabe threatened to share those images to friends and family to coerce the victim into sending child sexual abuse material (CSAM) – an act known as sextortion. The victim’s family contacted the police after learning an associate of the minor victim had received CSAM of the victim.

On June 7, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at McCabe’s residence and found his cell phone floating in the tank of a toilet. McCabe was arrested after a search of his device found evidence of CSAM, specifically, the sexually explicit material McCabe coerced the victim to provide.

“We have a responsibility to protect our most vulnerable—our children. Child sexual exploitation has a devastating impact on victims, their families, and our communities. We will continue to work with our partners to find and hold these perpetrators accountable,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“While we count this sentencing as a success, it doesn't diminish the harm done to the victim, their family, and their friends,” said Doug Olson, FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge. “Our work will continue, and we will pursue those who prey on children, as well as to help victims of abuse access tools to help them heal.” 

On September 19, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging McCabe with Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Coercion and Enticement of a Minor.

On August 5, 2025, McCabe pleaded guilty to Coercion and Enticement of a Minor.

This case was investigated by FBI Portland with assistance from FBI Sacramento. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States 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.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember CSAM 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, they re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

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

# # #

SALEM– Nominations for the 2026 Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards Program are now being accepted. Criteria and application process can be found online through the Oregon Heritage website www.oregonheritage.org or by contacting Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator Katie Henry at katie.henry@oprd.oregon.gov or (503) 877-8834. The deadline for submitting nominations is January 22, 2026.
 

The Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards recognize individuals, organizations and projects for outstanding heritage preservation efforts in Oregon, drawing public attention to these efforts, and raising the quality of heritage‐oriented activities. The Sally Donovan Award for Historic Cemetery Preservation is a special category that may be awarded to one individual, organization, or project demonstration excellence in preservation of historic cemeteries. 
  

In 2022 the Standout Heritage Volunteer category was added and is the only non-competitive category.
 

Nominations are encouraged for organizations and projects of all sizes and heritage purposes and for volunteers and professionals from all heritage sectors.
 

“Previous award recipients have illustrated the extraordinary ways that individuals and organizations connect communities to the past through experiences, dialogue, and preservation,” says Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator Katie Henry. “They inspire appreciation for our neighbors, our state, and ourselves as we look towards the future.”
 

For a list of previous award recipients, visit https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/awards.aspx#one.
 

Those awarded an Oregon Heritage Excellence Award will be featured in videos presented at the 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference in Woodburn, April 29-May2. Recipients will also receive an award designed and created by Eastern Oregon artist, Alethea Brewer. This year’s awards artist selection process was done in partnership with Crossroads Carnegie Arts Center in Baker City.
 

There will be an awards Q&A online on Dec. 2 at 1pm for those interested in learning more.
 

For more information visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator Katie Henry at katie.henry@oprd.oregon.gov or (503) 877-8834.

MISSING PERSON ALERT: The FBI is seeking information regarding a missing Tribal Elder from the Umatilla Reservation. Mr. Jones was last seen in Pendleton, Oregon on October 5, 2025. He may have traveled along the Umatilla River. Report tips to http://tips.fbi.gov or call Umatilla Tribal Police at (541) 278-0550.

FBI Missing Person Poster Here: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/wesley-dixon-jones

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 1:47 p.m., deputies serving the city of Cornelius responded to a report of an unknown man pointing a gun at the caller near the 1000 block of S Alpine Street. As a deputy was arriving, the suspect went inside a house and would not come out.

Deputies requested the assistance of the Tactical Negotiations Team (TNT) and negotiators from the Crisis Negotiations Unit (CNU) to help resolve the situation. Deputies applied for a warrant to enter the residence. After a short period, TNT operators used an explosive breach on a door to gain entry into the home. 41-year-old Luis Cambron-Flores exited the residence, and deputies arrested him for felony driving while suspended, menacing, and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for arrest out of Washington County.

Deputies learned that Cambron-Flores was driving prior to the incident with a lifetime revoked driver's license, and the gun was an airsoft pistol. Thankfully, no one was injured.

If you witnessed this incident and have not spoken to deputies, please contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 referencing case number 57-25-1146. 

November 6, 2025

Media contact: Max Sprague, 971-288-8429, ague@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Max.Sprague@oha.oregon.gov

Dr. Steven Nakana named Oregon Health Authority’s Equity & Inclusion Division Director

PORTLAND, Ore– Dr. Steven Nakana has been appointed the new permanent director of Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Equity & Inclusion Division, effective Nov. 24, 2025.

Dr. Nakana, who has more than 15 years of leadership experience, most recently served as Director of Community Health Partnerships – Metro at CareOregon, where he directed Metro-wide health equity strategy -- collaborating with local leaders and community-based organizations to turn state health priorities into locally driven action. He also maintained performance dashboards and applied frameworks like Results-Based Accountability to monitor outcomes and address disparities. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at Portland Community College, Portland General Electric, Port of Portland and Mercy Corps, where he informed policy and system transformation, guided organizational equity strategies, implemented culturally responsive community investments to advance health access, designed inclusive community engagement structures and supported international peacebuilding and public health initiatives.

“Dr. Nakana’s experience reflects a consistent and unwavering commitment to equity, transparency and meaningful collaboration – values that align closely with our OHA mission,” said Sejal Hathi, MD, M.B.A. “We welcome him to our team as we continue our work toward eliminating health inequities in Oregon by 2030.”

Dr. Nakana was chosen through a national search supported by Motus Recruiting. He will replace Alfonso Ramirez, who has served as the division’s interim director and will return to his previous role as Behavioral Health Equity and Community Partnership Director in OHA’s Behavioral Health Division.

“Alfonso Ramirez has led our Equity & Inclusion Division at a critical time, championing division-wide success as we navigate federal changes and other challenges,” Dr. Hathi said. “I’m grateful for the compassion and commitment he has brought to the interim director role and for the important role he will continue to play in advancing our strategic goal.”

The appointment comes at a pivotal time. As communities in Oregon and across the region face growing challenges, the arrival of OHA’s new permanent Equity & Inclusion Director underscores the importance of equity work as the agency meets this moment with clarity, care and accountability. OHA remains committed to creating systems where everyone can thrive, guided by shared values and responsibility.

“I’m delighted to join OHA, an agency long committed to putting equity at the forefront of health policy and decisions,” Dr. Nakana said. “I look forward to collaborating with the OHA team and its many partners to improve the health and lives of all people across the state.”

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SALEM, Ore. - Trapping for Mediterranean oak borer (MOB) this summer showed this new pest from Europe, North Africa, and western Asia is now present across the northern Willamette Valley in at least six counties – Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill. MOB is a concern because it has infested Oregon white oaks, sometimes with fatal consequences. The tiny beetles carry fungi that can infect a tree with a vascular wilt, which can lead to tree death.

Before now, state and federal officials did not know how extensive Mediterranean oak borer’s presence in Oregon might be. Individual borers had shown up in traps here and there in the Willamette Valley even before the first infested Oregon white oaks (Quercus garryana) were found in Troutdale and Wilsonville. So this summer they set up traps all over the Willamette Valley and beyond to try and determine where MOB had reached.

What they found was that more than 500 of the tiny borers turned up in more than 30 traps on both sides of the Willamette River from the Portland area south to Salem. Catch rates varied from a single borer at a number of traps to 160 at a trap east of Oregon City. The borers were even caught in locations where no Oregon white oak trees had been reported declining.

“The results show us that, unfortunately, Mediterranean oak borer is firmly and widely established in the northern Willamette Valley,” said Cody Holthouse, current chair of the state’s Interagency MOB Task Force.

Of 944 oak trees inspected since MOB was first detected in Oregon, a total of 38 are currently infested with MOB. Another 22 thought to be infested have been removed.

Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl leads the Oregon Department of Forestry’s efforts to track and evaluate MOB’s potential impact on trees in the state. She said that Oregon scientists are still trying to learn all they can about the borers and the fungus they carry.

“We still have a lot of questions about MOB that we’re working to find answers to,” said Buhl. One basic question is what other tree species potentially could be affected by MOB.

“So far in Oregon, only Oregon white oaks have shown signs of infestation,” said Buhl. “In California, other native oak species have been attacked and killed, including valley oak (Quercus lobata) and blue oak (Q. douglasii). In Europe, MOB has been reported in a large number of oak species, and even on some non-oak trees.”

Buhl said researchers don’t know what percentage of Oregon white oak trees might eventually become infested, let alone if they could start infesting other trees here.

“So far we haven’t seen widespread decline of Oregon white oak. In many cases, even trees near those that have been heavily infested have not shown signs of infestation or decline. This raises a question in my mind about whether MOB will prefer to infest stressed or otherwise unhealthy trees,” said Buhl.

Buhl points out seeing recent construction in the root zone of many of the trees infested with MOB. “This can lower trees’ ability to cope with a variety of pests and diseases,” said Buhl. She advocates for protecting the root zones of Oregon white oaks from disturbance, ideally up to twice the width of the tree’s canopy.

“My hope is there might not be widespread, rapid die-off of Oregon white oaks, like there is with emerald ash borer, which is killing most ash trees across the country,” said Buhl. She stressed that more research is needed to find out what level of resistance oaks might have to the fungus carried by MOB.

Oregon white oak is an important native tree growing from British Columbia into California. Numerous species of birds, mammals, insects, and reptiles rely on the long-lived tree for food and shelter. A number of Native American people have traditionally leached out bitter tannins from the tree’s acorns, then processed their kernels into an acorn flour used in various dishes.  

With funding from the USDA Forest Service, ODA hosted a multi-agency collaborative program to trap Mediterranean oak borer (MOB) in Oregon. That program, which ended in October 2025, aimed to improve the understanding of MOB distribution and pest status in the state. ODA has no more funding to continue coordinated trapping for MOB. The agency’s focus is shifting to supporting awareness, outreach, and detection through visual observations from professionals and the public.

An excellent article by Kayla Seaforth of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation summarizes what’s been learned about MOB in California and Oregon. Read it here.

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SALEM, Ore. — As fall settles across Oregon, the state’s Search and Rescue (SAR) teams are responding to several missions tied to mushroom foraging, hunting season, and sudden shifts in weather. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is reminding everyone to plan ahead, be prepared, and stay aware of changing conditions when heading outdoors.

“Oregon’s natural beauty draws thousands of people outside each year, but even experienced adventurers can find themselves in trouble when the weather changes suddenly,” Oregon’s state search and rescue coordinator, Scott Lucas, said. “We want everyone to enjoy their time outdoors safely—no one expects to become lost or stranded, but preparation makes all the difference.”
 

With colder temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and unpredictable weather patterns, OEM urges Oregonians and visitors to take a few simple steps before venturing out:

• Plan ahead and check the forecast. Conditions can change rapidly in Oregon’s forests, mountains, and coastal areas.
• Research your destination and route. Know the terrain, difficulty, and available resources.
• Pack essential safety items, including extra food and water, warm clothing, an emergency mylar blanket, a flashlight, map, first-aid kit, and fully charged phone or radio.
• Tell someone your plan—where you’re going, when you expect to return, and when to call for help if you don’t check in.
• Stay on marked trails and avoid venturing off route, especially when foraging or tracking game.

Each year, hundreds of highly trained SAR volunteers across Oregon respond to calls for lost or injured hikers, hunters, and foragers. Many of these incidents are preventable with proper preparation and communication.

“Oregon’s SAR volunteers are among the best in the nation,” Lucas said. “They’re ready to help—but the goal is for everyone to make it home safely without needing rescue.”

Be Prepared Before You Go

Whether you’re heading out for a day hike, hunting trip, or foraging adventure, always carry the 10 Essentials:

1. Navigation (map and compass or GPS) and a whistle
2. Headlamp or flashlight
3. Sun protection
4. First-aid kit
5. Knife or multi-tool
6. Fire-starting materials
7. Shelter (such as a tarp or mylar blanket)
8. Extra food
9. Extra water
10. Extra clothing

For more information on outdoor safety and emergency preparedness, visit www.oregon.gov/OEM and follow @OregonOEM on social media for ongoing safety updates and seasonal preparedness tips.

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It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters regardless of cause. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711. 

Marion County Search and Rescue (SAR) team assisted today, Nov. 6, 2025, in the successful rescue of two lost hunters near French Creek. Several volunteers responding to this mission also participated in the recent Clackamas County search earlier this week—logging nearly 20 hours within the last 24 hours in challenging terrain and severe weather.

Despite limited rest and soaked gear from prior operations, volunteers once again deployed without hesitation. Working through heavy rain, 20–40 mph winds, and rugged terrain, they located and safely escorted the hunters out of the area.

This incident also serves as an important reminder for anyone entering remote areas: always carry a satellite-capable phone or InReach device. In this rescue, searchers were able to pinpoint the hunters’ location using a cell phone SMS link through SARTopo, placing searchers within feet of the lost hunters.

Marion County Sheriff's Office extends deep appreciation to its dedicated volunteers and partner agencies for their tireless service- often in the harshest of conditions. Their continued commitment exemplifies the strength of teamwork and public service.

If you are interested in joining our SAR team, you can directly reach out to SAR Coordinator Sgt Garrett Olson at GOlson@co.marion.or.us.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Tristen Dilinger Evans and Blake Ryan Evans.

Tristen Dilinger Evans, age 17, and Blake Ryan Evans are children in foster care who went missing from Eugene in October, they were found on Nov. 6.

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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VISOR NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

Victims can sign up to receive automatic notifications regarding the transfer or release of adults in custody (AIC). In 2023, Victim Information System in Oregon (VISOR) was the notification system that replaced the VINE notification system. Below is more information about VISOR and how it can help keep you informed.

VISOR is a free, computer-based service that allows you to check on an offender’s custody status either in a county or state facility. It also allows you to register to receive automatic notification when an adult in custody (AIC) is released or transferred.

How do I use VISOR?

• Register online at: Home (oregon.gov)
• Email VISOR: visor@doc.oregon.gov
• Leave a voicemail for VISOR: 888-749-8080

You may locate an AIC using basic information such as the name or offender number to search for the AIC you want to register for.

• VISOR will give you the AIC’s custody information and invite you to register for free notification by phone call, email, or text if the status changes of the AIC
• Click in the “search bar” where you can conduct a statewide search of offenders and register to receive notifications of a change in custody status of the offender: Home (oregon.gov)
   

How do I register with VISOR?

You will need to provide:

1. A telephone number or email
2. Search for the AIC you want to register for
3. Choose a preferred notification delivery method

You may create an account in VISOR if you wish. Creating an account will allow you to choose how and when you receive notifications, it will allow you to view recent notifications that were sent to you, allow you to change your personal information, and allow you to unregister.

You also have the option to remain anonymous when registering instead of creating an account.

Important VISOR Facts

• VISOR will send you a notification when the AIC you registered for is released, transferred, escapes, or is deceased.
• All registrations and personal information with VISOR are, and will remain, confidential.
• You may register more than one phone number or email.

NOTE: Do not depend on the VISOR service as your only protection. If you feel you may be at risk, take precautions as if the offender has already been released.
 

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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Join Prairie High School’s Drama Club for a dazzling night of music, empowerment and unforgettable performances as students take the stage to perform Six the Musical: Teen Edition. Based on Henry VIII’s six wives, this high-energy show combines history with a singing competition to give the women a chance to tell their own stories in a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power! 

Tickets can be purchased online in advance. The cost is $7 for students, $12 for senior citizens and $15 for adults. VIP tickets with seating in the first five rows also are available for $25. The show is rated PG-13 for brief discussions of trauma.

All shows will be held in the Prairie High School auditorium (11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver). Showtimes:

• Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. 

• Saturday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

• Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Our contact center is seeing an uptick in requests for financial assistance with sewer, stormwater, and water bills. We want Portlanders to know that as their financial circumstances change, they may become eligible for one of the many assistance programs we have for our customers.  

“We know many Portlanders have been struggling for months (or years) with rising costs, job loss, and other financial pressures--and the federal shutdown is making it even harder,” said Portland Water Bureau Interim Director Quisha Light. “If you're worried about your ability to pay your bill, please call us. We’re doing everything we can to make sure our customers can continue to access clean, safe drinking water.”

Here’s how we can help:

• Income-based financial assistance is available at higher income thresholds than many realize. For example, a household of four is eligible for bill assistance up to gross income of $6,205 per month.
• Sometimes the unexpected happens. For customers facing a temporary hardship—such as a recent furlough, job loss, or medical emergency—our crisis vouchers can offset up to $500 of their sewer, stormwater, and water bills.
• Regardless of income, any customer can request a payment arrangement to make bill payment more manageable with features like extended due dates or breaking bills into multiple payments. We also offer the option to receive statements monthly instead of quarterly.
• And if you receive bill discounts from other utilities, you may qualify for reduced payments from Portland Water. 

We encourage Portlanders to share this information with anyone in their communities who might need it.

Journalists should reach out to Public Information Officer Brandon Zero at the contact information below to interview the Water Bureau’s Financial Assistance Program Manager Kenny Scott for more information. See our media kit here.

If you have questions about your situation and how we can help, reach out to our customer service team at CustomerService@portlandoregon.gov%E2%80%A6">PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-7770.

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

About the Public Works Service Area

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

Access and accommodations

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

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

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

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

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

At 4:07 a.m. today, residents at a home in the 600 block of NE Evergreen Road in Hillsboro reported hearing smoke alarms and called 911. A resident checked the smoke alarms and found flames in the home's living room. Residents then evacuated outside.

A Hillsboro Fire & Rescue incident commander arrived and found smoke emanating from the front of the house. The call was upgraded to a first alarm to bring additional resources to the scene. Arriving moments behind the incident commander, firefighters from Engine 5 initiated entry into the home with hose lines to search for and extinguish the fire. Simultaneously, firefighters from Truck 5 began searching for the occupants or pets in the house. Firefighters knocked down the fire burning through the home's front windows and spreading inside, where it was first reported. Additional crews accessed the roof to cut a ventilation hole to help clear heated gas and smoke, improving conditions for firefighters working inside. After the initial fire knockdown, firefighters continued their efforts through the home to search for and extinguish hot spots.

Firefighters searching the home confirmed that all residents and pets had been safely evacuated and that no one else was inside. No injuries were reported. In total, three adults and three dogs were safely accounted for. A public safety chaplain responded to the incident to provide comfort and assistance to the residents. He learned that one of the residents was scheduled for a medical procedure this morning and alerted the incident commander and fire crews. The resident was only able to escape wearing sleepwear and needed clothing and medications pertinent to their health. Firefighters re-entered the home to help the resident retrieve clothing that was safe to wear. They also located and retrieved the necessary medications. Further, a Hillsboro police officer assisted at the incident. Initially, the officer provided incident safety by slowing and diverting traffic as needed around emergency responders and apparatus staged along NE Evergreen Road. He then assisted the residents by temporarily sheltering their dogs in his patrol vehicle until they could be safely transferred to a family member’s vehicle and care. Three adult residents and three dogs were displaced because of the fire. Family members arrived at the scene to provide additional support and care.

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue fire investigators responded to the incident, and a fire investigation is ongoing. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.  

Hillsboro Police, AMR Ambulance, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Portland General Electric, NW Natural Gas, and Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains assisted at the incident.

Video of fire apparatus staged along NE Evergreen Road, taken by the incident Public Information Officer, approved for use by news media: https://youtube.com/shorts/pp2SC9eFvIs?feature=share 

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CORVALLIS, Ore. – Benton County will honor local veterans during a Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Kalapuya Building in Corvallis. The event will include the reading of a Veterans Day proclamation during the Board of Commissioners meeting followed by remarks by County leaders and special guests honoring veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Benton County will also receive two national awards from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR):

• County Administrator Rachel McEneny will receive the Patriot Award for her outstanding support of a recently deployed employee who serves in the Oregon National Guard.
• Board Chair Nancy Wyse will accept the Seven Seals Award on behalf of Benton County, recognizing the County’s strong commitment to service members and their families.

Event Details

When: 9 – 9:30 a.m. – Board of Commissioners Meeting, Proclamation Reading, Award Presentation

Where: Kalapuya Building, 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis

Who:

• Benton County Board of Commissioners
• COL Paul Dyer, Commander, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon National Guard
• Mark Lapinskas, Benton County Lead Veterans Service Officer
• Cecil Owens, ESGR State Chair
• Kenzie Singiser, OSU Music Program, National Anthem

Benton County has a history of supporting military veterans and families, including many who are part of the County’s workforce. The Board of Commissioners continues this tradition each year by recognizing Veterans Day and Military Appreciation Month in Benton County.

“From the support I received from our Finance Department, Human Resources, and County Commissioners and Administrator before I left, to the send-off my coworkers organized, I always felt cared for,” said Cory Grogan, Benton County Public Information Officer and Oregon National Guard member who returned in September from a year-long deployment in Kosovo. “Knowing my job was secure while I was away allowed me to focus fully on my mission and serve more effectively. Benton County truly shows what it means to value service and stand behind those who serve.”

In 2023, the County hosted a Veterans Day gathering and proclamation reading at the Kalapuya Building to honor employees who served in the Armed Forces. Watch the video from that event here: Veterans Day 2023 — Benton County, Oregon.

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Gresham, Ore.— After receiving multiple tips from the community, police have identified the suspect in a Halloween altercation at a Gresham drive-thru as 64-year-old David Mead Sr.  Officers located and arrested Mead early Wednesday evening. 

Through their investigation, officers determined the weapon Mead brandished was a compressed-air powered device designed to fire irritant or kinetic projectiles.  The design, coloration, and operation of the device mimic a firearm.  While it is not illegal to possess this kind of self-defense tool, displaying it or any replica firearm during a dispute can cause the situation to escalate and may lead to criminal charges. 

Mead was booked into Multnomah County Jail, where he faces charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and three counts of Menacing. 

The Gresham Police Department would like to thank our community and media partners for their assistance with this investigation.

Correction: Operator of the International Harvester is last of Shepherd.

Sherman County, Ore. (Nov. 5, 2025)- On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 5:35 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 43, in Sherman County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Chevrolet Impala, operated by Eric Neal Barton (66) of Corvallis, crossed into the southbound lane and struck a southbound International Harvester commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Preston Dejion Shepherd (35) of Hanford (CA), near the rear drive tires.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Barton) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the International Harvester (Shepherd) was reportedly uninjured.

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

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

Salem, Ore. — At their November 10 meeting, the Salem City Council will consider donating $20,000 to the Marion Polk Food Share for their work in supporting families impacted by the suspension of SNAP benefits that took effect on Nov. 1. 

The Salem City Council is considering this action while employees across the organization are in the midst of an annual charitable giving campaign. Employees can direct donations to Marion Polk Food Share through the campaign. The charitable giving campaign, which has raised more than $8,000 from City employees so far, is slated to end Dec. 5. The City asks members of our community to join together in support of their neighbors in need.

“Our neighbors who rely on — or plan for — this assistance to supplement their household food budgets and feed their families did not receive it Saturday,” said Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi. “As of today, as much as half of the funding for November may be released soon. As federal support is restored, it will take time for the support to reach households. In the meantime, every bit we can offer helps. I encourage our community to come together, as Salem always does, to support families and neighbors in need.”

Federal partial payments may be made to states to reinstate SNAP benefits. When states receive this partial funding, the administration announced that procedural difficulties will likely delay the partial SNAP benefits from reaching households in November. If approved by Council, the City’s donation would be available to Marion Polk Food Share immediately.

More about finding help. Residents in need of immediate food support are encouraged to explore the following resources:

• Call 211 for assistance connecting to local food programs and emergency services.
• Visit 211.org to locate nearby food banks, pantries and community meal programs.
• Visit foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org to search for local food distribution sites throughout Oregon.

If you are looking for a way to help local community members impacted by the disruption, please visit https://marionpolkfoodshare.org/ways-to-give/.

More about SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly food benefits to help individuals and families by providing access to healthy food. Federally funded and administered through the Oregon Department of Human Services, SNAP benefits are available to Oregon residents who meet certain income guidelines. In 2024, 1 in 6 Oregon residents received SNAP benefits and more than 54 percent of SNAP participants are in families with children, 37 percent are older adults or disabled and 41 percent are in working families.^[1]  SNAP benefits are provided to eligible low-income individuals and families through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which functions like a debit card for buying groceries.

SNAP funds ensure that families don’t have to choose between rent and food or medical care and their next meal. A total of 46,392 households in Marion and Polk counties receive SNAP benefits; 29,713 of those who benefit are children. The average benefit across both counties is $334 per month. The total amount of SNAP benefits distributed to families in those two counties every month is $15.6 million — which is more than the total value of food the Marion Polk Food Share distributes in a year.[2]

More about Marion Polk Food Share. Marion Polk Food Share distributes food for individuals and families to more than 70 local partners, including food pantries and meal sites, and delivers Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities.

• Marion Polk Food Share - Food Assistance in the Mid-Valley.

Salem, Oregon – Grant awards totaling $ 1,759,580 will be distributed to 355 Oregon arts organizations through the Oregon Arts Commission’s Sustaining Arts Program for fiscal year 2026.

In 2025, the Arts Commission reimagined this grant program to provide a more equitable distribution of funds to arts organizations. Awards are determined based on a newly updated funding formula that considers an organization’s annual expenses, number of applications and available grant funds. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $20,000, and these unrestricted awards are available to nonprofit arts organizations that offer public arts programs throughout the year.

“This program is an important example of how the Oregon Arts Commission fulfills its commitments to continue invigorating the economic, cultural and creative expressions of our diverse state,” shares Commission Chair Subashini-Ganesan Forbes. “The extensive grantee list highlights the number of arts organizations operating with impeccable vision to nourish and energize their respective communities.”

FY2026 Sustaining Arts Program grants awards by region:

Central

Group A

Bend Pops Orchestra, Bend: $2,368

Central Oregon Mastersingers Inc., Bend: $2,368

Opera Bend, Bend: $2,368

Sisters Festival of Books, Sisters: $2,368

Group B

Beat dba BEAT Children’s Theatre, Bend: $5,000

BendFilm, Bend: $6,725

Cascade School of Music, Bend: $8,183

Cascades Theatrical Company, Bend: $5,916

High Desert Chamber Music, Bend: $5,000

Scalehouse, Bend: $5,000

SFF Presents, Sisters: $8,149

Sunriver Music Festival Inc, Sunriver: $5,000

The High Desert Museum, Bend: $17,748

The Museum at Warm Springs, Warm Springs: $6,062

Tower Theatre Foundation Inc., Bend: $10,042
Central total: $92,297

Greater Eastern – North

Group A

Inland Northwest Musicians Inc., Hermiston: $2,368

Group B

Arts Council of Pendleton, Pendleton: $5,000

Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts, Pendleton: $5,916

Oregon East Symphony, Pendleton: $5,000

Eastern North total: $18,284

Greater Eastern – South

Group A

Drexel H. Foundation, Vale: $2,368
 

Group B

Painted Sky Center for the Arts, Canyon City: $5,000

Eastern South total: $7,368

Portland Metro

Group A

21ten Theatre, Portland: $2,368

Airlie Press, Portland: $2,368

A Notion, A Scream, Portland: $2,368

Aspen Meadow Band, Colton: $2,368

Aurora Chorus, Portland: $2,368

Bach Cantata Choir, Portland: $2,368

Bells of the Cascades, Tualatin: $2,368

Bridging Voices, Portland: $2,368

Cada Casa International, Portland: $2,368

Cascadia Chapter of National Association of Composers, Portland: $2,368

Cathedral Park Performing Arts Collective, Portland: $2,368

Classical Up Close, Tigard: $2,368

Conchords Chorale, Tualatin: $2,368
Conduit Dance aka Shaun Keylock Company, Portland: $2,368

enTaiko, Portland: $2,368

Fear No Music, Portland: $2,368

Fool House Art Collective, Lake Oswego: $2,368

Friends of IFCC (FoIFCC), Portland: $2,368
Frogtown, Portland: $2,368

From the Ground Up: A Research and Development Center for New Art, Portland: $2,368

Future Prairie, Portland: $2,368

Greater Portland Flute Society, Portland: $2,368

Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre Northwest, Portland: $2,368

Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra, Hillsboro: $2,368

In Mulieribus, Portland: $2,368

ISing Community Choir, Beaverton: $2,368

Lake Oswego Open Studios, Lake Oswego: $2,368

Light Opera of Portland, Hillsboro: $2,368

Lo Nuestro Folklore of Washington County, Tigard: $2,368

Many Hats Collaboration, Portland: $2,368

Media-Rites, Portland: $2,368

New Moon Productions, Portland: $2,368

Northwest Dance Theatre, Tualatin: $2,368

Oregon Bluegrass Association, Portland: $2,368

Oregon Chorale Inc., Hillsboro: $2,368

Oregon Korean Performing Arts, Beaverton: $2,368

Oregon Symphonic Band, Beaverton: $2,368

PDX Pop Now!, Portland: $2,368

Performance Works NorthWest, Portland: $2,368

Piano Santa Foundation, Portland: $2,368

Portland Area Theatre Alliance, Portland: $2,368

Portland Chamber Music, Portland: $2,368

Portland Child Art Studio, Portland: $2,368

Portland in Color, Portland: $2,368

Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble, Portland: $2,368

Portland Fire Fighters Pipes and Drums, Portland: $2,368

Portland Radio Project, Portland: $2,368

Portland Symphonic Choir, Portland: $2,368

Portland Wind Symphony dba Pacific Crest Wind Symphony, Portland: $2,368

PUSH FOLD, Portland: $2,368

Radix Vocal Ensemble, Portland: $2,368

Renegade Opera, Portland: $2,368

Risk-Reward, Portland: $2,368

S1, Portland: $2,368

Shady Pines Radio, Portland: $2,368

Stage Fright, Portland: $2,368

Stages of Life, Portland: $2,368

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy, Hillsboro: $2,368

Steps for Youth, Portland: $2,368

Swingin’ Sounds, Portland: $2,368

Takohachi Inc, Portland: $2,368

The Artback, Estacada: $2,368

The Wave Elements Global Music, Portland: $2,368

Tilikum Chamber Orchestra, Portland: $2,368

Tualatin Valley Community Band, Tigard: $2,368

Tualatin Valley Symphony, Tigard: $2,368

Unlock the Arts, Portland: $2,368

Westside Orchestra Association, Hillsboro: $2,368

Women in Film-Portland, Portland: $2,368

Woodland Sung Productions, Portland: $2,368

Zephyr Clarinet Choir, Tigard: $2,368

Group B

45th Parallel Universe, Portland: $5,000

Advance Gender Equity in the Arts, Portland: $5,000

Alberta Abbey Foundation, Portland: $6,069

All Ages Music Portland dba Friends of Noise, Portland: $6,077

All Classical Public Media, Inc., Portland: $15,776

Architectural Foundation of Oregon, Portland: $7,560

Artichoke Community Music, Portland: $5,000

Art in Oregon, Portland: $5,000

Art In The Pearl, Portland: $5,000

Artist Mentorship Program, Portland: $5,000

Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland: $11,832

Arts Action Alliance Foundation dba Clackamas County Arts Alliance, Oregon City: $5,000

A-WOL Dance Collective Inc., Portland: $5,916

Bag & Baggage Productions, Hillsboro: $6,062

BodyVox Inc, Portland: $7,948

Boom Arts, Portland: $5,000

Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre, Portland: $5,000

Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Tigard: $11,832

Caldera, Portland: $11,832

Camp45 Contemporary, Portland: $5,916

Cappella Romana Inc, Portland: $6,484

Cerimon House, Portland: $5,000

Chamber Music Northwest, Portland: $10,202

Clackamas Community College Foundation – Clackamas Repertory Theatre, Oregon City: $5,423

CoHo Productions Ltd, Portland: $5,916

Corrib Theatre, Portland: $5,000

Cracked Pots, Inc, Portland: $5,000

Curious Comedy Productions, Portland: $5,916

Echo Theater Company, Portland: $6,732

Ethos Inc., Portland: $7,830

Experience Theatre Project, Beaverton: $5,000

Film Action Oregon, Portland: $13,804

Friends of Chamber Music, Portland: $6,062

Gather:Make:Shelter, Portland: $5,916

Hand 2 Mouth, Portland: $5,916

Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum of Oregon and SW Washington, Portland: $5,000

Imago the Theatre Mask Ensemble, Portland: $5,916

In a Landscape, Portland: $6,510

Independent Publishing Resource Center Inc., Portland: $5,000

Jazz Society of Oregon, Portland: $8,489

Kickstand Comedy, Portland: $5,916

Lakewood Theatre Company, Lake Oswego: $10,168

Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland: $11,832

Literary Arts, Inc., Portland: $13,804

Live Wire Radio, Portland: $6,062

Lovegood Performing Arts Company, Beaverton: $5,000

Metroarts Inc., Portland: $5,000

MetroEast Community Media, Gresham: $10,237

Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland: $6,995

Miracle Theatre Group, Portland: $5,916

Montavilla Jazz Festival, Portland: $5,000

Music Workshop, Portland: $5,916

My Voice Music, Portland: $6,062

Native Arts & Culture Foundation, Portland: $11,832

New Expressive Works, Portland: $5,000

North Pole Studio, Portland: $5,916

Northwest Alliance for Alternative Media and Education, Portland: $6,529

Northwest Children’s Theater & School Inc, Portland: $10,897

Northwest Professional Dance Project, Portland: $8,805

OK You Inc, Portland: $5,000

Old Church Society Inc, Portland: $6,568

Open Hearts Open Minds, Portland: $5,000

Open Space, Portland: $6,062

Orchestra Nova Northwest, Portland: $5,916

Oregon Arts Watch, Portland: $5,423

Oregon BRAVO Youth Orchestras, Portland: $8,092

Oregon Center for Contemporary Art, Portland: $5,916

Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, Portland: $5,000

Oregon International Ballet Academy, Portland: $5,000

Oregon Public Broadcasting, Portland: $8,403

Oregon Repertory Singers, Portland: $5,916

Oregon Society of Artists, Portland: $5,916

Oregon Symphony Association, Portland: $19,720

Oregon Symphony Association in Salem, Portland: $5,423

Outside the Frame, Portland: $5,916

Pacific Youth Choir, Portland: $5,000

PassinArt: A Theatre Company, Portland: $5,916

Phame Academy, Portland: $6,425

Play It Forward, Beaverton: $6,070

PlayWrite, Portland: $5,000

Portland Actors Conservatory, Portland: $5,916

Portland Art Museum, Portland: $19,720

Portland Baroque Orchestra, Portland: $7,531

Portland Chamber Orchestra, Portland: $5,000

Portland Community Media dba Open Signal, Portland: $11,832

Portland Drama Club, Portland: $5,000

Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble, Portland: $5,000

Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, Inc., Portland: $6,062

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland: $10,015

Portland Japanese Garden, Portland: $19,720

Portland Jazz Festival, Inc. dba PDX Jazz, Portland: $7,306

Portland Lesbian Choir, Portland: $5,000

Portland Opera Association Inc, Portland: $17,748

Portland Piano International, Portland: $5,916

Portland Playhouse, Portland: $9,860

Portland Revels, Portland: $5,916

Portland Street Art Alliance, Portland: $5,916

Portland Taiko, Portland: $5,000

Portland Youth Philharmonic Association, Portland: $8,348

Profile Theatre Project, Portland: $6,344

Regional Arts & Culture Council, Portland: $19,720

Resonance Vocal Ensemble, Portland: $5,000

Scarlet Sails Cultural Foundation, Beaverton: $5,000

SCRAP Creative Reuse, Portland: $7,511

Shaking the Tree Theatre, Portland: $5,000

Sticky Culture, Portland: $5,000

Stumptown Stages, Lake Oswego: $5,916

The Beaverton Arts Foundation, Beaverton: $11,832

The Portland Ballet, Portland: $6,818

The Red Door Project, Portland: $6,585

The Vanport Mosaic, Portland: $5,000

Third Angle New Music Ensemble, Portland: $5,000

Third Rail Repertory Theatre, Portland: $5,916
triangle productions, Portland: $5,000

Vibe of Portland, Portland: $5,000

Western Alliance of Arts Administrators Foundation, Portland: $7,676

White Bird, Portland: $7,625

Willamette Light Brigade, Portland: $6,173

World Stage Theatre, Troutdale: $5,423

Write Around Portland, Portland: $5,916

Young Audiences of Oregon Inc dba Arts for Learning Northwest, Portland: $9,056

Young Musicians & Artists, Portland: $5,916

Youth Music Project, West Linn: $9,565

Portland Metro total: $1,066,685

Mid-Valley

Group A
Confluence: Willamette Valley LGBT Chorus, Salem: $2,368

Festival Chorale Oregon, Salem: $2,368

Focus on Book Arts, Monmouth: $2,368

Keizer Creative Art Association, Salem: $2,368

Keizer Homegrown Theatre, Keizer: $2,368

Make Music Salem, Salem: $2,368

McMinnville Film Festival Foundation, McMinnville: $2,368

Oregon Artists Series Foundation, Salem: $2,368

Oregon Community Theatre Alliance, McMinnville: $2,368

Oregon Spirit Chorus aka Sweet Adelines International, Salem: $2,368

Salem Big Band, Salem: $2,368
Salem Orchestra, Salem: $2,368

Salem Philharmonia Orchestra, Salem: $2,368

Salem Pops Orchestra, Salem: $2,368

Salem Symphonic Winds, Salem: $2,368

Western Oregon University Development Foundation, Monmouth: $2,368

Willamette University – Theatre 33, Salem: $2,368

Group B
Casa de la Cultura Tlanese, Salem: $5,000

Chehalem Center Association, Newberg: $7,157

Friends of the Visual Arts dba Willamette Art Center, Salem: $5,000

Historic Elsinore Theatre Inc, Salem: $10,895

Pentacle Theatre, Salem: $5,916

Salem Art Association, Salem: $7,089

Salem Multicultural Institute, Salem: $5,000

Western Oregon University Development Foundation – Rainbow Dance Theatre, Monmouth: $5,000
Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES), McMinnville: $5,423

Mid-Valley total: $96,736

North Central

Group A

Cascade Singers, The Dalles: $2,368

Group B

Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association, Hood River: $5,000

North Central total: $7,368

North Coast

Group A

Arts Council of Clatsop County, Astoria: $2,368

Astoria Arts and Movement Center, Astoria: $2,368

Astoria Visual Arts, Inc, Astoria: $2,368

Bay City Pearl & Oyster Music Festival, Bay City: $2,368

C.C. Stern Type Foundry, Clatskanie: $2,368

Cartm, Manzanita: $2,368

Cascadia Concert Opera, Astoria: $2,368

Columbia Chorale of Oregon, Saint Helens: $2,368

Neah-Kah-Nie Coast Art Music and Cultural Foundation dba NCAM Foundation, Rockaway Beach: $2,368

Neskowin Chamber Music, Pacific City: $2,368

North Coast Chorale, Astoria: $2,368

One Tree Project, Warren: $2,368

The Writer’s Guild, Astoria: $2,368

Tolovana Arts Colony, Cannon Beach: $2,368

Trail’s End Art Association, Gearhart: $2,368

Group B

Hoffman Center for the Arts, Manzanita: $5,000

Liberty Restoration Inc., Astoria: $7,409

Ten Fifteen Productions, Astoria: $5,000

North Coast total: $52,929 

Northeast

Group A

Grande Ronde Symphony Association, La Grande: $2,368

Group B

Crossroads Creative and Performing Arts Center Inc., Baker City: $5,916

Eastern Oregon Regional Arts Council Inc DBA Art Center East, La Grande: $5,000

Fishtrap Inc, Enterprise: $5,916

Friends of the Opera House, Elgin: $5,916

Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph: $5,423

Northeast, total: $30,539

South Central

Group A

Klamath Folk Alliance (aka Klamath Music), Klamath Falls: $2,368

Group B

PLAYA, Summer Lake: $5,423

South Central, total: $7,791

South Coast|
Group A

Dolphin Players Inc., Coos Bay: $2,368

Oregon Coast School of Art, Gardiner: $2,368

Redfish Music Festival, Port Orford: $2,368

Riverbend Live!, Winston: $2,368

Group B

Artula Institute for Art and Environmental Education, Bandon: $7,619

Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay: $5,000

Egyptian Theater Preservation Association, Coos Bay: $5,000

Umpqua Valley Arts Association, Roseburg: $5,916

South Coast total: $33,007 

Southern

Group A

Art Presence, Inc., Jacksonville: $2,368

Ashland New Plays Festival, Ashland: $2,368

Fusion Performing Arts Alliance, Grants Pass: $2,368

Guitar Society of Southern Oregon, Ashland: $2,368

Jefferson Pipe Band, Gold Hill: $2,368

Kapi Oanuenue, Ashland: $2,368

North American Folk Music & Dance Alliance dba Ashland Flute Circle, Medford: $2,368

Rogue Valley Wind Ensemble dba Rogue Valley Symphonic Band, Talent: $2,368

Siskiyou Singers Inc., Ashland: $2,368

Siskiyou Violins, Medford: $2,368

Southern Oregon Film Society, Ashland: $2,368

Southern Oregon Guild, Cave Junction: $2,368

Group B

Anima Mundi Productions, Phoenix: $5,000

Camelot Theatre Company, Talent: $7,523

Collaborative Theatre Project Inc, Medford: $5,000

Grants Pass Museum of Art, Grants Pass: $5,000

Peter Britt Gardens Arts and Music Festival Association, Medford: $15,776

Rogue Valley Art Association, Medford: $5,000

Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, Ashland: $5,000

Southern Oregon University Foundation – Chamber Music Concerts, Ashland: $5,000

Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon, Medford: $5,000

Southern total: $86,715

South Valley/Mid Coast

Group A

Applegate Art Guild, Veneta: $2,368

Applegate Regional Theatre Inc, Veneta: $2,368

Artist Studio Association, Lincoln City: $2,368

Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene, Eugene: $2,368

Coastal Voices, Newport: $2,368

Corvallis Guitar Society, Corvallis: $2,368

DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon, Eugene: $2,368

Eugene Gay Men’s Chorus, Eugene: $2,368

Eugene Springfield Community Orchestra, Eugene: $2,368

Florence Regional Arts Alliance, Florence: $2,368

Free Shakespeare in the Park Theatre Company, Eugene: $2,368

Integrated Arts (DBA Harmonic Laboratory), Eugene: $2,368

Mid-Valley Productions, Albany: $2,368

New Zone Gallery, Eugene: $2,368

Oregon Brass Society, Eugene: $2,368

Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival Association, Newport: $2,368

Rose Women’s Choir, Eugene: $2,368

Pacific International Choral Festivals, Eugene: $2,368

Santiam Hearts to Arts, Mill City: $2,368

Scandinavian Cultural Foundation, Junction City: $2,368

Soromundi Lesbian Chorus of Eugene, Eugene: $2,368

Tri-County Performing Arts Inc aka Generations Arts Academy, Harrisburg: $2,368

Willamette Valley Symphony, Albany: $2,368

Women’s Choral Society, Springfield: $2,368

Group B

Adventure! Children’s Museum, Eugene: $5,000

Arts & Culture Project dba Radiant Arts, Eugene: $5,000

Ballet Fantastique, Eugene: $6,051

Chamber Music Amici, Eugene: $5,000

Community Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene: $6,062

Comunidad y Herencia Cultural, Springfield: $5,000

Corvallis Arts Center Inc., Corvallis: $5,916

Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, Corvallis: $5,000

Corvallis Youth Symphony Association, Corvallis: $5,000

Cottage Theatre, Cottage Grove: $5,423

Eugene Ballet Company, Eugene: $11,832

Eugene Concert Choir Inc, Eugene: $5,916

Eugene Opera, Eugene: $5,916

Eugene Springfield Youth Orchestras, Eugene: $5,423

Eugene Symphony Association Inc., Eugene: $11,832

Instaballet, Eugene: $5,000

Joint Forces Dance Company, Eugene: $5,000

Lane Arts Council, Eugene: $8,140

Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts, Eugene: $5,916

Maude I. Kerns Art Center, Eugene: $5,423

Maxtivity, Philomath: $5,000

Neskowin Coast Foundation aka Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Otis: $8,213

Orchestra Next, Eugene: $5,000

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, Newport: $7,465

Oregon Contemporary Theatre, Eugene: $6,042

Oregon Mozart Players, Eugene: $5,000

Polly Plumb Productions, Yachats: $5,000

Shedd Institute for the Arts, The John G., Eugene: $11,832

Siletz Bay Music Festival, Lincoln City: $5,000

University of Oregon – Oregon Bach Festival, Eugene: $10,627

Willamette Jazz Society, Eugene: $5,000

Wordcrafters in Eugene, Eugene: $5,000

South Valley/Mid Coast total: $259,861 

Grant category key:
Group A organizations operate with annual expenses less than $150,000.
Group B organizations operate with annual expenses equal to or greater than $150,000.

Region and counties key:

Central (Jefferson, Deschutes and Crook Counties)

Greater Eastern North (Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, Wheeler and Grant Counties)

Greater Eastern South (Harney and Malheur Counties)

Portland Metro (Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties)   

Mid-Valley (Yamhill, Polk and Marion Counties) 

North Central (Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties)

North Coast (Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook Counties) 

Northeast (Wallowa, Union and Baker Counties)

South Central (Klamath and Lake Counties)

South Coast (Douglas, Coos and Curry Counties)

South Valley/Mid-Coast (Lincoln, Benton, Linn and Lane Counties)

Southern (Josephine and Jackson Counties) 

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

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

Update 11/5/2025 5:35pm

The Clark County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from federal and local agencies, has made three arrests in this case. MCU Detectives developed probable cause and were granted warrants for the arrests of three suspects for Murder in the First Degree related to this investigation.

On 10/30/2025 Tyresse Hammer, age 24, of Beaverton, OR, was arrested with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (USMS PNVOTF) and Woodburn Police Department in Woodburn, Oregon. He was booked into the Marion County Jail, where he is pending extradition to Clark County, on Murder in the First-Degree charges.

Today, on 11/5/2025, Cristian Russell, age 22, of Hillsboro, OR, and Lucy Montoya, age 23, of Scappoose, OR, were also arrested with assistance from the USMS PNVOTF and Hillsboro Police Department. They were booked into the Washington County Jail and are also pending extradition to Clark County on Murder in the First-Degree charges.

Investigators believe that Hammer, Russell, and Montoya were involved in a plan to commit armed robbery and steal a Dodge Challenger Hellcat parked at an apartment complex located at 9413 NE 19^th Ave, in Vancouver, WA. During the robbery, the vehicle owner, Jacob Hall, age 40, of Vancouver, WA, was shot and killed. The three involved suspects fled the scene in Montoya’s red Lexus sedan. The same sedan was recovered later in the day in Multnomah County, OR. 

The investigation is still active and anyone with information is asked to call the CCSO Major Crimes Unit Tip Line at 564-397-2847.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the immense assistance provided by our Oregon Law Enforcement and US Marshals Service partners.

Update 10/27/25 9:35am

The vehicle of interest in this case was located in Multnomah County. The public provided many tips, and we would like to thank them for their assistance with this investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing. 

On 10/26/2025 at 7:49am, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to reports of a shots heard in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 9400 block of NE 19th Avenue in Vancouver, WA. Multiple callers reported hearing a series of gunshots in the parking lot of the complex.

On arrival, CCSO patrol deputies located an adult male victim in the front seat of a vehicle with a gunshot wound. The victim did not survive.

Witnesses reported that two black males, wearing masks, were seen going back and forth between the victim vehicle and a red Lexus after hearing the shots. The two male suspects then left the parking lot in the Lexus before making it to Interstate 5 and heading south into Portland. The vehicle was reportedly last seen taking Exit 307 in Portland.

The CCSO Major Crimes Unit is investigating this homicide.
 

Detectives are looking for a dark red Lexus ES 350 sedan, that has a shattered rear window, rear end damage, and broken tail light. 

The suspects are believed to be two black males, possibly in their early 20s.

The occupants should be considered armed and dangerous and not be approached.

If the vehicle is seen or anyone has information about this incident, please call 911.

Updates will be made as more information becomes available.

Malheur County, Ore. (Nov. 5, 2025)- Oregon State Police investigators are asking the public for information regarding a serious injury crash that occurred on Highway 95 (Bus.) in Annex, OR.

On Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3:22 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 95 (Bus.), near the intersection with Deck Street, in Annex. The crash occurred when an unknown pickup “brake checked” a Harley Davidson motorcycle.  The motorcycle swerved to the left to avoid a collision with the unknown truck but collided nearly head-on with a pickup travelling in the opposite direction.  The crash caused serious injuries to the driver and passenger of the motorcycle.

The involved vehicle was described as a lifted, white or gray, two-door, 4x4, Toyota Tacoma, possibly around a 2015 model, with an Idaho license plate. The pickup may have a sticker in the rear window. It was last seen traveling into Weiser (ID).

Anyone who may have seen the individual in the area, or who has dash cam footage, is asked to contact OSP’s Southern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-2068 or by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-455662.

# # #

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

Who: Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) in partnership with WorkSource Oregon, Opportunity Oregon, and Oregon Corrections Enterprises.

What: This is the seventh fair that has been held within the Oregon prison system in 2025. The career fair is a collaborative effort between the Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC), Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE), WorkSource Oregon, and Opportunity Oregon. Each partner plays a vital role, from coordinating logistics to recruiting employers and resource providers.

 Key contributors include:

1. Opportunity Oregon: Plans, organizes, and spearheads each event, coordinating employer, union, and resource provider recruitment.

2. Oregon Corrections Enterprises: Sponsors refreshments, prepares participants, and showcases in-prison work training programs.

3. WorkSource Oregon: Recruits employers statewide to connect with tomorrow’s workforce.

4. Oregon Department of Corrections: Coordinates the event, hosts meals and tours, and supports adults in custody with preparation.

These career fairs create meaningful opportunities for adults in custody to connect with employers, unions, and reentry resources, building pathways to successful careers, lowering recidivism, strengthening the economy, and creating safer communities.

RSVP: to Nathan Warren via email at Nathan.D.Warren@doc.oregon.gov no later than :00 PM on Thurssday, November 6, 2025. A background check is required for access into the facility. A list of equipment, tripods, batteries, microphone, cameras, etc. will be needed.

When: November 7, 2025

Check in at 7:15 AM

Opening Announcements at 8:00 AM 

Where: Oregon State Correctional Institution

3405 Deer Park Drive SE, Salem, Oregon 97310

Malheur County, Ore. (Nov. 5, 2025)- On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 11:17 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 201, near milepost 17, in Malheur County.

The preliminary investigation indicated northbound Pontiac G5, operated by Phillip Earl Kinstrand (70) of Vale, entered the southbound lane for unknown reasons and struck the trailer of a southbound Freightliner commercial motor vehicle, operated by Zachary Dean Piper (46) of Fruitland (ID).

The operator of the Pontiac (Kinstrand) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger in the Pontiac, Kayla Diane Harlan (35) of Ontario, was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital.

The operator of the Freightliner was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Ontario Police Department and Ontario Fire Department.

# # #

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.

On November 5, 2025, at around 12:00pm, the Clark County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) responded to threats made by a subject to a local bank. During the investigation, deputies determined the subject threatened to use a bomb at the bank and also assault banking staff at the location.

CCSO deputies, with assistance from the SW Washington Regional Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, served a search warrant in the 4700 block of NE Saint James. There was a large police response in the area for several hours. The subject was taken into custody without incident.

CCSO arrested 62 year old Kit Morrison for Felony Harassment and Threats to Bomb, he was booked into the Clark County Jail.

Study will be discussed at a County Council work session, Nov. 12

Vancouver, Wash. - Clark County is revising its Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, a 20-year guide for managing growth and development with respect to the natural environment and available resources. As a part of the update, the county hired a consultant, ECONorthwest, to conduct an agricultural resource lands study which was released this week.

The study focuses on land within the unincorporated areas of the county, outside of the current urban growth areas, including areas that currently have agricultural and rural zoning. The study evaluates state and local criteria to help identify lands that are used or capable of being used for agricultural production. The county held two open houses in September and October to provide information on the study and gather feedback from community members.

The agricultural lands study does not include policy recommendations or recommend changes to land designations. The data within the report will be utilized to inform decision makers and the public in the selection of a preferred alternative that will be further analyzed as a part of the comprehensive plan update.

The consultant that produced it will give the Clark County Council an informational briefing as a part of a work session in November. The work session is open to the public, however there will be no public comment as part of the event. Public comment on the study will take place in early 2026 as a part of a discussion on the preferred alternative.

The work session will be held on Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Attendees can join in person in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or virtually via Webex. Information on how to attend the meeting can be found on the council’s meeting page at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings.

Clark County has not performed a countywide agricultural resource lands study since the initial adoption of the county’s first comprehensive plan under the Growth Management Act (GMA) in 1994.

Comments on the agricultural lands study and the comprehensive plan update can be submitted in the following ways:

• On the county website: https://bit.ly/2025CPComments
• By email: comp.plan@clark.wa.gov
• By mail: Community Planning, Comprehensive Plan Update, P.O. Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810

Learn more about the county Comprehensive Plan Update project, Your Future. Your Voice. at: https://bit.ly/2025CPUpdate

Learn more about the county agricultural resource lands study at: bit.ly/2025CPAgStudy

Bend Fire & Rescue responded to two reported house fires within 90 minutes of each other. Both were linked to home heating causes.
 

At 11am Bend Fire was called to a home on Evie Dr where occupants reported smoke coming from their fireplace. The fire was found to be limited to the gas insert fireplace. Wood had been added to the gas fireplace insert and turned on. The wood ignited and, as the fireplace was not designed for this type of fire, started to smoke inside the house and through exterior vent. The fire was extinguished with minimal damage to the house and contents, but the insert will need to be replaced. All 3 occupants evacuated safely, and damage was limited to the insert, about $2500.
 

This is a good reminder to always use heating appliances as designed. Whether it’s a gas fireplace insert, a space heater, or outdoor propane heater, always follow the manufacturers guidelines on safe operation. A common issue we see this time of year is when outdoor heaters are brought into unventilated spaces such as garages, shops, or enclosed tents. The outdoor heaters produce a large quantity of carbon monoxide. If the heaters are not ventilated the CO can build up and create a hazardous atmosphere.
 

The second fire was reported at 12:20 by the property owner on Deschutes Market Rd. The owner was on site and had lit a fire in a woodstove inside an unused manufactured home. Shortly after the fire started, smoke was seen coming from the roof and he called 911. Crews arrived quickly and began fighting the fire. The high winds today spread the fire in the concealed roof space as crews attempted to extinguish it. The fire was eventually stopped but the 1978 manufactured home is considered a complete loss ($10,000).

In this case the woodstove had not been used for many years and it’s unknown the condition of the flue or attic space before the fire was started. Having your woodstove inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional can greatly lessen the chance of these types of fires. They can ensure the flue is still properly connected, that no combustibles have made contact with the flue in the past year, and that the flue is thoroughly cleaned from any creosote buildup.  Burning clean dry firewood will ensure a good clean fire and reduce the creosote buildup over the winter.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/heating/

Clackamas County, Ore. (Nov. 5, 2025)- The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying individual(s) involved in the unlawful take of four deer, which were butchered and subsequently dumped and wasted off South Elwood Road outside Colton, Oregon, Clackamas County.

On Tuesday, November 4^th, 2025, a reporting party located a large amount of deer meat and front and rear deer quarters thrown into the bushes off South Elwood Road, just east of South Benzinger Road in Colton. An Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish and Wildlife trooper arrived on scene and located the decaying remains of four deer that had been butchered elsewhere and taken to the area where the parts were thrown into dense vegetation on Port Blakely Tree Farm property. Three of the deer were discovered to have been killed with archery equipment. The deer parts were likely dumped in the area between Friday, October 31^st, 2025, and Sunday, November 2^nd, 2025.  

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number #SP25-457045

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 for illegally obtaining an Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information, visit the Oregon State Police Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) web page.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

Monmouth, OR – Officers from the Monmouth Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious device at approximately 300 Hoxton Avenue, near a construction site. Construction workers discovered the device and promptly notified the authorities.

Upon arrival, officers assessed the device and collaborated with the Salem Bomb Squad for identification. As a precautionary measure, several residents in the vicinity were advised to shelter in place or temporarily evacuate until the Bomb Squad concluded their investigation.

The device was subsequently identified as a hoax and was safely removed from the site. Residents and construction crews were able to resume their normal activities shortly thereafter. This investigation remains ongoing.

# # #

Ridgefield High School Theatre is proud to present its fall play, Almost, Maine — a heartwarming and whimsical production set in a remote, fictional town where love is discovered, lost, and found again in the most unexpected ways. On a magical, clear, and cold midwinter night, the residents of Almost, Maine experience a series of charming and surreal encounters that explore the complexities of love and connection.

Performance Dates and Times:

• Friday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m.

• Saturday, November 8 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• Friday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. (Senior Night Recognition)

• Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase online in advance or at the door on the day of each performance.

• Adults: $10

• Students: $8

• Students with ASB card: $5

Reserve your seats today by visiting thersd.org/AlmostMaine.

Polk County, Ore. (Nov. 5, 2025)- The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying individual(s) involved in the unlawful take of deer in Polk County. 

On Friday, October 24^th, 2025, a landowner overheard three gunshots on his private property located off Burbank Road and Gage Road in rural Polk County. The landowner drove down the road and observed an older white Dodge or Chrysler Town and Country style minivan with both driver and passenger doors ajar parked on the county road next to his property. No occupants were observed near the vehicle. The minivan was later observed by the landowner driving east on Burbank Road towards Highway 223.

Polk County deputies arrived on scene and located two deceased (doe) deer on the landowner’s property. An Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish and Wildlife trooper arrived on scene, and field dressed the deer. The deer were delivered to the Salem Union Gospel Mission for food donation. Investigation remains open.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov.

Please reference case number #SP25-446304

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 for illegally obtaining an Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information, visit the Oregon State Police Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) web page.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve August 19, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Christopher Mattison, PSI No. 088425

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

4. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0120, 259-060-0130, 259-060-0135, 259-060-0136, 259-060-0300, 259-060-0310, 259-060-0320, and 259-060-0380

   Related to Emergency Suspension

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

5. Agency Update

6. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – February 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

Salem, OR — Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners signed a proclamation recognizing November 11, 2025, as Veterans Day in Marion County, honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans through Operation Green Light.

The proclamation reaffirms Marion County’s commitment to supporting veterans and their families, promoting awareness of veteran issues, and fostering partnerships with local organizations that serve those who have worn the uniform.

“Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have defended our nation’s freedom in times of war and peace, and their continued service strengthens our communities,” the proclamation states.

This year’s proclamation also acknowledged the 250th anniversaries of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, recognizing their enduring role in safeguarding liberty and democracy.

As part of Operation Green Light, Marion County buildings will be illuminated in green from November 5 through November 12 as a visible tribute of gratitude and unity with veterans and their families. We encourage residents, businesses, and community organizations to join in displaying green lights as a symbol of honor and appreciation.

“Marion County is proud to stand with our veterans and their families,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell, Chair. “We encourage all residents to honor, thank, and support the veterans in our community and across the nation—not only on Veterans Day, but every day of the year.”

After votes were tallied on November 4, 2025, it was evident that voters in Washington County supported funding the Public Safety Levy. Confirmation of the vote will take place on December 1, 2025, and is a testament to the long-standing community support.

Thank you to the voters of Washington County for passing Measure 34-346 and supporting a comprehensive public safety system. For 25 years, the Public Safety Levy has effectively endorsed a wide range of services to keep the Washington County community safe. Thanks to your ongoing support, we will have the necessary resources for a countywide law enforcement response, proper jail staffing, timely prosecution, effective parole and probation supervision, vital assistance for victims, juvenile justice services, and continued funding for our Mental Health Response Team. It is an honor to serve this community, and we appreciate your continued support. 

Sheriff Massey provided the following statement of appreciation. “I want to express my sincerest gratitude to the residents of Washington County for your trust and support. In approving the Public Safety Levy, especially during this season of economic uncertainty, you have sent a powerful message: that public safety matters, and that you value the service of our deputies and professional staff who serve Washington County every day. Your support will help ensure Washington County remains a safe place to live, work, raise families, and thrive. On behalf of the entire Sheriff's Office, thank you for standing with us and for one another.”

District Attorney Kevin Barton said, “We are so grateful that Washington County voters voiced their strong support for our public safety system by passing the public safety levy.  These results send a clear message that our community supports public safety, even during these difficult economic times.  We are committed to ensuring that we keep Washington County a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office and Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is asking for the public’s help with information related to the murder of 19-year-old Emily Rose Taylor.

On November 6, 2023, at around 11:00 p.m., deputies responded to a report of gunfire in Estacada. Investigators determined that Emily Taylor was shot and killed while riding as a passenger in a vehicle. Detectives believe one or more individuals fired at the vehicle, striking Taylor.

Two years have passed since Emily’s death, and investigators continue to pursue every lead. Detectives believe there are individuals with information about this case who have not yet come forward.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office are urging anyone with information—no matter how small it may seem—to submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Oregon.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 for information reported to Crime Stoppers of Oregon that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime, but tipsters must remain anonymous.  Secure and anonymous tips can be left at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com, or you can visit the app store and download P3 tips for smartphones or tablets.

Lake Oswego School District (LOSD) Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Schiele expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Lake Oswego community for its overwhelming approval of the district’s $245 million school bond, Measure 3-628. Early election returns show the measure passing with more than 70 percent approval; final results will be certified by election officials at a later date.

“On behalf of our school board, educators, and staff, we are deeply grateful to our Lake Oswego community for once again showing such strong support for our schools,” said Dr. Schiele. “This bond’s passage reflects our shared commitment to educational excellence and our collective belief in providing safe, inspiring spaces where every student can learn and thrive. Thank you to every voter who participated, and to the many volunteers, parents, staff, and students who helped share our story. Your dedication and heart made all the difference. This vote is an investment in the future of Lake Oswego, and your trust and partnership humble us.”

The citizen-led campaign Building Great Lake Oswego Schools was chaired by Heather Ramsey with steering committee members Teresa Aguilera, Mark Birge, Lindsey Boccia, Courtney Clements, Erin Quand, and John Wallin, alongside all Lake Oswego School Board members. Representatives from every school, neighborhood, and numerous community organizations contributed to the campaign’s success.

“I want to thank the community for stepping up,” said Ramsey. “So many people brought their expertise, passion, and love for our schools to this effort. They executed it beautifully. I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished together.”

Lake Oswego School Board Chair Kirsten Aird added, “We are so proud of our Lake Oswego community. The passage of this bond ensures our district has the resources needed to remain a leader in achieving academic excellence. An investment in our school buildings is an investment in our students. It’s inspiring to see our community come together for our students today and tomorrow.”

About the 2025 School Bond Measure

Measure 3-628 marks the final phase of a three-part initiative to build safe, resilient, and modern schools in Lake Oswego. The $245 million bond is projected to maintain LOSD’s current estimated bond tax rate of $2.90 per $1,000 of assessed property value, with no increase anticipated.

Bond funds will support:

• Enhanced safety and security measures at every school.

• Replacement of Forest Hills and Lake Grove Elementary Schools, the district’s two oldest buildings dating back to the 1940s, on their current sites.

• Upgrades and expansions to classrooms for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Career Technical Education (CTE) at Lake Oswego and Lakeridge High Schools, the Community Transition Program, and Palisades World Language School.

“Our community has been clear, they support safe schools and strong academic programs, and they value our ability to deliver both without increasing the current bond tax rate,” said Dr. Schiele. “This bond allows us to fulfill our promise to modernize facilities and provide safe, future-ready learning environments for every student.”

The district will issue the bonds in multiple series, each with a maturity of up to 26 years. The measure continues LOSD’s strong record of financial transparency, including regular audits and oversight by a citizen Bond Accountability Committee to ensure responsible spending and progress monitoring.

About Lake Oswego School District

The Lake Oswego School District is Oregon’s top-rated large K-12 public school district, dedicated to fostering a culture of belonging and educational excellence. LOSD serves approximately 6,800 students across 11 schools. Located just south of Portland, Lake Oswego is known for its vibrant community, natural beauty, and outstanding public schools.

SALEM, Oregon— As this year comes to a close, Oregon State Parks is looking back on 2025 and planning for the 2026 season.  

This year Oregon State Parks welcomed millions of visitors, maintained nearly 1,000 miles of trails, hosted hundreds of events including mushroom hikes and star parties and finished dozens of projects from the restoration of the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse to repaving the campground at Silver Falls State Park.  

State parks also updated many of its fees to reflect increasing costs and decreasing Oregon State Lottery funding. Depending on the fee, the last update was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago.

Staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors for the 2026 season with guided hikes, seasonal events and outdoor adventures. To help visitors enjoy the more than 250 state parks and know what to expect next year, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department gathered the upcoming updates in one place.  

Winter 2025: 

• Green Friday (Nov. 28):  Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits on Green Friday. 

Beginning January 1, 2026: 

• First Day Hike (Jan. 1): Guided hikes at select parks. Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits for First Day Hikes. 

• 12-month parking permits will increase from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and to $75 for out-of-state residents due to the out-of-state surcharge.  

• 24-month parking permits will not be sold in 2026. Existing permits will be honored until they expire.  

• Oregon State Parks will no longer sell Oregon Pacific Coast Passports but will honor passports purchased in 2025 until they expire.  

• Oregon State Parks will no longer honor Jackson County parking permits. 

Winter/Spring 2026 

• OPRD is considering updates to its Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy. The proposed changes would update the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting as soon as Feb. 2026. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellation. Public comment is expected to run from December 1 to January 15, 2026. Final approval is required by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission. 
   
• Additional parks will require a parking fee. The specific parks and implementation date is still being finalized. 
   
• Implement fees to use dump stations at Oregon State Parks to support the cost of that service.  
   
• State Parks Day (June 6), will continue to offer free parking for Oregon residents. Camping fees will no longer be waived on that day pending approval of the proposed Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy updates.  

“The changes are critical to sustaining state park operations and services now and for the future. We appreciate visitors’ continued support as these necessary changes are implemented,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director (OPRD) Director Lisa Sumption.  

OPRD is projecting at $14 million budget shortfall this biennium due to decreasing lottery revenue, increasing costs and a long-standing need for more sustainable funding.  OPRD does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.  

OPRD will continue to review and update fees and operations to keep providing high-quality visitor experiences and sustain parks now and in the future. 

In addition to increasing fees, OPRD is also streamlining costs, planning to add more cabins and yurts to expand capacity and increase revenue and looking for new partnerships and sponsorships to help build a more sustainable funding future. 

Vancouver, WA - The Clark County Historical Museum invites the community to welcome the winter season and discover one-of-a-kind, last-minute gifts at the Winter Native Arts Market on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly celebration highlights the region’s vibrant Indigenous cultures through art, music, and storytelling.

Guests can explore and shop from 17 Native artists and makers showcasing a stunning variety of handcrafted works—jewelry, textiles, carvings, prints, and more. Each purchase directly supports Indigenous artists and helps sustain their cultural traditions and creative expression.

Adding to the festive spirit, award-winning Native American flute musician Sherrie Davis will perform throughout the day, providing a beautiful and soulful soundtrack for the event.

In addition to the market, museum admission will be free all day, offering visitors the chance to experience exhibitions that share the stories and heritage of Southwest Washington—including those of the region’s first peoples.

For more information, visit cchmuseum.org or call 360-993-5679

Media Contact:

Sammuel Hawkins

Outreach & Public Programs Manager

Clark County Historical Museum

Outreach@cchmuseum.org | 360-993-5679

The Oregon State Marine Board filed a notice of proposed rulemaking with the Secretary of State’s Office on October 30, to solicit public comments on the proposed rule language to implement the Waterway Access Permit whitewater exemption per HB 2982 from the 2025 legislative session. The exemption pertains to boats under 10 feet in length, engaging in Class IV or higher whitewater runs that are not accessible from an improved boating facility.

The Marine Board approved the staff recommendation referencing GIS technology as a better aid to boaters for visualizing specific waterways with Class IV and higher whitewater rapids, where permits would be exempt. Using this map application and a new data layer, boaters can select the “Proposed Whitewater Exemption” layer to comment on the specific river segments being proposed for the permit exemption. Visit the agency’s Boat Oregon Online Map.

Agency staff compiled the data with assistance from the American Whitewater Association and additional references to whitewater rapid segments, combined with Marine Board data on waterway access facilities.  

Additionally, agency staff will hold a hybrid-style public hearing on December 4, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm. The meeting will be held at the agency’s office, 435 Commercial Street NE, in Salem. The public can also participate online. The Board will meet in January 2026, and may make a motion to adopt, amend, or take other action on the proposed rulemaking.

Written comments will be accepted until December 15, by 11:55 pm. Comments can be submitted by email to .rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov?subject=Public%20comment%20on%20HB%202982%20WW%20Exemption">osmb.rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. Mail to Jennifer Cooper, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. Testimony will not be accepted by telephone.

Additional Resources:

• October meeting materials from the Marine Board’s Public Meetings page and public hearing information, including the virtual public hearing link.
• New Rules and Notices page with the notice for public comment.

-End-

More than 264 residents across Clark, Klickitat, and Cowlitz counties safely disposed of 760 pounds of unwanted medications during a regional Drug Take-Back event held on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

The free, drive-thru disposal event was held at 11 locations, including police departments in Battle Ground, La Center, and Ridgefield, Pendleton Woolen Mills in Washougal, Walgreens in Longview, Walmart in Castle Rock, and the Klickitat County Courthouse in Goldendale. Community members were encouraged to bring prescription and over-the-counter medications, along with vape pens and e-cigarettes (with batteries removed), for safe disposal.

The biannual event, organized by local prevention coalitions, law enforcement, and public health partners, offers a safe, secure, and environmentally friendly way for residents to dispose of unused medications and prevent misuse before it begins.

“Every person who participated took an important step in protecting their loved ones and our community,” said Kelley Groen-Sieckmann, ESD 112 Community Prevention Project Coordinator. “Safely disposing of medications prevents accidental poisonings and helps stop prescription misuse before it starts.”

All medications collected were securely transported and incinerated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, ensuring they are kept out of landfills and local waterways.

The Impact:

• 760 pounds of unused medications collected
• 264 residents participated
• 11 collection sites across three counties
• Prevention of misuse, poisonings, and environmental contamination

Events are made possible through funding from the Clark County Opioid Abatement Council and the Washington State Health Care Authority Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.

If you missed this event, year-round medication disposal options are available. Visit www.medtakebackwashington.org to find nearby drop-off locations or request a free mail-in envelope. Residents can also take the pledge to lock their medications and learn more about at-home safety at www.LocksSaveLives.org.

About Prevent Coalition

Prevent Coalition, supported by ESD 112, works to prevent youth substance use and promote health and safety across Southwest Washington. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, Prevent empowers communities to build environments where young people can thrive. Learn more at www.preventcoalition.org.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Centralia, Washington, man pleaded guilty yesterday to damaging a Portland area energy facility.

Nathaniel Cheney, 31, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of damaging an energy facility.

According to court documents, on November 28, 2022, Cheney and others caused $26,000 of damage to the Sunnyside substation in Clackamas, Oregon, by damaging the control equipment necessary for the operation of the substation.

On March 12, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Cheney with damaging an energy facility.

Cheney faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on February 18, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Cheney has agreed to pay restitution in full as recommended by the government.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau Investigation with assistance from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Parakram Singh and Geoffrey Barrow, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

November 5, 2025

Media Contact:  Kim Lippert erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831

Innovative high school program equips students for behavioral health careers

SALEM, Ore. –An initiative to build a more diverse, culturally responsive behavioral health workforce is preparing Oregon students for a future career in the field.     

High school juniors and seniors are gaining real world experience to explore potential career paths in behavioral health through the High School Behavioral Health Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant program offered in the Salem- Keizer School District and—new this school year—in Sunset-Beaverton and Lane County school districts. 

“Students report the program is helping them prepare for their future and understand themselves and others better,” said Casey Reid, PhD, behavioral health pathway specialist, Lane Education Service District. “We are excited to prepare Oregon’s future behavioral health workforce and build the culture of schools along the way in ways that are supportive of students and communities.” 

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is supporting three High School Behavioral Health CTE programs for the first time with $185,000 grant funding from Senate Bill 5525, passed in 2023. This is the Salem-Keizer School District’s second year with their Behavioral Health CTE program and the first year for Sunset- Beaverton and Lane County School districts’ behavioral health CTE programs. 

 “These programs are doing more than preparing students for careers,” said OHA OHA’s Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “They’re creating access, breaking down barriers and building a future where Oregon’s behavioral health workforce reflects the communities it serves.”

Here are some highlights from the first year of funding: 

Salem-Keizer Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) 

• 43 students completed paid internships under the supervision of industry professionals.
• 20 students earned Peer Support Specialist (PSS) certifications.
• 25 students earned Qualified Mental Health Associate – Registered (QMHA-R) certifications.
• Provided paid transportation to rural students, ensuring equitable access to the program.

Sunset-Beaverton School District 

• 16 students completed the first year of the new CTE pilot program (51 students are enrolled for 2025–26).
• Funding helped convert classroom space into clinical-style environments and hire a full-time program coordinator.
• Program recognition by the Oregon Department of Education expanded access to students from all 27 district high schools.

 Lane County School District 

• 41 currently enrolled students represent nine high schools (four programs are on-site and one is a fully online pilot launched this fall — the first in Oregon).
• All program educators received certification in Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid.
• Students are collaborating with community organizations to create peer support programs to bring timely help directly to schools.

The High School Behavioral Health CTE program supports OHA’s strategic plan to eliminate health inequities by 2030, contributing to a trained behavioral health workforce that reflects the lived experiences and cultural backgrounds of Oregon’s youth. 

For more information on the High School Behavioral Health CTE programs visit:  

https://ctec.salkeiz.k12.or.us/programs/behavior-health-and-human-services  

 https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/teaching-learning/student-programs/career-technical-education-cte/behavioral-health-at-sunset

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Inaugural initiative honors uncommon collaboration and innovation in addressing environmental and conservation challenges of the American West with a $50,000 cash prize.

Bend, OR — November 5, 2025 — Today, the High Desert Museum announces the Schnitzer Prize of the West, an inaugural initiative launched in close partnership with Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation. The new Prize—the first of its kind in the region—will award $50,000 annually to an individual or a small group of individuals whose work addresses environmental and conservation challenges of the American West, with a particular focus on honoring innovation, social impact, and uncommon collaboration. The open call for self- and third-party nominations runs on the High Desert Museum’s website from today through January 1, 2026.

In a moment when the American West—and the world-at-large—is confronting unprecedented ecological challenges, the Prize seeks to highlight innovative responses to urgent issues such as water scarcity, tribal rights and sovereignty, land-stewardship, changing climate, and more—offering models that can be replicated in other areas of the country facing similar pressures.

Since its founding in 1982, the High Desert Museum has been dedicated to sharing the stories of the High Desert through wildlife, art, cultures, history, and interdisciplinary experiences, creating a shared connection and dialogue among its community. The Prize builds on this commitment to conservation and on past initiatives such as the Earle A. Chiles Award—which recognized significant “Win-Win” contributions to managing the High Desert region's natural resources—as well as the Museum’s partnership with lifelong Portland resident and West Coast businessman Jordan D. Schnitzer, a dedicated steward of the local community and the region’s advancement.

“The Schnitzer Prize of the West is an exceedingly timely and relevant effort to shine a light on the innovators, collaborators and visionaries among us,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D, Executive Director of High Desert Museum. “Their work demonstrates that we can look toward our future together even as we consider the economic and ecological challenges before us.” 

“The Schnitzer Prize celebrates remarkable individuals and teams, who through their uncommon collaborations, are producing actionable solutions to the legacy challenges we face in the West,” said Jordan D. Schnitzer, President of Schnitzer Properties and The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.

Administered through the High Desert Museum, Prize nominations and applications will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of advisors comprised of former tribal leaders, ranchers and farmers, water policy and river restoration practitioners, a poet laureate and renowned historian, directors of prominent academic centers that focus on the study of the American West and more. To learn more about this dynamic group, visit the High Desert Museum website.

The Prize is now accepting nominations, and selected nominees will be invited to submit a formal application in early 2026. Nominations not selected in this inaugural cycle will automatically carry over for two forthcoming cycles. The Prize Winner will be announced in the spring of 2026. In addition to the $50,000 cash prize, the Winner will also receive a unique piece of art during an award ceremony in Portland, Oregon.

For more information on the Schnitzer Prize of the West, nomination eligibility, and selection process, please visit highdesertmuseum.org/schnitzer-prize.

About Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation

Jordan Schnitzer has a vibrant legacy supporting the High Desert Museum. He is the visionary and sponsor of the Schnitzer Prize of the West.

Through the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Jordan carries on the legacy of his late parents and their belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the CARE Foundation and its leaders have given over $300 million to fund hundreds of nonprofit projects that touch lives and enrich communities.

Schnitzer is also a prominent West Coast businessman. He is President and CEO of Schnitzer Properties, one of the West Coast’s Top 10 private real estate owners with offices in six Western states. Schnitzer is also an ARTnews Top 200 Art Collector globally and shares his vast contemporary art collections at no charge to museums and institutions and supports accompanying programming, educational opportunities and publications.

About the High Desert Museum

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

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The Lebanon Fire District has been awarded a $1 million Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, providing five years of funding to expand wildfire prevention, seasonal staffing, and community resilience programs throughout the Lebanon area.

The award is part of a national $200 million investment in 58 community projects announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins on September 23, 2025. The grants, funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, help at-risk communities plan for and reduce wildfire risk, protect homes and infrastructure, and advance the goals of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy — restoring resilient landscapes, creating fire-adapted communities, and ensuring safe, effective wildfire response.

“This award is a major step forward for our community,” said Fire Chief Joseph Rodondi. “We’ve seen how quickly wildfire danger can escalate across Oregon. This funding allows us to proactively staff and equip our teams, invest in prevention, and strengthen our ability to protect lives, property, and the environment.”

A Collaborative Effort Years in the Making

Lebanon Fire District’s successful application was developed in partnership with the Sweet Home Fire District, Linn County, the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, the South Santiam Watershed Council, and other local and regional partners. Division Chief John Tacy, who led the effort for Lebanon, said the process took several months and represents a shared commitment to wildfire preparedness across Linn County.

“This grant was truly a team effort,” Tacy said. “Sweet Home Fire District took the regional lead, and we were proud to work alongside them, Linn County, ODF, OSU, OSFM, the South Santiam Watershed Council, and our local partners to secure this investment. These funds will directly support Lebanon’s summer staffing, equipment acquisition, and oversight—resources that will make an immediate difference when fire season arrives.”

Grant Impact for Lebanon

The $1 million, five-year award will fund:

• Seasonal staffing — adding four additional personnel during high-risk summer months.
• Equipment acquisition — upgrading and expanding wildfire suppression tools and protective gear.
• Supervisory oversight — ensuring effective coordination of wildfire mitigation and community-safety efforts.
• Community outreach and prevention — enhancing education and engagement on defensible space and fire-safe practices.

A National Investment in Wildfire Defense

Launched in 2022, the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program is a $1 billion, five-year competitive initiative designed to help communities and Tribes reduce wildfire risk. The program prioritizes those that:

• Are in areas identified as having high or very high wildfire hazard potential,
• Are low-income, or
• Have been impacted by a severe disaster in the past decade that increased wildfire risk.

Funding may be used to develop or revise Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) or to implement projects described in CWPPs less than ten years old. In this most recent funding cycle, the Forest Service received 573 applications requesting more than $1.6 billion from 40 states, three U.S. territories, and 48 Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations. Review panels comprised of state forestry and tribal representatives selected 58 proposals totaling $200 million — including the Lebanon Fire District’s project in Oregon.

“These grants are about putting real resources directly in the hands of the people who know their lands and communities best,” said Secretary Rollins in the USDA’s national announcement. “By empowering them, we are protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure while securing the future of our great American landscape.”

Looking Ahead

Implementation of the Lebanon project will begin in 2026, with seasonal staffing and equipment procurement slated for the coming year. The District will provide updates to residents as the program progresses and will continue working with neighboring agencies to ensure the most effective use of the funds.

Chief Rodondi noted that collaboration and forward-planning will remain key: “Wildfire prevention doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s about partnerships, preparedness, and the people who make it possible. This grant is an investment in all three.”

More information about the national Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program is available at www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/grants/cwdg

Vancouver, WA – With 100% of the initial 26,035 ballots counted, preliminary results indicate that voters are rejecting Charter Amendment No. 13, which would have created voting districts. According to Clark County Elections, the results so far are No: 14,800 and Yes: 11,235. 

“We continue to monitor the returns, but the outcome is becoming clear,” said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. “Regardless of the result, the election does not change City Council’s commitment to representing the perspectives of the entire Vancouver community and making decisions that serve the city as a whole. We appreciate the work of the Charter Review Committee in bringing this proposal forward for community consideration.”

Charter Amendment No. 13 was created as part of the 2024 Charter Review process, during which the Charter Review Committee recommended that elections be held by district. All members of the City Council, including the Mayor, will continue to be elected citywide.

The election results will be certified on Nov. 25.

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Vancouver, Wash. – With 100% of the initial 26,604 ballots counted, preliminary results indicate that Vancouver voters are approving Proposition 5, the Police Services Levy, in the Nov. 5 general election.

“The community has consistently told us that public safety is a top priority,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “While we are still waiting to see what comes in later, voters reaffirmed their commitment to a safe Vancouver and their support for continued improvements to police services. I want to thank Vancouver voters for their trust and investment in this important community priority.”
 

Proposition 5 will pay for:

• Adding up to 13 full-time equivalent sworn police officers in a range of ranks and assignments
• The equipment and vehicles for new staff that are consistent with current and future policing standards
• Administrative and staffing costs to support the investments in officers and equipment
• Additional prosecution and criminal justice costs

“As we continue to monitor the returns, I remain hopeful that the votes will continue to trend in the affirmative,” said Police Chief Troy Price. “I want to thank the community members who cast their ballots in support of the Vancouver Police Department, the City Council for their ongoing commitment to public safety, and the members of the Police Community Advisory Committee for their dedication and thoughtful work in helping develop priorities and funding strategies to increase police staffing.”

The levy is anticipated to raise $6 million annually over six years starting in 2026. The approved amount will be used to calculate future levies.

“We recognize the expectation taxpayers have for the City to use their investment wisely, and to follow the plan we have laid out,” said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. “We will keep the public updated on our progress, including keeping the Police Community Advisory Committee informed and involved as we carry out our commitment to the public.”

The election results will be certified on Nov. 25.

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Payton White, age 16, a child in foster care who went missing from Happy Valley on Oct. 31. She is believed to be in danger.

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

Payton is known to be on 82nd St. in Portland and Clackamas. Payton has made statements about traveling to California.

Name: Payton White
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Dec. 26, 2008
Height: 5-feet
Weight: 120 pounds
Hair: Black
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: Payton has a tattoo of a crown on her left forearm, it is about 2 inches in size.
Clackamas Sheriff’s Case #25-0022-949
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2066715

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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. 

Smoke alarms save lives: Red Cross installs free alarms just in time for the holidays.

Join us this Saturday in Maywood Park and Parkrose Neighborhoods for our National Sound the Alarm event

[Portland, OR November 4, 2025] On November 8, volunteers with the American Red Cross will be installing FREE smoke alarms as part of the Sound the Alarm/Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save more 2,500 lives since launching in October 2014.   

“Most people don’t realize they only have two minutes to escape a home fire — and that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years,” says Red Cross Cascades CEO Priscilla Fuentes. “A working smoke alarm can cut your risk of death by half.”

Home fires increase by an average of 30% over the holidays as more people spend time at home and cook for family and friends. On average, Red Cross volunteers in Oregon and SW Washington respond to 120 fires in November and December alone. Now’s the time to make sure alarms are working.

WHAT: Sound the Alarm kickoff with remarks and volunteer training, followed by smoke alarm  

             Installations at homes in the community.  

WHERE:  Prescott Elementary School, 10410 NE Prescott St., Portland OR  

WHEN: November 8, 2025. Welcome rally begins at 9:30 am. Installations start at 10:30 am. 

WHO: Red Cross Cascades CEO Priscilla Funtes

           Red Cross volunteers

           Homeowners   

Sign up for your free smoke alarm at redcross.org/cascades

VISUALS: Volunteers installing smoke alarms and educating local families.  

B-roll. Sample smoke alarm installation can be found here and here.  

                      Background: Learn more about the Sound the Alarm Event HERE 

About Sound the Alarm: 

This Sound the Alarm event is part of a national Red Cross initiative to install 50,000 free smoke alarms with partners in more than 50 at-risk communities across the country. Sound the Alarm events are a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save 2,508 lives since launching in October 2014, including 24 here in the Cascades Region.   

About the American Red Cross: 

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

Gresham, Ore.— Gresham Police are asking for assistance from the public identifying a suspect who attempted to cut in line a restaurant drive-thru then threatened other patrons with a gun. 

On Halloween night, customers at the Gresham Taco Bell reported seeing an angry subject banging on the doors to the restaurant.  The suspect then got in his truck and attempted to cut around the line of traffic waiting for the drive-thru window.  When other customers told the suspect to go to the back of the line, he pulled out a handgun and pointed it at a car occupied by two adults and a young child. 

The suspect was wearing a black jacket with a badge, possibly for a private security company.  He was driving a gray Ford F150 with a camper shell and Oregon Cultural Trust license plates. 

Anyone who recognizes the suspect can contact the lead investigator, Officer Justin Dennard, at d@GreshamOregon.gov">Justin.Dennard@GreshamOregon.gov.  The suspect should be considered armed and should not be approached by members of the public.  Anyone who sees him should call 911. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The board of the Clark County Public Facilities District will hold a public meeting 4-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, 2025.

The meeting will be on the Teams platform. Anyone wishing to attend the meeting can click here to join the meeting and use the meeting password 9uT7i3Dd  or call +1.213.262.7043 and use the access code 471959697#.

The Public Facilities District was formed in 2002 for the purpose of participating in the study, planning and development of one or more regional centers that would promote tourism, such as the convention center in downtown Vancouver and exhibition hall at the Clark County Fairgrounds.

The board is comprised of five-members and an alternate member.

The board typically tries to meet on the first Monday of February, May, August and November. 

SALEM, OR — Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners approved a six-month pilot program with the Salem Fire Department to launch a new emergency co-response model in downtown Salem through Fire Station 1 to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use crises.

The program will group an Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and paramedic with a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) to respond directly to 911 calls where behavioral health needs are the primary concern. The goal is for the response model to cover the gap where previously police, or a fire engine, would respond when the need is strictly for a mental health crisis that could be served by a smaller team made of professionals best prepared to serve the needs of the person in crisis.

“I think this program will fill a large gap in our current response options and will be incredibly useful for individuals facing mental health crises,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell, Chair. “Combining medical response with behavioral health expertise can connect people to the right care at the right time and keep our other emergency resources operating as efficiently as possible.”

The three-person team will operate 40 hours per week during peak demand hours. The program will be jointly administered by the Salem Fire Department and Marion County Health and Human Services (MCHHS).

Key listed goals of the pilot include:

• Diverting non-acute behavioral health calls from traditional EMS and fire responses
• Reducing repeat 911 calls by engaging high utilizers with proactive outreach
• Expanding access to treatment, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders
• Exploring safe transport alternatives to crisis stabilization units, sobering centers, and other appropriate destinations

“This partnership is about building stronger pathways to recovery and stability,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “I’m happy to see all of us come together to meet people in crisis where they are, stabilize them, and connect them to the resources they need.”

The pilot program is planned to launch early next year and will be evaluated at its midpoint and conclusion, with outcomes measured by reductions in repeat 911 usage, successful service connections, and feedback from participants and first responders.

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet for a virtual special meeting starting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Members of the public are welcome to view the special meeting on the department’s YouTube channel.

The board’s business agenda includes:

• Draft Forest Management Plan performance measures

The agenda is available on the board’s webpage. Live public testimony will be taken during this special meeting. Sign-up is required and instructions to provide live testimony are available online.

Written testimony may be submitted by emailing oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov prior to the meeting date. To account for the time board members need to review the written testimony, consider sending written testimony by close of business on Friday, Nov. 14. Submissions should include the meeting date and agenda item number/topic header with the written submission.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov.

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

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Re-Imagined Radio will premiere “D.B. Cooper’s Last Interview” at 1 p.m. Nov. 17. Just in time for the anniversary of one of America’s most enduring unsolved crimes, this episode revisits the story of the notorious skyjacker with a unique twist: a factual documentary with a fictional ending.

Adapted from an original print story by author Tom Vandel, “D.B. Cooper’s Last Interview” blends research, archival news and dramatized excerpts to explore the only unsolved case of passenger air piracy in U.S. history. On Thanksgiving Eve 1971, a man who purchased a ticket under the name Dan Cooper hijacked a Northwest Orient Airlines flight, secured a $200,000 ransom and parachuted into the night over southwest Washington. Despite decades of investigation, D.B. Cooper was never found and remains a legend.

“We’ve always been fascinated by the Cooper mystery,” said John F. Barber, producer and host of Re-Imagined Radio and faculty member in the Digital Technology and Culture program at Washington State University Vancouver. “By combining documentary storytelling with a fictional ending adapted from Tom Vandel’s work, we offer listeners a sense of closure without diminishing the power of the true mystery that has captivated the public for more than 50 years.”

The premiere will air on KXRW-FM (99.9) in Vancouver, KXRY-FM (91.1 and 107.1) in Portland KNOM-AM (780) in Nome, Alaska, with subsequent broadcasts and streaming by local, regional and international partners.

This episode is part of Re-Imagined Radio’s Guest Writer series and features a script written, produced and hosted by Barber, with sound design, music and post-production by Marc Rose; promotional graphics by Holly Slocum with Evan Leyden; social media by Caitlyn Kruger; and YouTube management and announcing by Rylan Eisenhauer. Vandel’s original story, “The Last Interview,” is used with permission.

Re-Imagined Radio premieres new episodes on the third Monday of each month. Each episode is streamed globally and later available as a podcast and on YouTube. Previous episodes are released weekly on YouTube. Information and listening links are available at reimaginedradio.fm, where all episodes are archived.

The website also features Re-Imagined Radio EXTRA, providing additional sound-based storytelling between monthly episodes.

About Re-Imagined Radio

Created in 2013 by Barber, Re-Imagined Radio explores sound-based storytelling across genres—from drama to comedy, from documentary to sound art. Through performances, broadcasts, streaming, podcasts and social media, the program re-imagines radio storytelling for contemporary audiences.

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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On October 27, 2025, the Hockinson School District Board of Directors placed a School Programs & Operations (SP&O) levy measure on the February 10, 2026 special election ballot. This measure would replace the district’s current levy, which expires at the end of 2026. It is not a new tax, but a renewal of an existing levy.
 

“State funding alone does not cover all of the staffing and programs provided in our schools,” said Gordon Smith, Hockinson School District School Board Chair. “We worked hard to put forward a measure that continues excellent student programs and services in Hockinson at a total school tax rate that is lower than what our community is currently paying in 2025.”
 

Local levy supports staff and student programs the state doesn’t fully fund.
 

Local levy dollars in Hockinson School District support Advanced Placement & elective classes, school nurses, school security, communications, art, music, sports and activities, transportation, technology, textbooks & curriculum, and building maintenance.
 

About 1 in 7 staff positions in Hockinson School District are supported by local levy dollars. Local levy funds make up about 13% of Hockinson School District’s overall operating budget. 
 

“We see strong participation in levy-supported programs in Hockinson School District,” said Tim Fox, principal at Hockinson High School. 1 in 4 Hockinson High School students are taking Advanced Placement classes, 1 in 6 of our students are enrolled in band, and 1 in 3 are participating in fall athletics this fall."
 

Lower Total School Tax Rate Than in 2025
 

If approved by voters, the estimated SP&O levy rates are $1.89 per $1000 of assessed property value in 2027, $1.80 per $1000 in 2028, $1.72 per $1000 in 2029, and $1.63 per $1,000 in 2030.
 

If the proposed levy is approved by voters, the estimated total local school tax cost for the owner of a $800,000 home in Hockinson is about $35 less per month in 2027 compared to 2025. This is because the Hockinson Middle School bond payment steps down in 2026.
 

“This renewal levy would continue local funding that has supported strong academic and extracurricular opportunities for Hockinson students,” said Steve Marshall, Hockinson School District Superintendent.
 

Second lowest total school tax rate among K-12 school districts in Clark County
 

Hockinson School District’s total school tax rate is the second lowest out of all nine K-12 school districts in Clark County. The majority of school districts in Clark County have a Capital Levy in place to fund building maintenance, facility projects, and/or technology in addition to their SP&O levy. HSD has one SP&O levy that supports student programs, technology, and facility maintenance.

Additional state funds available only with levy in place

If voters approve the levy, HSD will receive $2.2 million in state Local Effort Assistance (LEA), available only when a levy is in place. This is funding paid by the state, not local taxpayers.

Election Information

Remember to vote by February 10, 2026. Ballots will be mailed to voters in January. For more information about the levy, visit hocksd.org/levy.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Seaside, Oregon, woman pleaded guilty today to stealing more than $567,000 in pandemic unemployment benefits from the Oregon Employment Department (OED).

Tamara Fulmer, 47, pleaded guilty today to one count of Theft of Government Benefits.

According to court documents, between May 2020 and October 2021, Fulmer used the personal information of 27 individuals to fraudulently apply for pandemic unemployment insurance benefits (UI benefits).

Based on Fulmer’s misrepresentations, OED paid out $567,930 in UI benefits. Fulmer deposited at least 236 UI checks totaling $68,773 into her own personal account and cashed many of the UI checks at a gas station in Seaside without the applicant’s knowledge or permission.

OED paid Fulmer an additional $13,353 after she submitted her own fraudulent UI application where she falsely claimed she had not applied for or received disability despite receiving disability payments since 2004.

On February 19, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a one-count indictment charging Fulmer with Theft of Government Property.

Fulmer faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on February 18, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Fulmer has agreed to forfeit the proceeds from her criminal activity and pay $581,283 in restitution as recommended by the government.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

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State of Oregon v. Mark Joseph Fox

Salem Man Sentenced for Attempted Murder

Marion County: 23CR54788 & 23CR49925

Salem, OR – November 4, 2025 –  The Honorable Judge James Edmonds sentenced Mark Fox (54), to 241 months (20 years, 1 month) in the Oregon Department of Corrections after he pled guilty to the following charges:

• One count Attempted Murder in the Second Degree
• One count Assault in the First Degree
• One count Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree
• One count Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm
• Three counts Strangulation Constituting DV (separate incidents)
• One count Resisting Arrest

On October 9, 2023, the victim, C.L., messaged a friend to express concern and fear over her husband’s (defendant Mark Fox) drunken, escalated behavior.  Victim's friend called the police on her behalf, meanwhile the defendant left their primary residence for another property owned by the couple. When Marion County Deputies responded, the victim answered the door and was visibly trembling.  She had bruise marks on her feet, arms, legs, and chest.  She described being held so tightly by the defendant that her ability to breathe was blocked. 

Law enforcement located defendant at the other property.  When they attempted to make contact, he fled towards a shop (which would later be found to contain a significant number of firearms and ammunition) and a K9 unit was twice deployed before he was taken into custody.

Based on this incident, defendant was ultimately charged with multiple counts of Strangulation (separate episodes), Assault in the Fourth Degree constituting Domestic Violence, Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Firearm) Interfering with Making a Report and Resisting Arrest.  He was arraigned on October 12, 2023.  The state requested $25,000 bail; instead, defendant was released from custody by a court pretrial release officer with a “no contact with the victim” and “no guns” provision on his release agreement.  Subsequently, the victim obtained a restraining order.  However, before the court could resolve this case, the defendant attacked the victim again.

Less than a month later, on November 8, 2023 Marion County Sheriff’s deputies again responded to the couple’s residence due to a report of domestic violence.  This time, they found the victim walking towards them from the driveway with multiple stab wounds over her body. Despite the seriousness of her condition, she was able to describe the events that led to that moment.

 While on the phone with her mother, the defendant burst into the residence, charged and tacked the victim - causing her insufferable pain and claiming that he wasn’t going to prison, he was there to kill himself.  Victim’s mother heard the confrontation over the phone, and she called 911 after hearing her daughter yell “Stop! Stop!” while defendants voice could be heard saying “Why did you do this to me?”

The defendant had arrived at the house with duct tape, zip ties, and a hunting knife – he then used these items to restrain the victim.  Though ultimately unsuccessful, during their exchange he declared he cut the victim’s ear to maim her.  The victim fought back and ran from the house; she was pursued by the defendant who eventually gained on her and tackled her from behind. With the sound of police sirens in the distance, he assaulted her with the knife, causing life-threatening injuries, before getting up and walking away.

He was arrested less than half a mile away and had multiple self-inflicted stab wounds and cut wounds to his body. When law enforcement arrived at the house, they found the victim’s dog bleeding heavily and huddled in the laundry room.  It was transported to the veterinarian where it later died of injuries.

Today, the Honorable James. C. Edmonds, presiding over the sentencing proceeding.  He thanked the victim for speaking about her case in open court and commended her bravery.  Ultimately, he sentenced Fox to 20 years in the Department of Corrections (19 years if he earns good behavior eligibility)

This case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney, Brendan Murphy and Deputy District Attorney Matthew Kemmy (ret.).   The Marion County District Attorney’s office wishes to thank the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for their responsive and thorough investigation.  Without their partnership, justice could not be served.

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize the prevalence of domestic violence in our community, while uniting in support of victims.   “Domestic violence cases are some of the most difficult and important we handle,” said Chief DDA Brendan Murphy. “We honor the strength of the victims, appreciate our community partnerships including but not limited to Liberty House and the Center for Hope and Safety, and reaffirm our promise to support justice to ultimately break the cycle of violence.  This sentence reflects that dedication.”

About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for seeking justice through promoting accountability for criminal offenders; interpreting, enforcing, and executing law; responding to the concerns of victims and the public; and working cooperatively with members of the justice system.

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Tillamook State Forest, Ore--The bridge gate at the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Tillamook Forest Center (TFC) has been selected as part of the 50-for-50 initiative. The campaign, developed by the Oregon Arts Commission, chose 50 works of art to mark 50 years of the one percent for art program for public buildings. 

“We are thrilled to have the gate chosen as one of the 50 artworks out of nearly 3,000 to represent Oregon’s connection to art in public places,” said Densie Berkshire, Director of the Tillamook Forest Center.

The functional gate made of Douglas-fir and galvanized steel was installed in 2008 on the footbridge over the Wilson River at the back entrance to the TFC. The overall shape of the gate echoes the architectural form of the Tillamook Interpretive Center's facade, while the design represents a new tree growing from a nurse stump.

“A nurse log is the result of a past generation which creates an opening in the canopy promoting future growth; from a past life comes the bedding and nutrients for the future,” said Eric Robertson the artist who created the gate.  “The Tillamook Forest Center offers the experience and knowledge of the past to encourage generations with a new understanding of their relationship to the natural environment."

The Tillamook Forest Center is the region’s largest forest-based learning center and outdoor classroom facility, located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest. The TFC is staffed by ODF employees and a dedicated group of volunteers.

“Our mission is to help people build a deeper connection with Oregon’s state forests through experience and exploration,” said Berkshire.  “We have many innovative programs and hands-on exhibits in the 13,500 square-foot center aimed at helping visitors gain a greater understanding about what a forest is, the unique history of the Tillamook State Forest, and how it is managed today.  Art like this gate is just another great way to help people to connect with the forest.”

According to the Oregon Arts Commission, the “50 for 50” campaign is an invitation to rediscover Oregon through the lens of public art. Located in state buildings and public spaces from Portland to Pendelton, these works are available for all to enjoy. They exemplify the program’s mission to make art an integral part of daily life while encouraging the exploration of Oregon’s rich landscapes and communities.

The “50 for 50” campaign includes:

Interactive Maps: Plan a journey to view the 50 works and explore the broader collection;

Archival Highlights: Access historical documents and process materials through a dedicated “50 for 50” digital portal; and

Collection Insights: Learn more about the history of public art in Oregon and the artists who have contributed to the collection.

To read and see more about the bridge and other 49 chosen works go here: 50 for 50: Celebrating 50 Years of Oregon's - Public Art

The TFC is located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest at milepost 22 of State Highway 6.  The center’s fall hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The center closes to the public for the winter beginning Dec. 1.

Consider combining viewing the river gate with their next “big” event at the TFC—the Rain Festival Nov. 15-16.  The festival celebrates Oregon’s rainy season in the forest with: Mushroom Walks at 11:30 a.m. each day, rain-related crafts, displays, a special typewriter with a forest view, and an outdoor salmon migration game. Start or finish the day at the rainy fashion photo booth to show off your rain gear and share on social media. 

For more on the TFC exhibits, unique outdoor areas and special events see the TFC homepage.

Josephine County, Ore. (Nov. 4, 2025)- On Monday, November 3, 2025, at 12:20 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 238, near milepost 8, in Josephine County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Subaru Impreza, operated by Alexander Ray Yager (21) of Grants Pass, failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway, struck a power pole, and rolled several times before catching fire. The operator of the vehicle was able to escape, however a passenger in the vehicle did not exit.

The operator of the Subaru (Yager) was transported to an area hospital with reported minor injuries.

A passenger in the Subaru, Jacob Dean Mix (36) of Grants Pass, was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately eight hours during the on-scene investigation. Impairment and speed are considered primary factors in causing the crash.

OSP was assisted by 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.

Newberg, Ore. (November 4, 2025) – Embold Credit Union has named Angel A. Aguiar, Jr. as branch manager for its Newberg and McMinnville locations.

Aguiar brings more than 30 years of experience in financial services, including recognition as a top-performing branch manager with a national bank, where he led the McMinnville branch to a top-30 national ranking. In his new role, he will oversee branch operations and community engagement, furthering Embold’s long-term commitment to Yamhill County and the members who live and work there.

“Angel’s strong leadership and deep roots in Yamhill County make him an incredible addition to our team,” said Marisol Manselle, Vice President of Member Services at Embold Credit Union. “His passion for helping members reach their goals and his proven track record in building relationships align perfectly with Embold’s mission to improve lives. His leadership will help us continue growing our connection and service to the Yamhill County community.”

“As a longtime Yamhill County resident, I’m excited to serve my community again,” Aguiar said. “After returning from a three-year mission trip to Colombia, I wanted to join an organization centered on people and purpose. Embold’s focus on helping members achieve more aligns perfectly with my values.”

Embold Credit Union, founded in 1957, serves more than 36,000 members across Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, Marion, Yamhill, and Polk Counties.

About Embold Credit Union

Embold Credit Union, previously Clackamas Federal Credit Union, has been rooted in local communities for more than 65 years. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to helping members achieve their financial goals, Embold is like a bank, but better. Better rates. Higher dividends. Lower fees. Stronger communities.

Today, Embold Credit Union holds about $600 million in assets, serving over 36,000 members in Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, Marion, Yamhill, and Polk Counties. Specific details on eligibility and more information about the credit union are available at emboldcu.org or by calling 800.878.0671

The attached note is a clarification for the Elliott State Research Forest that is now managed by the Oregon Department of State Lands. The rest of the news release is unchanged.  

Note: The Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) was previously managed by the Department of Forestry under the Elliott State Forest Management Plan (OAR 629-035-0105(c)). This plan was adopted in 2011 and also provides the management direction for the lands owned by the Board of Forestry that occur within and around the ESRF. The Legislature and State Land Board have taken action to change the legal requirements and mandates associated with former Common School Fund Lands within the ESRF, and the Department of State Lands is now managing the ESRF consistent with the Elliott State Research Forest Management Plan (October 2024). This rulemaking and the adoption of the Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan will have no impact on the management of the ESRF (including its Habitat Conservation Plan), and will only apply to the lands that remain under the management of the Department of Forestry.    

Original news release:

SALEM, ORE. - The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has filed a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for a proposed rule change to adopt a new Forest Management Plan (FMP) for western Oregon state forest lands managed by the department.  

The proposed change to this rule will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan.

The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan contains guiding principles, goals, and strategies that are compatible with the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan. The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan provides management direction for all Board of Forestry Lands and Common School Forest Lands managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry west of the crest of the Cascade Range.

The Board of Forestry may review, modify, or terminate a plan at any time; however, the BOF will review the plan no less than every 10 years. The current Southwest and Northwest FMPs were last revised in 2010, while the Elliott FMP was last revised in 2011. More information about State Forests Management Plans can be found here.   

 Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 at 11:55 p.m. Rulemaking hearings will be held on Jan. 13 (virtual), Jan.15 (Forest Grove), Jan. 20 (Tillamook), and Jan. 22 (Eugene) at 5:30 p.m.  The locations of the hearings are in The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.  The notice also includes important details including but not limited to the proposed rule text and instructions for submitting public comments and participating in the hearings.  

More information on this rulemaking effort and ongoing updates can be found on the Rulemaking activity page of the ODF website. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

Media hotline: 503-813-6018  

Pacific Power is prepared to respond to weather-related outages ahead of forecast storm

Customers encouraged to be prepared 

PORTLAND, OR (Nov. 4, 2025) — Pacific Power is monitoring a late fall storm system that could impact customers in Oregon and northern California Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The weather forecast indicates the potential for heavy rain and high winds, which could cause power outages.   

The company’s meteorology team is closely monitoring the incoming weather and crews are ready to respond to any storm-related outages.  

Pacific Power encourages customers to always be prepared for outages and supports state and local emergency management organizations, recommending Oregonians have an emergency plan for up to 72 hours without essential services.  

Steps customers can take to prepare and stay informed:    

• Update your contact information so we can reach you.  
• Sign up to receive outage alerts by text, email or phone.  
• Restock your outage kit.  
• Keep mobile devices charged so that they may be used in an emergency.  
• Track outages, update contact info and do more with our free app.  
• Text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.   

Visit pacificpower.net/outages for restoration estimates.  

As a reminder, stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Customers should avoid both downed trees and powerlines as well as keep pets far away from those areas.   

Call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.   

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About Pacific Power  

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

We see it in the headlines: Oregon hospitals are struggling. After years of not being able to make ends meet, they have been forced to make tough choices to cut services and lay off staff.

The ripple effects of these decisions impact us all, with services farther away from home or unavailable and with necessary medical appointments sometimes only available months into the future. These are symptoms of a system in crisis. Oregon’s health care system is on an unstainable path and needs urgent intervention.

H.R. 1, the federal tax legislation passed this summer, will have significant and negative impacts on Oregon’s budget and health care system. As legislators and agency officials begin to grapple with their new post-H.R. 1 funding reality, it’s critical they focus on strengthening the foundation of health care funding in our state—a strong, vibrant economy. 

In Oregon, hospitals are often the largest or among the largest employers in their regions. Though we hang our hat, and rightfully so, on being home to companies like Intel and Nike, Oregon’s largest employer is Providence. In the Portland metro area, the hub of economic activity for the state, three of the five largest employers are hospitals.

With hospitals employing nearly 70,000 people and generating $32.4 billion in economic activity, it’s clear they are major contributors to our economy. But their success hinges on a thriving private sector.

Just as we can't have a strong Oregon without strong hospitals, we also can't have strong hospitals without a strong economy. It’s that simple. A healthy economy fuels strong employers and strong employers are the backbone of a health care system that works for everyone.

Why? Because as Oregon Business & Industry notes, the private sector generates the economic activity that funds wages, philanthropy, and government services. When it comes to health care funding, the private sector pays the taxes that support Oregon’s state government, including publicly funded safety net health care programs. And as importantly, the private sector provides good jobs with good commercial health insurance.  

This matters because in Oregon we rely heavily on the commercially insured population to help cover the cost of care for everyone.

State policies have systematically underfunded our health care system assuming that others—mainly people with commercial health insurance—will make up the difference. Today, the Oregon Health Plan and Medicare pay hospitals just $0.56 and $0.71 cents per dollar of cost, respectively.

The consequence is clear: Oregon’s health care system leans heavily on commercial payments. But the commercially insured population is smaller than the national average—just 51% of Oregonians compared to more than 65% nationally—and continues to shrink. That means a smaller and smaller slice of the population is shouldering an ever-growing share of health care costs, putting enormous pressure on both hospitals and the broader system.

With the state’s economy losing steam, this problem is only going to get worse. So far this year, Oregon has lost more jobs per month than it did during the Great Recession. Key sectors like manufacturing have slumped. Good jobs are hard to find in many areas of our state.

Faced with both our hospitals and our state’s economy on shaky ground, we need state agencies and our legislators to work together to change this trajectory. Without course correction, Oregon won’t be able to weather the looming cuts resulting from H.R. 1.

The good news is that many of the issues straining the economic health of both hospitals and businesses can be addressed at the state level. There is an opportunity for the state to get Oregon back on track.

Earlier this year, Oregon Business & Industry released its Regulatory Impact Analysis. It found that across sectors, Oregon businesses are among the most regulated in the nation and that each year businesses are facing new, additional hurdles challenging their ability to compete in their respective markets.

These findings echo the challenges we face in health care where Oregon hospitals are subject to more than three times the number of regulations than the national average. Many of these policies, while well intended, have resulted in higher costs for patients while not improving their quality of care.

The state’s patchwork approach to regulation is draining Oregon of its economic vitality. Instead of being leading edge, it has positioned Oregon to be on the leaving edge as we see services, businesses, and our population vote with their feet and choose to grow elsewhere.

Fixing health care in Oregon starts with strengthening our economy. By supporting our businesses, we ensure a strong foundation for a health care system that works for everyone.

-Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon

Nearly half of Oregon health care workers not vaccinated against flu

This invitation is for credentialed news outlets and is not open to the public. RSVP to attend. 
 

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is alerting consumers that the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is currently paused due to the federal government shutdown. The congressional authorization for the program lapsed, which is affecting policyholders trying to renew coverage and people buying homes across the country, including Oregon.

DFR wants to make sure Oregonians understand how this may affect them, what steps to take, and provide resources. During the federal government shutdown:

• No new or renewed NFIP policies. NFIP cannot issue new policies or renew existing ones until Congress reauthorizes the program. 
• Current NFIP policies stay active. If you already have a flood insurance policy through NFIP, it will stay in effect until its expiration date. 
• Claims may still be paid, but delays are possible. NFIP will continue paying claims with the funds it has on hand. If those funds run out during the shutdown, payments could be delayed. 
• Some home sales could be delayed. If you are buying a home in a high-risk flood area, flood insurance is usually required for federally backed loans. Without access to NFIP policies, closings may be postponed until the program resumes. 
• Private flood insurance may be an option. Some private insurance companies offer flood policies. These can provide coverage during the NFIP lapse.

What you can do:

• Check your policy. If your flood insurance renewal is approaching or your application is pending, immediately contact your insurance agent to learn about your options.
• If you are buying a home in a flood zone, be aware. Let your real-estate agent, lender, and insurance agent know about NFIP’s pause. You may need to explore private flood insurance to keep your closing on track.
• Ask about private options. Some insurance companies can provide flood coverage through the private market. Talk to your agent to compare coverage and costs.
• Keep your coverage current. If you already have NFIP coverage, continue making your payments and keep your documents handy. Your policy remains valid until it expires.
• Stay informed. Once Congress reauthorizes NFIP, new and renewal policies will start again. For the latest information, it is always best to talk to your insurance agent. 

“While we hope Congress acts quickly to restart the NFIP, this reminds us how important it is to be prepared for flooding and to know your insurance options,” said TK Keen, Oregon’s acting insurance commissioner. “If you have questions or problems, our advocates are ready to help.”

DFR’s consumer advocates can be reached at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. For more information, go to floodsmart.gov.  

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

Milwaukie, OR – On 11/4/25 at approximately 8:10 AM, Milwaukie Police were called to the intersection of SE 42nd Ave. and SE Harrison St. on report of a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash with injuries.

Officers arrived and located a male in the crosswalk who was conscious and breathing, bleeding from the head. Officers learned a passenger car had struck the pedestrian who was in a motorized mobility scooter within the crosswalk. The driver was uninjured and remained onscene.

The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. The motorist was cited for failing to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian.

The investigation is ongoing, and any witnesses are asked to contact the Milwaukie Police by email akomk@milwaukieoregon.gov or calling 503-786-7425 case #25-6597. 

City of Milwaukie Oregon Official Website

Gresham, Ore.— Early Tuesday morning, Gresham detectives and members of East Metro SWAT served a warrant at a residence in the 2300 block of SE 7^th St and arrested 27-year-old Christopher Hernandez for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Hernandez’ arrest stems from a shooting that occurred in Gresham in mid-October.  On October 19^th, Hernandez and several associates were involved in a disturbance at sports bar in the 1500 block of NE Division St.    The disturbance moved to the parking lot, where Herandez and several associates assaulted a patron of the bar.  The severity of the assault prompted an uninvolved community member to intervene.  Hernandez shot at the intervening person; however, he missed and struck Myranda Rice, an innocent bystander.  Rice suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.   

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are possible.  Anyone with information about the fight or subsequent shooting can contact Detective Tyson Conroy at

oy@GreshamOregon.gov">Tyson.Conroy@GreshamOregon.gov or call the GPD tip line at 503-618-2719.

Improving worker safety and health in Oregon’s pulp, paper, and forest products industries will get the spotlight during a conference held Dec. 2-5 in Portland. Attendees will have opportunities to connect with each other, discuss new or emerging topics, and to refresh their safety and health knowledge. Topics include chemical safety, effective communication, safety leadership, electrical safety, air monitoring, and control of hazardous energy.

Although the 33rd annual Western Pulp, Paper & Forest Products Safety & Health Conference focuses on safety and health issues in the pulp, paper, and forest products industries, the event also offers learning opportunities that apply to many other workplaces. Those sessions include nutrition and wellness in the workplace; tools for creating effective safety committees; heat-illness prevention; root cause analysis; and resources for improving driver safety.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is one of several partners presenting the four-day conference at the Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront in Portland.

The conference will feature a keynote presentation Tuesday, Dec. 3. Matt Pomerinke, safety specialist for Smurfit WestRock in Longview, Washington, will address how workplace accidents and injuries go well beyond immediate outcomes, with long-lasting effects for everyone, including family, friends, and co-workers.

The conference will include exhibits, company safety meetings, roundtable discussions, and numerous workshops.

Sessions include:

• Planning for Emergencies for Our Daily Lives
• Trust Me – It’s Safe! Psyching You Out With Psychological Safety
• Hand Safety
• Hazardous Line Breaking: Program Overview and Best Practices
• Health Impacts of Occupational Exposures in the Wood Products Industry: Evaluating Risk
• So You Think You Know OSHA Codes – Test Your Safety Knowledge!
• Fundamentals of Keeping Steam and Condensate
• Synthetic Ropes in the Forest Products Industry

The registration fee is $450 to attend the full conference. The fee to attend one day – Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday – is $150. It is $50 for Friday. To register, go to safetyseries.cventevents.com/wppfp25.

If you have questions or need help registering, call the Oregon OSHA Conference Section at 503-947-7411, or email egon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov">oregon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon OSHA:

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

NEWBERG, Ore. – When Portland Community College restarted English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes at its Newberg Center in fall 2023, instructor Amber Bliss Calderón was on a familiar mission: helping adults find their voice in a new language and community.

Bliss Calderón previously taught at PCC from 2004 to 2006 after a stretch overseas and graduate study. She has lived in Newberg for about 20 years and is now entering her third fall teaching ESOL at the center.

“It was really nice to come back to PCC, and especially in my hometown,” she said.

A graduate of George Fox University with a bachelor’s degree in Writing and Literature, Bliss Calderón spent two years teaching in South Korea before earning a master’s degree from Portland State University. That time abroad, she said, reshaped how she teaches.

“I wasn’t successful at learning the language when I lived overseas,” she said. “I know how isolating that can be and how you stay in pockets of comfort. It gives me a lot of compassion for my students.”

The Newberg Center currently offers four ESOL levels on site, with Levels 1–3 delivered as integrated-skills classes that fold reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammar into everyday scenarios. Level 4 is available locally as a bridge, and students who want to continue through the full eight-level ESOL sequence can transfer to PCC’s other campuses, such as Sylvania.

“We’re teaching students how to negotiate life here, how to talk to a cashier at the supermarket, ask their children’s teachers questions, or communicate with clients, bosses and co-workers,” Bliss Calderón said.

Most students at the Newberg Center are native Spanish speakers, she said, but the classrooms also include speakers of Chinese, Tagalog and Portuguese. Their goals tend to be practical and urgent.

“When I ask, ‘What’s your goal?’ most say, ‘I want a better job,’ or, ‘I want to help my kids with their homework,’” Bliss Calderón said. “We’re trying to provide a way they can do that.”

The center’s location is critical, Bliss Calderón added, because many ESOL learners work long hours and early shifts in industries that power the region’s economy. She sees students who start between 4 and 5 a.m., rush home for a nap, make dinner for their families and then come to class.

“They don’t have an hour to drive to Rock Creek or Sylvania or the Hillsboro Center,” she said. “They need something right here in their community.”

Students at the Newberg Center often hold essential, but less visible, jobs. Many work in farming, landscaping, nurseries, furniture building and construction. A large share of women in her classes clean homes or schools, including custodial positions in the local district. Some are even engineers with advanced degrees in their countries.

“They are highly skilled people,” she said. “It’s just the language piece that’s holding them back.”

The 13,000-square-foot Newberg Center opened its doors in 2011 and is one of the first projects stemming from passage of the college’s $374 million bond measure in 2008. The college bought the 16 acres from the Werth Family LLC to have a central location in the Newberg area to serve a growing community with classes, transfer credits and training. 

The collaborative effort with the local community earned PCC the Partner in Education Award from the Newberg School District and the facility was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum level for its energy efficiency.

This year, PCC has shifted into a new era and has been working with the community to align offerings at the center. The college hosted a community open house at the center in October that attracted more than a hundred from the community that connected them to services and classes like ESOL or healthcare. This fall, ESOL enrollment at the Newberg Center is up by nearly 10% and total enrollment at the center for all classes is at 133, edging back up toward pre-pandemic levels.

“Since we relaunched ESOL classes at Newberg, we’ve seen working adults choose PCC because they know these classes lead to real opportunity for their families and employer,” said Karen Sanders, assistant associate vice president of Academic & Career Pathways at PCC. “The impact is community-wide. Amber’s compassionate, experience-driven teaching has been central to this progress; she meets students where they are and turns language learning into access, dignity, and momentum for Newberg.”

Bliss Calderón believes the classes benefit more than individual learners. She points to parent-teacher conferences that run more smoothly when families can ask questions directly, and to workplaces that become safer and more efficient when instructions and concerns are understood the first time.

“You don’t have to have a translator every single time you meet with parents or need to discuss a child’s needs,” she said. “It helps the whole community.”

While other ESOL options exist in Newberg, Bliss Calderón said students choose PCC because it offers a pathway, whether to clearer communication, higher wages or future college coursework. Several of her Level 4 students, she noted, have a degree in mind.

“They’re not here because it’s fun, although we do make it fun,” she said. “They have an end goal, which is to communicate better or to get paid better and that benefits everyone. They need a bridge to a new world. Our job is to build it, one class at a time.”

For more information about what's happening at the Newberg Center, visit www.pcc.edu/locations/newberg/.

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

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

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

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Historic Trust invites the public to attend the 37th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. The parade takes place at the Fort Vancouver National Site and will be held rain or shine.

Now in its 37th year, the Veterans Day Parade is one of Southwest Washington’s most cherished community traditions. Each year, hundreds of spectators line the streets to honor veterans and active-duty military members. The event features more than 75 entries and approximately 1,500 marchers and riders from across the region.

The parade route begins at the east end of Officers Row at East Reserve Street and Evergreen Boulevard, winds through the Fort Vancouver National Site, and concludes on 5th Street near Pearson Air Museum. 

Additional parade details at 37th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Parade - The Historic Trust.

Following the parade, the Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) will host an Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pearson Air Museum. Learn more at cmac11.com/cmac-events/veterans-day-open-house.

The Historic Trust encourages the community to attend and take part in this meaningful celebration honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans.

Pulitzer Prize finalist Danez Smith opens 2025-26 Columbia Writers Series

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Clark College Columbia Writers Series will begin its 2025-26 season with poet Danez Smith, author of Don’t Call Us Dead, Homie, and most recently, Bluff, which was a finalist for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize. This event, which is free and open to the public, will start at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 13 in Gaiser Hall 213 on Clark College’s main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.

Smith’s work explores themes of race, identity, mortality, and social justice through unconventional forms of poetry that blend lyrical intensity with influences from slam and spoken word. They are also the curator of Blues in Stereo: The Early Works of Langston Hughes. 

Their accolades include the Forward Prize for Best Collection, the Minnesota Book Award in Poetry, the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Poetry, and the Kate Tufts Discovery Award. Smith has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and Poetry Foundation, and has been featured by The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Guardian, Buzzfeed, Best American Poetry, PBS NewsHour, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Smith earned their Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan and currently teaches at the Randolph College MFA program and the Black Youth Healing Arts Center in St. Paul. They live in Minneapolis.

Event details 

Time: Thursday, November 13, 11 a.m. – noon

Location: Gaiser Hall 213, Clark College main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98683

Parking: Green or Red lots—view online map and directions here.

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.

Upcoming Columbia Writers Series Events

• Joe Sacco, comic author, February 5, 2026, 11 a.m.
  Eisner Award-winner Joe Sacco is the author of Footnotes in Gaza, for which he received the Ridenhour Book Prize, as well as Paying the Land, Palestine Journalism, Safe Area Goražde, and other books. His comics reporting has appeared in The New York Time Magazine, The Guardian, and Harper’s Magazine. 
   
• Emma Pattee, climate journalist and fiction writer, May 12, 2026, 10 a.m.
  Emma Pattee has written about climate change for The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and other publications. Her debut novel, Tilt, is a New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice, a USA Today Bestseller, a Best Book of 2025 for Vogue, and an NPR favorite fiction read of 2025.
   
• Camille Dungy, author and poet, May 14, 2026, 1 p.m.
  Camille Dungy is the author of Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden, which was named book of the month by Hudsons Booksellers, received the 2024 Award of Excellence in Garden and Nature Writing from The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries, and was on the short list for the PEN/Jean Stein Award. Dungy has also written four collections of poetry and the essay collection, Guidebook to Relative Strangers: Journeys into Race, Motherhood, and History.

About Clark’s Columbia Writers Series

The Columbia Writers Series aims to enrich the intellectual and cultural life of Clark College by providing a platform for literature and the arts. Since 1988, the series has brought a diverse array of local, national, and international authors to the campus and the community. Learn more about the Columbia Writers Series.

About Clark College

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. This public community college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves over 8,500 students including high school students, veterans, displaced workers, multilingual and mature learners. About three-quarters of its students are the first in their families to attend college. 

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, James Iven Moore, died the afternoon of November 3, 2025. Moore was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Moore entered DOC custody on December 19, 2024, from Lane County with an earliest release date of January 25, 2031. Moore was 70 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Corrections can be found at www.oregon.gov/doc.

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The Lebanon Fire District is proud to partner with local organizations to support a community-wide food drive benefiting Lebanon’s food banks. The effort—organized by the Enliven Foundation—aims to help families affected by the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown.

Local food banks are experiencing increased demand due to the lapse in SNAP assistance. Every contribution helps—a single dollar can purchase up to nine pounds of food through the Oregon Food Bank, stretching community resources further than individual retail purchases.

Donation barrels are now available at Lebanon Fire District Station 31 (1050 W. Oak Street) and other participating locations throughout the community. The drive will continue until SNAP benefits are reinstated.

“Supporting our neighbors in need is what community is all about,” said Fire Chief Joseph Rodondi. “We’re grateful to join our local partners to help families access food and essential resources during this time.”

See the flyer for details on where to drop off food or make a donation.

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Portland woman made her first appearance in federal court today after allegedly assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Lucy Caroline Shepherd, 28, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on October 31, 2025, federal officers deployed outside the gates of the ICE facility to clear the vehicle entrance for vehicles to exit the facility. Shepherd struck an officer’s arm and was arrested by officers.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 38 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed near ICE facilities, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

Shepherd made her first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.

Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison.

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

# # #

Linn County, Ore. (Nov. 3, 2025)- On Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 4:20 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 20, near milepost 4, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Ford F150 and flatbed trailer, operated by Christopher Jon Forum (47) of Sweet Home, entered the westbound lane and struck a westbound Toyota 4Runner, operated by Doranna Lee Morris (73) of Mill City, nearly head-on.

The operator of the Toyota (Morris) was declared deceased at the scene.

Passengers in the Toyota, Nicole Lynn Dekanu (27) of Albany, juvenile male (7), juvenile male (4), and juvenile female (1), were transported to an area hospital with reported minor injuries.

The operator of the Ford (Forum) was transported to an area hospital with reported minor injuries.

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

OSP was assisted by the Albany Fire Department, Linn 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.

Umatilla County, Ore. (Nov. 3, 2025)- On Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 9:24 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 395A, near milepost 3, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Volkswagen Passat, operated by Tyler John Garrett (24) of Hermiston, crossed into the northbound lane for unknown reasons and struck a northbound Nissan 370, operated by Hadasa Esther Sanchez (25) of Umatilla, head-on.

The operator of the Volkswagen (Garrett) was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries.

The operator of the Nissan (Sanchez) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

A passenger in the Nissan, Jose Vicente Sanchez (24) of Umatilla, was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Hermiston Police Department, Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, Umatilla County Fire District 1, 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.

Over the past few evenings, the Battle Ground Police Department (BGPD) has responded to several reports of vehicles being broken into.  These crimes have occurred in the residential neighborhoods of Creekside Heights (near NE 142nd Avenue and NE 17^th Street), and the Mill Creek Meadows (near NW 4^th Street and NW 15^th Avenue), and several other areas, with the cars typically being broken into between midnight and 5:00 AM. 

Because these crimes are happening on opposites sides of town, investigators believe the suspect(s) is traveling by vehicle.

With the assistance of helpful neighbors, BGPD has obtained several surveillance photos of the suspect(s) believed to be involved.  It appears that the same individual is shown in each photo; however, due to image quality the police cannot rule out the possibility that more than one suspect is involved.

Suspect Information

The suspect is described as a white male adult, approximately late 20s to late 30s, with a closely shaved head, and medium build.  He has been seen wearing a dark-colored top, a dark green or brown hooded jacket, blue jeans, a black beanie, and a black neck gaiter.  He was also wearing black high-top sneakers with white shoelaces.

If you have any information regarding this suspect or these incidents, please contact the Battle Ground Police Department at (360) 342-5200.  Callers may remain anonymous.

Preventing Auto Prowls and Thefts

The Battle Ground Police Department continues to investigate these crimes, collect additional surveillance footage, and increase patrols in affected areas, and they ask for your help in reducing your risk of becoming a victim. 

Police emphasize that a quick check of your vehicle before bed, every night, can make a big difference.  Most vehicle prowls happen in driveways and neighborhoods, often when doors are left unlocked or valuables are visible.  Here’s how you can help reduce opportunities for thieves:

• Lock it up: Always lock your doors and close all windows, even when you are parked at home.
• Hide valuables: Don’t leave bags, electronics, or wallets visible. Take them inside or store them out of sight.
• Light it up: Keep your driveway and porch well-lit. Motion lights help deter prowlers.
• Check cameras: If you have home security or a doorbell cam, make sure it’s working properly.
• See something - Say something: Report suspicious activity right away by calling 911 (emergencies) or 311 (non-emergency) to report suspicious behavior.

A few simple habits can make your neighborhood less inviting to would-be thieves. Let’s work together to keep Battle Ground safe, one parked car at a time.

Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) honors longtime Board of Education member with its highest national award for outstanding leadership and service to community colleges

Salem, Ore., November 3, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College is proud to announce that Board of Education member Ken Hector has been awarded the 2025 M. Dale Ensign Trustee Leadership Award by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)—the organization’s highest national honor recognizing outstanding leadership among community college trustees across the United States.

Hector was selected from among five regional honorees nationwide and received the award during the ACCT Leadership Congress held last week in New Orleans, Louisiana. The recognition celebrates his exceptional leadership, advocacy, and enduring commitment to student success and equitable access to higher education.

A 12-year member of Chemeketa’s Board of Education, Hector has twice served as Chair and Vice Chair and played a pivotal role in advancing the college’s mission. His leadership was instrumental in the successful passage of Chemeketa’s $140 million bond measure, as well as in championing state and national legislative initiatives that expand access to applied baccalaureate degrees, improve infrastructure, and support workforce development.

Before joining the Chemeketa Board, Hector served 16 years as Mayor of Silverton and has dedicated decades to public service and community development. He has also served as a longtime member of the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) Board, where he currently chairs the Legislative Committee, helping guide advocacy efforts for all 17 of Oregon’s community colleges.

The ACCT Awards program celebrates individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to their colleges and communities. As the 2025 M. Dale Ensign Trustee Leadership Award recipient, Hector represents the highest standard of service and leadership among community college trustees nationwide.

Chemeketa Community College joins the Oregon Community College Association and the national ACCT community in congratulating Ken Hector for this remarkable and well-deserved honor.

####

For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 17,500 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

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

Oregon City, ORE. – The staff at the Oregon City Public Library recently received some unexpected but welcome news: the library is to be the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation.

Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of nearly 1,700 libraries throughout the United States between 1886 and 1917, calling them “cradles of democracy”. Each of the approximately 1,280 remaining “Carnegie Libraries” that are still in operation and as Carnegie Libraries will receive a $10,000 grant as part of the foundation’s celebration of the United States’ “sesquicentennial” or 250^th anniversary.

“We are extremely grateful to be receiving this generous gift from the Carnegie Corporation,” said Library Director Greg Williams. “Without Andrew Carnegie’s vision and support a century ago, hundreds of communities around America (including Oregon City) would not have the thriving, vital public libraries they have today.”

The library is free to use the funds in any way necessary that helps them further their mission and benefit the community. “We are looking forward to using this gift to help expand our outreach efforts and bring more library services and resources beyond our walls and into the community,” Williams said.

The money should arrive in January.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver invites prospective students and their families to attend Preview Day, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 15 on the WSU Vancouver campus. The event is free and open to everyone.

Preview Day offers a firsthand look at campus life and the academic opportunities available at Southwest Washington’s only four-year research university. Attendees will meet current students, admissions counselors and financial aid experts who can help them plan their educational journeys.

During the event, guests will:

• Get insider tips on applying from WSU Vancouver admissions counselors.
• Hear from current students about what it’s really like to be a Coug.
• Learn how scholarships, financial aid and smart planning can make college more affordable than you might think.

Guests will also have a chance to win fun Coug prizes, including the university’s famous Cougar Gold cheese.

“Preview Day is one of the best ways to discover whether WSU Vancouver is the right fit,” said Jason Yi, campus director of admissions. “It’s an opportunity to explore the campus, meet our vibrant community and see how we support students in achieving their goals.”

To register, visit vancouver.wsu.edu/preview.

For event accommodations, call 360-546-9739 or email van.accomodations@wsu.edu.

For more information about WSU Vancouver admissions or Preview Day, email van.admissions@wsu.edu or call 360-546-WSUV (9788).

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 free on weekends.

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.

# # #

Gresham, Ore.— A sexual abuse suspect is now under arrest, following an investigation by Gresham Police.  In mid-October, officers learned 47-year-old Rami Layous had repeatedly sexually abused a child, with the abuse occurring over multiple years.  Following an investigation by Gresham detectives, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office obtained an indictment charging Layous with multiple counts of sodomy and sexual abuse.

On Monday morning, detectives, supported by East Metro SWAT, served an arrest warrant at Layous’ home in Damascus.  Layous was arrested without incident.  He was booked into the Multnomah County jail to face the following charges:

• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree – 4 counts
• Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree – 1 count
• Sodomy in the Second Degree – 1 count

Anyone with information regarding Layous’ behavior can contact the lead investigator, Detective Mark Hawley, at k.Hawley@GreshamOregon.gov">Mark.Hawley@GreshamOregon.gov.

To protect the privacy of the child victim, no additional information will be released at this time. 

As many Oregonians face uncertainty following the expiration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on November 1, the PGE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric, is donating $50,000 to Oregon Food Bank to help ensure families have access to food.

According to an analysis of USDA data by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the program helped over 757,000 Oregon residents buy food in 2024, which is about one in six Oregonians. The PGE Foundation’s contribution will help Oregon Food Bank meet growing needs across communities statewide.

The PGE Foundation is proud to support Oregon Food Bank’s mission to end hunger. Since 1996, Portland General Electric and the PGE Foundation together have contributed more than $1 million to Oregon Food Bank to help fight hunger and support food security across Oregon. According to Oregon Food Bank, every $10 donated provides 30 meals for the community.

"Our Foundation is grounded in the belief that we are stronger when we take care of one another," said PGE Foundation Board Chair, Angelica Espinosa. “This donation reflects our mission and shared commitment to Oregonians, by supporting families, strengthening communities, and helping ensure access to basic needs like food remains affordable and within reach for everyone.”

“As hundreds of thousands of our neighbors face disruption to SNAP benefits, we’ve seen communities across Oregon come together to ensure families can still access the food we all need to thrive,” said Alison Wandschneider, Oregon Food Bank spokesperson. “PGE’s longstanding partnership with Oregon Food Bank and timely investment strengthen both immediate hunger relief and the long-term solutions that end hunger and its root causes for good. We’re grateful to work together toward a future where no one in our community is worried about where their next meal will come from.”

For more information about how you can support Oregon Food Bank, click here.

About the PGE Foundation

The PGE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric. Founded in 1997, the foundation was created through an endowment with the expressed purpose of improving the quality of life for Oregonians. As a foundation dedicated to helping others, it prioritizes support for upstream solutions that expand access, build skills and confidence, and open pathways for greater economic mobility — creating lasting impact for individuals and local communities. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $32 million to community organizations across the state. To learn more, please visit www.pgefoundation.org

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Elections Office will publish initial election results for the Nov. 4, general election posted on its website after 8 pm on election day. The initial results will be available on clarkvotes.org at approximately 8:15 pm Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Ballots are due by 8 pm on election day, Nov. 4. Clark County has 22 ballot drop boxes that are open 24 hours a day throughout the county. A list of ballot box locations is available at https://clark.wa.gov/elections/ballot-deposit-locations.

Nov. 3, 2025

Contact: Amy Bacher,  acher2@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">Amy.Bacher2@oha.oregon.gov (media inquiries)

Contact: Jordin Heath, din.e.heath@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">jordin.e.heath@oha.oregon.gov 503-480-5707 (administrative support)

Health Care Workforce Committee to meet Nov. 5 via Zoom

What: A public meeting of the Health Care Workforce Committee

When: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 9:30am-11:30am

Public comment will be 9:45am-9:55am

Where: Virtual Meeting Only. The public can join remotely via Zoom or a conference line.

Join ZoomGov Meeting

Meeting ID: 161 401 7530

Passcode: 158292

Agenda: 

1. Convene Health Care Workforce Committee (Welcome, Introductions/Roll Call and Agenda Overview, and Review of Health Equity Definition and Health Equity Framework) 9:30-9:40am
2. Review and Approval of Draft September Meeting Summary 9:40-9:45am
3. Public Comment 9:45-9:55am
4. OHPB and OHA Updates 9:55-10:10am
5. HCWF Committee Membership (Membership Slate for 2026, Farewell to Members, Chair and Vice-Chair Roles 10:10-10:35am
6. Break 10:35-10:45am
7. Planning for HealthCare Workforce Needs Assessment 2027 10:45am-11:25am
8. Next Steps and Adjourn 11:25-11:30am

Next Meeting: Jan. 7, 2026, 10:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.    

For more information, please visit the Workforce Committee’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hpa/hp-hcw/pages/index.aspx

The Workforce Committee welcomes hearing from community members on the matters discussed by the committee and its other bodies, and other topics the public wishes the committee to consider.  If you wish to offer public comment, we appreciate you letting Jordin Heath know in advance of the meeting, at: jordin.e.heath@oha.oregon.gov. Advance notice is not required to offer public comment at the meeting.  

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Jordin Heath

om@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">jordin.e.heath@oha.oregon.gov, 503-480-5707 at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Nov. 3, 2025

Contact:

Franny White, 971-349-9539, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov (media inquiries)

Melisa Otrugman ugman@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">melisa.z.otrugman@oha.oregon.gov (meeting information or accommodation)

Sustainable Cost Growth Target for 2026-2030 Workgroup meets Nov. 5

What: The third meeting of a short-term workgroup tasked to review economic trend data and recommend what Oregon’s cost growth target should be for 2026–2030.

When:  Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1 to 2:30 p.m.  

Where: This is a virtual meeting.

• Join by Zoom Meeting ID: 160 125 2494  | Passcode: 633497
• Join by Phone: One tap mobile

+16692545252,,1601252494# US (San Jose)

+16468287666,,1601252494# US (New York)

Agenda:

• Welcome, summary of meetings 1-2, regroup on intent / charge
• Review economic data and discuss potential targets
• Plan for meeting #4, next steps

Public Comment:

There will not be a public comment period held at this meeting. To submit public comment about the cost growth target for 2026-2030 or the Workgroup, please email it to e.CostTarget@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">HealthCare.CostTarget@oha.oregon.gov.

All public comments received will be shared with the Workgroup and posted online.

For more information, please visit the Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP/Pages/2026-2030-workgroup.aspx  

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Melisa Otrugman ugman@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">melisa.z.otrugman@oha.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

PORTLAND, OREGON – On Friday, November 14, Portland’s legendary Jefferson Dancers—now celebrating their milestone 50th year—will take the stage at BodyVox for SOAR, a stunning annual performance showcasing the breadth and brilliance of the company’s young artists. The evening will feature six dynamic works across hip-hop, ballet, modern, jazz, aerial, and African dance, offering audiences a powerful preview of this landmark season.

This year’s SOAR marks the official kickoff of the Jefferson Dancers’ 50th anniversary performance year. The company, comprised of students from Jefferson High School/Middle College for Advanced Studies, is led by Artistic Director Steve Gonzales, now in his 26th year. Jefferson Dancers train at a pre-professional level—dancing three hours each school day in addition to a 90-minute technique class.

"Throughout the year, we bring in professional guest artists and choreographers, and the dancers also perform student-led pieces crafted by our talented company members," says Gonzales.

As a cornerstone arts program once federally funded and now sustained largely through community support, SOAR serves as a vital annual fundraiser, ensuring Jefferson Dancers can continue nurturing the next generation of creative leaders.

“The Jefferson Dancers offer an extraordinary opportunity for students at one of Oregon’s most racially diverse high schools,” says Gonzales. “We provide an immersive, professional environment that fosters creativity, commitment, and achievement—laying a foundation for success in the arts and beyond.”

About Jefferson Dancers

For 50 years, the Jefferson Dancers have inspired generations of young artists through the power of dance. Based at Jefferson High School/Middle College for Advanced Studies in Portland, Oregon, the program develops the whole student through artistic excellence, discipline, cultural awareness, and community engagement. Learn more at www.jeffersondancers.com.

Event Details

Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: BodyVox, 1201 NW 17th Ave., Portland, OR 97209
Tickets: Available online - https://charityauction.bid/SOAR25 (21+ Event)
Contact: Lisa Dungan Roth, 503-913-6529 or lroth@pps.net

POLICE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Salem – The Oregon Construction Contractors Board is investigating 68 potential violations after investigators visited 429 job sites looking for unlicensed contractors. This effort, which took place between October 13-24, was a part of a joint effort taking place over many states, coordinated by NASCLA (National Association of State Contractor Licensing Agencies). State licensing agencies associated with NASCLA all conducted their own efforts during this time.

During the event, CCB Field Investigators from around the state acted independently and in teams to discover unlicensed contractor activity. Efforts like this occur multiple times a year in different regions to show strong presence in the field and act as a deterrent for illegal construction activities, like working without a CCB license.

The findings:

• 25 percent of the proposed violations were in connection with advertising, bidding, or working without a contractor’s license.
• The majority of remaining proposed violations included:
  • Lead-based paint violations
  • Working with employees on the jobsite while in exempt status. In some of these cases, the contractor may not have the required workers’ compensation policy.
• Other violations span a range including no workers’ compensation insurance and no Assumed Business Name associated with the license (ABN).

A typical first-offense penalty for working without a license is $1,000 with subsequent violations resulting in fines of up to $5,000.

“During sweeps, we focus on a designated region and the entire team combs cities looking for anyone breaking construction law. Unlicensed contractors can undercut the bidding process, which could have negative repercussions for homeowners and licensed contractors,” said CCB Enforcement Manager Vena Swanson. “Unlicensed contractors are notorious for using methods that don’t meet industry standard, using sub-par building materials, and leaving homeowners at risk to pay workers compensation claims that occur on their property. Coordinated sweeps deter this illegal activity, while giving us the opportunity to find it and cite it.”

Who Needs a CCB License?

Anyone who repairs or remodels, as well as those who build new homes or businesses, must be licensed with the CCB. Contractors working on homes built before 1978 need special licensing and training to handle lead-based paint.

CCB’s Message: Check the License

CCB encourages all homeowners to check their contractor’s license before starting a home improvement project. Licensed contractors have a bond and insurance that offer some financial protections to the public. Also, homeowners may be able to get help from the CCB to resolve construction-related disputes if they use properly licensed contractors.

Consumers can check a contractor’s CCB license online at http://search.ccb.state.or.us/search/

Contractors and consumers can report unlicensed contractors and other illegal activity or verify licenses on the CCB’s website. Or, call 503-378-4621 to verify a license.

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About the CCB

The CCB is the state agency licensing over 44,000 contractors. Anyone who is paid to repair, improve or build a home must be licensed. Learn more about how to have a successful project at www.oregon.gov/ccb.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Oregon Legislators Recognized as Public Health Champions as 2025 Session Fails to Fund Critical Health Investments

CLHO Releases Legislative Scorecard Highlighting Leadership While Calling on Governor, Legislative Leaders to Prioritize Public Health Funding

PORTLAND, OR – November 3rd, 2025 – Despite advancing its most ambitious public health agenda to date, the Coalition of Local Health Officials (CLHO) announced today that no new investments in Oregon's public health system were made during the 2025 legislative session. The organization's Legislative Scorecard recognizes lawmakers who championed public health priorities while highlighting the urgent need for future funding to support the state's underfunded public health infrastructure.

"The 2025 legislative session was a difficult one," said Sarah Lochner, CLHO Executive Director. "Economic uncertainty drove down Oregon's revenue forecast, leaving the Legislature with tough choices to make. But year after year, public health gets pushed aside—and Oregon's communities pay the price."

CLHO advanced a comprehensive public health agenda this session, advocating for investments in Public Health Modernization, the public health workforce, addiction primary prevention, and maternal and child health, along with stronger policies for synthetic nicotine regulation and taxation. But many proposals stalled in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means and never came to a full chamber vote, leaving Oregon's public health system underfunded yet again.

As a result, many legislators earned a 0% on this year's scorecard—not because they opposed public health, but because the Legislature failed to act on key bills that would have strengthened Oregon's health infrastructure.

Recognizing 2025 Public Health Champions

Despite the challenging session, several legislators demonstrated exceptional leadership on public health priorities, earning recognition as Public Health Champions, Rising Stars, and members of the Public Health Honor Roll.

Public Health Champions: Legislators who went above and beyond to advance public health this session, earning the highest tier of recognition on our scorecard. These champions also earned extra credit by repeatedly stepping up for public health.

• Rep. Rob Nosse – 143%

• Rep. Hai Pham – 143%

• Rep. Travis Nelson – 129%

• Sen. Deb Patterson – 117%

Public Health Rising Stars: Senators who demonstrated strong support for public health and the CLHO agenda, earning 100% and the second tier of recognition on this year's scorecard.

• Sen. Courtney Neron Misslin – 100%

• Sen. Floyd Prozanski – 100%

• Sen. James Manning, Jr. – 100%

Public Health Honor Roll: Legislators who stepped up, many for the first time, to support CLHO's top priorities and demonstrated a clear commitment to protecting and strengthening Oregon's public health system, scoring 100%.

• Rep. Tom Andersen

• Rep. Willy Chotzen

• Rep. Lisa Fragala

• Rep. Mark Gamba

• Rep. Shannon Isadore

• Rep. Lesly Munoz

• Rep. Hoa Nguyen

• Rep. Sue Rieke Smith

• Rep. Jules Walters

"We are grateful to the champions, rising stars, and others who stood up for public health during the 2025 session," Lochner said. "These legislators understand that a strong public health system isn't a luxury—it's the foundation of healthy communities and a thriving economy."

What Was at Stake

The scorecard focused on five of CLHO’s top legislative priorities, which included:

• HB 3916 – Public Health Workforce Package: Addressing critical staffing shortages in local health departments across Oregon

• HB 2954 – Addiction Primary Prevention: Investing in primary prevention programs to stop substance use before it starts

• HB 2528 – Synthetic Nicotine Regulation: Strengthening protections for youth against unregulated and emerging nicotine products

• Public Health Modernization Funding: Building a stronger, more flexible statewide public health system

• Maternal and Child Health Investments: Supporting healthy pregnancies and early childhood development

Without these investments, Oregon's local health departments continue to operate with limited resources, understaffed teams, and reduced capacity to respond to emerging health threats.

 “Flat funding is actually a funding decrease,” Lochner emphasized. “Rising staff costs mean the funding we have buys less this year than it did last year—so even maintaining current service levels becomes impossible.”

Call to Action

CLHO is urging Governor Kotek and legislative leadership to prioritize public health in future agency budgets and legislative sessions.

"Oregon can't afford to keep underfunding prevention," Lochner said. "We've seen what happens when we don't invest in public health—communities suffer, health disparities grow, health insurance costs skyrocket, and we end up spending more on crisis response instead of prevention. It's time for that to change."

The full scorecard, including detailed methodology, is available at oregonclho.org/advocacy.

About CLHO

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

For more information about CLHO's legislative priorities and the 2025 Legislative Scorecard, visit oregonclho.org/advocacy. 

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COOS Bay, Oregon— From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, the gardens at Shore Acres State Park shimmer with hundreds of thousands of colored lights and seasonal decorations, and now is the time to book reservations for the display, which runs from Nov. 27 to Dec. 31 this year.

Holiday Lights has been a tradition for more than 30 years, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. Due to its popularity, those who wish to park must purchase timed-entry parking tickets in advance to see the lights.

The tickets are available now online at http://Bit.ly/2025holidaylights. The cost is $10, which is the park’s standard parking fee. The Friends of Shore Acres manages the event.

Parking time slots are available for 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. daily. Each vehicle needs a ticket to park at the event, which includes entry for everyone inside the car.

Note: Ticket is per vehicle not per person. For example, if you have 8 people in 1 vehicle, you only need 1 ticket.

The event switched to timed-entry tickets in 2022, and the move has improved safety and the visitor experience.

“The event had become so popular in previous years that vehicles were waiting hours on the road, and traffic was backing up the highway. Vehicles are no longer waiting in long lines on the road to enter the event,” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.  

Please note that parking on the road is not allowed, and parking outside Shore Acres in other day-use areas, including parking pullouts, is not permitted after dusk because those areas are closed.

The $10 fee for parking may be waived (but a reservation is still necessary) if the person making the reservation has one of the following and selects the option during the reservation: 

• 12- or 24-month parking permit
• Special access pass for either veterans with service-connected disabilities or foster, guardian and adoptive foster parents of Oregon foster children
• Current Oregon State Park camping confirmation for the date of the event visit
• Oregon Pacific Coast Passport

Reservations also can be made by calling 800-452-5687. Visitors must have reservations prior to arrival.

Visitors must present a screenshot of the ticket on their smartphone or the printed ticket when entering Holiday Lights, as well as the selected pass, permit or campground confirmation if applicable. Park staff asks that visitors have everything ready to show to keep traffic moving.

Although visitors can reserve their timed entry parking spot now, additional time slots will be available later this fall during a seven-day rolling window. For example: Visitors can make reservations on Nov. 20 for visits on Nov. 27, and so on. The rolling window continues through the end of the event Dec. 31 so visitors are encouraged to keep checking back for tickets.

“We realize that many families are just starting to think about their winter plans, and we want people to still have the chance for spur-of-the-moment visits.” Ricci said. “That is why half the tickets are on the rolling seven-day window to ensure visitors can reserve closer to the event.”

Visit the Oregon State Parks website for 12 and 24-month parking permit and special access pass information.

On Saturday, November 1, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Tualatin Police officers responded to a report of a body in the water at the Lake of the Commons, located at 8325 SW Nyberg Street in Tualatin.

Upon arrival, responders located and recovered a deceased male, identified as Gary Schott, 69, of Oregon City.

Preliminary findings indicate no signs of foul play. The Washington County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an investigation to determine the cause and manner of death.

The Tualatin Police Department extends its condolences to Mr. Schott’s family and loved ones.

Jackson County, Ore. (Nov. 1, 2025)- On Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 3:50 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 140, near milepost 9, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Ford F350, operated by a juvenile male (17) of Eagle Point, failed to negotiate a curve, crashed through a guardrail, and rolled into an adjacent creek. 

The operator of the vehicle, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was declared deceased at the scene.

A passenger of the Ford, Mitchel Frank Thorpe (18) of Eagle Point, was not wearing a seatbelt and was declared deceased at the scene.

Two additional passengers, a male juvenile (17) of Eagle Point and a female juvenile (17) of Medford, were transported to an area hospital with critical injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation. Impairment and speed are considered the primary factors of the crash. The investigation is on-going.

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Eagle Point Police Department, Medford Police Department, Lake Creek Fire, Fire District 3, and 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.

On October 29th, 2025 the Lincoln City Police Department executed a search warrant at 1823 N Coast Hwy, The Newport Inn, in Newport OR. This operation was related to an ongoing investigation into the illegal manufacture of Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) – a powerful hallucinogen and Schedule I Controlled Substance. Investigators were able to determine that the room being rented and occupied by Keith Kelly, 36, of Siletz, was being used to house and operate a clandestine lab for the manufacture of DMT.

The subsequent search of the hotel room and vehicle operated by Kelly led to the discovery of equipment used for the manufacture of controlled substances, suspected precursor substances, dangerous chemicals used in the manufacture of DMT, as well as approximately 5 pounds of suspected DMT in various stages of the extraction process. 

Keith Kelly was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for Unlawful Manufacture of Schedule I Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon. 

The harmful effects of Illicit drug trafficking on our communities expand beyond jurisdictional boundaries and the Lincoln City Police Department Narcotics Detective, in cooperation with interagency partners, works hard to keep those drugs off our streets. We would like to thank the concerned citizens who came forward to report suspicious activity which prompted our investigation. If you are aware of drug activity in your community, we urge you to contact your local law enforcement. LCPD was assisted by the Newport Police Department in the investigation and during execution of the subsequent search warrants.

On October 31, 2025, Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge Amanda Benjamin sentenced 47-year-old Tyson Kay to 18 months prison for killing Daisy, a 6-year-old black labrador retriever, with a shotgun loaded with birdshot in July 2024. Kay was found guilty of one count of Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree and one count of Animal Abuse in the First Degree after a two-day trial concluded on October 21, 2025.

Law enforcement initially responded to NE Yaquina Heights Drive on July 5, 2024, at approximately 11AM, after receiving a 911 call from Sharon Biddinger that her dog, Daisy, had reportedly been shot by a neighbor. Gerry Biddinger immediately responded to Kay’s residence and found Daisy injured, wet, and panting heavily. Officers from the Newport Police Department, Toledo Police Department, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded quickly and began investigating Daisy’s injuries. Initially, Kay stated that he had shot Daisy with a less-lethal shotgun round to scare her off his property. However, after Daisy was transported to the Grove Veterinary Clinic, it was determined that Daisy had been struck with several dozen small metal pellets consistent with birdshot. Unfortunately, the extent of the damage was catastrophic, and Daisy succumbed to her injuries.

At trial, Kay argued that he did not know birdshot was loaded in his shotgun but, regardless, he was justified in killing Daisy to protect baby chicks living on the property. At trial, both arguments directly contradicted Kay’s statements to law enforcement on the day of the offense, as he repeatedly told investigators that Kay had loaded his own shotgun in anticipation of shooting Daisy should she show up on his property, as well as repeatedly confirming that Daisy was not chasing any animals on the property prior to being shot.

At sentencing, DA Jenna Wallace urged the Court to find substantial and compelling reasons to impose a prison sentence given Kay used a firearm and was on probation at the time he unlawfully killed Daisy. Additionally, DA Wallace argued that Kay’s 15 prior criminal convictions spanning over the past 20 years demonstrated a clear disregard for the law and his lack of previous consequences has failed to deter additional criminality.   

Both Sharon and Gerry Biddinger spoke at sentencing addressing Kay and the impact his conduct has had on them since Daisy’s death. It was clear that Daisy was a sweet, kind, and loving dog that meant more than words could describe. Mrs. Biddinger ended her statement by expressing her sadness, anger, and frustration that Kay’s response to Daisy being on his property was to pick up a shotgun instead of picking up the phone.

Ultimately, Judge Benjamin found substantial and compelling reasons to impose an 18-month prison sentence with 24 months of post-prison supervision. Kay’s shotgun was forfeited, and he has been prohibited from possessing any firearms upon his release from prison. Judge Benjamin stated, “Daisy was more than just property; she was a family member. There was no evidence that Daisy was a nuisance animal, and it is hard to understand the decision to shoot Daisy as she was running away. It seems very callous, cruel.” Judge Benjamin also commented on Kay’s criminal history, stating “[Kay’s] decision to commit this crime so carelessly could be the result of very little consequences over the course of his 30-year behavior.”

This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jenna Wallace and Deputy District Attorney Marshall Thompson. This case was investigated by Deputy Soren Cullivan, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank Deputy Cullivan and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for recognizing the traumatizing impact animal abuse cases can have on our community and dedicating already limited resources to fully investigating these types of crimes. The District Attorney’s Office would also like to thank the Newport Police Department and Toledo Police Department for responding and assisting in this investigation.