Good afternoon,

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

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

Thanks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– ETHAN SPERRY, GIL SEELEY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, ORS

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

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

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

Creo

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

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

About Oregon Repertory Singers

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

For more information, visit ORSingers.org.

JCSO Case 26-2783

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Celebrate Emergency Management Awareness Month

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

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

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

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

On the agenda:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recovery Is About More Than One Person

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Help

Items Needed:

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

Donations will be collected until September 15, 2026.

Drop-Off Locations:

Clint Newell Motors
1481 NE Stephens Street
Roseburg, Oregon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Constitution Day: Founding Ideas, Modern Voices

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

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

Speakers in attendance will include: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get Involved

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

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

About SOLVE 

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

Road Name: Dean Avenue

Road Location: Santa Clara

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

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

Reason for Closure: Sanitary sewer line connection

Alternate Routes:

• River Loop 2
• Greenwood Street

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

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

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

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

Program objectives include:

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

Application Details and Timeline 

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

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

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

Las solicitudes y aplicaciones también están disponibles en Español.

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Digital Counties Survey

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

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

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(Original News Release)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lebanon, Oregon

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

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

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

Be Safe!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE: LOCATED - MISSING PERSON: LEWIS, OSIRIS JAXON
 

DATE OF REPORT: 08/13/2026

CASE: 26-21992

NAME: Osiris Jaxon Lewis

AGE: 16

SEX:  Male

RACE: White

HEIGHT: 5'10"

WEIGHT: 140

HAIR: Red/Bleached

EYES: Brown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CODE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agenda items will include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: August 14, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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WORKING & REGULAR SESSION

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

Reports:

Action Items:

• Board/Superintendent Working Agreement
• Policies Second Reading

DBEA: Budget Committee

EBB: Integrated Pest Management

• Policies to Delete

          BBAA: Individual Board Member’s Authority and Responsibilities

          BBE:  Vacancies on the Board

          BCE: Board Committees

          BCF:  Advisory Committee to the Board

          BD/BDA:  Board Meetings

           BDC:  Executive Sessions

           BDD:  Board Meeting Procedures

           BDDC:  Board Meeting Agenda

           BDDG:  Minutes of Board Meetings

           GAA:  Personnel Definitions

Discussion Items:       

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

E          BBA: Student Health Services

KNA:  Immigration Enforcement on District Property

KNA-AR (1):  Interactions with Immigration Enforcement

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

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

You are invited to a Zoom webinar!

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

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

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:

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

Passcode:765934

Phone one-tap:

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

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

Join via audio:

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Webinar ID: 872 6930 6781

Passcode: 765934

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-End-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State of Oregon v. Bryon Gilmore

Marion County Circuit Court Case 24CR21117

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Point West Credit Union

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

For immediate release: August 14, 2026

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

Media Advisory

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

WHO: WorkSource Oregon – Gresham

WHAT: Entry-level health care job fair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Workforce Operations and WorkSource Oregon

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

Need help?

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

¿Necesita ayuda?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sometimes it looks like raising salmon in a classroom.

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

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

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

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

UPDATE: THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2026 5:15 PM

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - On Thursday, August 13, 2026, deputies contacted Hawks at his residence. He was confirmed to be safe and is no longer considered missing. 

The Sheriff's Office would like to thank the community for their assistance in this investigation. 

No further information is expected to be released at this time. 

### END OF UPDATE ###

ORIGINAL RELEASE: August 12, 2026 11:57 am 

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating 52-year-old Jeffrey Alan Hawks of Drain who was reported missing to deputies on Tuesday evening. 

Hawks was last seen on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at approximately 7:00 a.m., when he departed Murphy Plywood, located at 2350 Prairie Road in Eugene. Hawks was expected to return to his residence in the 13000 block of Upper Smith River Road in Drain, but there are no indications he ever arrived. 

Hawks has not contacted family or friends and has missed several days of work. His cell phone is currently powered off or out of service range. 

Hawks is described as a white male, standing 6 feet, 3 inches tall, weighing approximately 275 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair. 

He is associated with a white 2005 Toyota Sequoia bearing Oregon license plate 216HMS. 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office and DCSO Search and Rescue teams are actively searching for Hawks with the assistance and coordination of Lane County Sheriff's Office and LCSO Search and Rescue. 

Anyone with information regarding Hawks' whereabouts, or who may have seen him or his vehicle is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4471 or by email dcso.pio@douglascountyor.gov. Please reference DCSO Case #26-2518.

The ISOR-PH Regular board meeting has been scheduled for August 20th, 2026 @1:00pm.

Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that a Meeting of the Board is scheduled for August 20th, 2026 @1:00pm. 

The meeting will take place on August 20th, 2026 @1:00pm.

Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that the Meeting of the Board will be held at:

1.Via Teleconference - using any of the following US phone numbers

+1 253 215 8782

+1 346 248 7799

+1 669 900 9128

+1 301 715 8592

+1 312 626 6799

+1 646 558 8656

Meeting ID is: 915 0788 7277

And

2. Via Zoom Meeting Link:

https://onlineoregon-org.zoom.us/j/91507887277

The Public has been invited to the Board Meeting with notices posted at the following locations:

A. FlashNet Newswire

http://flashalertbend.net/press-releases.html

B. Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Office

603 NW 3rd Street

Prineville, OR 97754

In spring of 2026, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office's Special Investigations Unit initiated an investigation into online child sexual exploitation crimes that occurred in rural Willamina, Oregon. Detectives determined that in February of 2026, Jeremy Lee Tish allegedly contacted a minor for the purposes of sexual exploitation. 
 

On August 10, 2026, deputies located and arrested Tish outside of Willamina. He was booked into the Yamhill County Correctional Facility where he was held on Luring a Minor (ORS 167.057) and Attempted Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct (ORS 163.670).
 

During the investigation, detectives learned that Tish has potentially been involved in Future Farmers of America events in the Polk County area and may have had additional online contact with minors.
 

Due to the nature of the allegations and his possible online access to minors, investigators are concerned there may be additional victims.
 

Anyone with information related to this case, or other potential incidents involving Jeremy Tish, is urged to contact Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office's Special Investigations Unit at (503) 474-4920 (Det. Z. Rodriguez) and reference case 26YC0694.
 

In accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273, the Sheriff’s Office is releasing Tish’s booking photo to assist in identifying any additional criminal activity.

The Beaverton Police Department is asking for the public’s help as detectives investigate a serious assault that occurred during the early morning hours of August 4, 2026.

At approximately 6:30 a.m., Beaverton Police officers located an adult male lying on the sidewalk near SW Lombard Avenue and SW Canyon Road. The victim had been badly beaten and sustained significant injuries to his head. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Based on video evidence collected during the investigation, detectives believe the victim (pictured) was assaulted sometime between approximately 1:50 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on August 4, 2026.

Investigators are working to identify the person or people responsible for the assault and are asking anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything suspicious during that time to contact police.

Investigators are seeking information from anyone who was in or around the Beaverton Transit Center, SW Canyon Road and SW Lombard Avenue, or the shopping center near Big 5 Sporting Goods during the early morning hours of August 4, 2026.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to contact Detective Madalyn Brown with the Beaverton Police Department at 503-526-2280 or by email at rown@beavertonoregon.gov">madalynbrown@beavertonoregon.gov. ###

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. (13 August 2026) – On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Oregon State Police came upon a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 395 and Interstate 84 in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Honda CRV, operated by Jeffrey Downer McGowan (51) of Woodinville, Washington, was traveling eastbound on Interstate 84 near Pendleton when the vehicle left the freeway for an unknown reason. The vehicle entered the median, became airborne, and landed in the center of Hwy. 395, where it caught fire and became engulfed in flames. Responding troopers were able to extricate the driver from the vehicle.

The passenger in the Honda, Riley Finnegan McGowan (21) of Woodinville, Washington, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Honda (Jeffrey McGowan) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

Highway 395 was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Pendleton Police Department, Pendleton Fire & Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.  
 

# # #

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

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve July 22, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Juan Gonzalez, DPSST No. 67518; DOC/Two Rivers Correctional Institution

    Presented by Victor Sanchez

4. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only

    Presented by Victor Sanchez

5. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – September 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

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

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

Clark County Council will hold Sept. 1 public hearing

Vancouver, Wash. – All comments are welcomed and encouraged regarding the draft Clark County 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER details the accomplishments that were completed between July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, through funding received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The full draft CAPER can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/cdbg-and-home-documents.

The Clark County Council will hold a public hearing at 10 am Sept. 1, 2026, to consider the report. Council hearings are held in a hybrid format with both virtual and in-person options for attending. More information is available at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/council-meeting-information.

Comments about the CAPER may be submitted by email to een.Ebrahime@clark.wa.gov">Nooreen.Ebrahim@clark.wa.gov or by calling 564.397.7834.

Comments will be accepted through 11:59 pm Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.

EUGENE, Ore. – (August 13, 2026) – Oregon Folklife Network is accepting applications until Thursday, October 1, 2026 for the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program (TAAP) for projects in 2027. 

The program offers folk and traditional artists (also known as culture keepers) a $3,500 stipend to teach their art form to apprentices from their same communities, Tribes, sacred or occupational groups. The stipend supports mentor artists in sharing their knowledge, skills and expertise with apprentices of great promise, empowering them to carry on and strengthen Oregon’s living cultural traditions.

Oregon Folklife Network encourages applications from Oregonians practicing cultural traditions emerging from their heritage or Tribes. This program does not fund historic reenactments or cultural appropriation.

To learn more about application procedures and eligibility or to recommend a TAAP applicant, view our guidelines online, email ofn@uoregon.edu, or call 541-346-3820. Oregon Folklife Network staff members are available to provide application advice and will provide feedback on draft applications up to two weeks prior to the deadline.

The Oregon Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Arts Commission. This program is also supported by The Jayanthi Raman Foundation. 

$3,500 is typically funded to each mentor/apprentice team, the exact amount has yet to be confirmed.

Completed applications are due no later than 5 pm on Thursday, October 1^st.

About Oregon Folklife Network

Oregon Folklife Network (OFN) is administered by the Museum of Natural and Cultural History at the University of Oregon and is the state’s designated Folk and Traditional Arts Program. OFN is supported in part by grants from the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Cultural Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Roundhouse Foundation. OFN works to increase public investment in cultural traditions and those who practice them.

About the Museum of Natural and Cultural History  

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History enhances knowledge of Earth’s environments and cultures, inspiring stewardship of our collective past, present, and future. With collections representing millions of years and each of the planet's continents, it's a place for digging into science, celebrating culture, and joining together to create a just and sustainable world. The museum is located on the University of Oregon campus near Hayward Field. Oregon Trail and other EBT cardholders receive admission discounts. Visit mnch.uoregon.edu or call 541-346-3024 for current hours and other admission information.

Source:

Kait Glasswell, Oregon Folklife Network, kaitg@uoregon.edu, 541-346-2375

Media Contact:

Kait Glasswell, Oregon Folklife Network, kaitg@uoregon.edu, 541-346-2375

Links:

Oregon Folklife Network: https://mnch.uoregon.edu/oregon-folklife-network

TAAP Program: https://mnch.uoregon.edu/traditional-arts-apprenticeship-program

Museum of Natural and Cultural History: https://mnch.uoregon.edu/ 

###

With support from Keep America Beautiful and Niagara Cares, the campaign encourages people to show love for their community through cleanups, recycling, and beautification

Portland, Ore., August 13, 2026 — During the citywide Pick It Up, Portland! yesterday, SOLVE launched LOVE PDX, a local initiative to inspire community action to protect and beautify the local parks, streets, waterways, neighborhoods, and public spaces that make Portland special. 110 volunteers joined litter cleanups at five different locations (Downtown, Central Eastside, Holladay Park, Cathedral Park and Sellwood Riverfront Park) and collectively picked up nearly 1,000 pounds of litter. Pick It Up, Portland!, which celebrated SOLVE’s 10^th anniversary of the citywide cleanup held in summer, kicks off locally led efforts to:

• Reduce litter and illegal dumping
• Promote recycling
• Engage local residents in volunteer efforts that advance these goals.

“Pick It Up, Portland! was the perfect occasion to launch Love PDX℠, a campaign that encourages Portlanders to care for the places they love through community and environmental action. The campaign as well as this annual event inspires people to take pride in their communities through recycling education, community cleanups, and shared stewardship of local spaces,” said Kris Carico, CEO SOLVE.

Love PDX was developed in partnership with Keep America Beautiful, Niagara Cares, the philanthropic division of Niagara Bottling, and SOLVE and will run through April 2027.

Research conducted for Keep America Beautiful by The Harris Poll found that Americans overwhelmingly want their communities to feel welcoming, clean, and cared for.

“When people care about a place, they want to keep it healthy and beautiful,” said David Wheeler, Keep America Beautiful’s Vice President for National Partnerships.“ LOVE PDX gives people a meaningful way to turn that care into action.”

With support from Niagara Cares and Keep America Beautiful, the LOVE campaign was initially piloted with LOVE ATX in Austin, Texas in 2024 and has now expanded to additional cities including: Dallas, New Orleans, Phoenix, Portland and, in California, Sacramento, San Pedro, and Venice Beach.   

Learn more about LOVE PDX at solve.org/lovepdx

About LOVE PDX Partners

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

Niagara Cares is the heart of what we do and who we are at Niagara Bottling. For more than 60 years, we have been making a difference for our Team Members, consumers and communities through philanthropic giving, volunteering, water donations and disaster relief. As a family-owned business, we are committed to creating meaningful change for our communities through a spirit of giving back both big and small. For more information, visit niagarawater.com/niagara-cares.

Keep America Beautiful, founded in 1953, is a national nonprofit that inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Through its powerful network of community-based affiliates, millions of volunteers, and strategic partners, Keep America Beautiful brings people together to transform public spaces into beautiful places. For more information, visit kab.org. Learn more about the national effort to bring LOVE to cities across America at https://www.lovethiscommunity.org/.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison today for distribution of fentanyl resulting in the fatal overdose death of a Portland man and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. Gomez-Soto had more than two prior deportations and a prior drug dealing conviction.

Hugo Gomez-Soto, 51, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release.

“This case is a stark reminder of the danger fentanyl poses to our community. The defendant was peddling death, and this time it resulted in the tragic loss of a young man’s life.” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family. Fentanyl is deadly and leaves devastation for families in its’ wake. As this case shows, my office will do everything we can to hold these merchants of death accountable for the destruction they cause to the community and pursue justice for the victims and their families.”

“While this sentence is truly justified, no amount of prison time and no amount of restitution will bring back a lost loved one,” said Acting HSI Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller.  “We want to thank our Portland Police Bureau partners for their work on this case.  Together, we can make an impact against those like Mr. Gomez-Soto, who harm our communities with fentanyl and other illegal narcotics.”

According to trial testimony, Gomez-Soto sold the victim illicit fentanyl, in the form of powder and counterfeit pills. The following day the victim, a 29-year-old resident of Southwest Portland, used some of the fentanyl and died moments later.

On January 25, 2024, a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officer used the victim’s phone, pretending to be the victim, to buy drugs from Gomez-Soto. When Gomez-Soto arrived at the deal, he was arrested on state charges. At the time of the arrest, Gomez-Soto possessed both fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.

The police referred the case to the Multnomah District Attorney’s Office who charged Gomez-Soto with negligent homicide and multiple counts of delivery of a controlled substance.

On May 5, 2025, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office asked the U.S. Attorney’s Office to review the case for federal prosecution. On May 9, 2025, with the assistance of an Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and PPB, a federal criminal complaint was filed charging Gomez-Soto with the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On June 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Gomez-Soto with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On April 13, 2026, after a six-day trial, a federal jury found Gomez-Soto guilty of distributing fentanyl that resulted in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the PPB Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit with assistance from HSI and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott M. Kerin and Nicole Bockelman.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. 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.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

# # #

GILLIAM COUNTY, Ore. (13 August 2026) – On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at approximately 2:43 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 84 near milepost 123 in Gilliam County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound red Land Rover LR4 hauling an Airstream trailer, operated by James Thomas Raugust (77) of Ocean Shores, Washington, had pulled onto the right shoulder of the interstate with a flat tire. An Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) white Ford F550 maintenance truck, operated by Roger Vincent Birkeland of Arlington, had stopped to assist the disabled vehicle. The ODOT vehicle was parked behind the disabled vehicle blocking the right lane of travel with a large electronic reader board alerting oncoming traffic to move over. A westbound white Toyota Highlander, operated by Burke Lloyd Oneal (48) of Vancouver, Washington, struck the rear of the ODOT truck, lost control, and struck Raugust and Birkeland as they changed the flat tire.

The operator of the Land Rover (Raugust) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the ODOT maintenance truck (Birkeland) was transported by Life Flight to an area hospital with serious injuries.

A passenger in the Land Rover, Melodie Marie Raugust (80) of Ocean Shores, Washington, had reported minor injuries.

The operator of the Toyota (Oneal) had reported minor injuries.

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

The crash remains under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Police Department, Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

# # #

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

The Oregon State Marine Board recognized the tireless efforts of Hood River County Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy Joel Carmody during its quarterly meeting held in Madras on July 30.

Deputy Joel Carmody received the Oregon State Marine Board’s “Service Excellence Award” for his consistent and exemplary efforts in his marine career, leading through the 2025 boating season.

“Deputy Carmody has consistently gone above and beyond in youth education, community outreach, and public engagement,” said Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. “His initiative, dedication, leadership, and passion for marine patrol have made a meaningful and lasting impact on recreational boating safety across our communities. His efforts exemplify the highest standards of service, professionalism, and commitment, and he truly deserves this recognition.”

Carmody served the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office for over 20 years, including 4 years as its Marine Deputy. He embraced his assignment to marine patrol and leapt from a beginner with boat operations to a mastery skill level within months. Carmody’s aptitude was recognized early, and he quickly advanced to a Marine Board instructor, serving in marine law enforcement training for Personal Watercraft (PWC) school and annual two-week Marine Law Enforcement Academy.

The Hood River area and robust windsports community on the Columbia River offer water recreators a mecca of opportunities, beyond boating. Carmody took the initiative to embed within the tourist-driven community to learn from locals, look for education gaps, and find ways to engage with local businesses, schools, clubs, and nonprofits. Never afraid to try new experiences, Deputy Carmody even participated in Wylde Wind and Water programs to learn SUP wing foiling and other windsports to understand the community’s perspectives better. He even volunteered with the Hood River Aquatics Center and Viento y Agua camp, which he continues in his newly retired status, helping kids learn skills to love, not fear -the water.

Visit Boat.Oregon.gov for information about the Marine Board’s partnership with 30 county Sheriff’s Offices and the Oregon State Police for on-water marine patrol services.

-End-

View Boating Safety Video from Hood River Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy Joel Carmody 

ASTORIA, OR – The Clatsop County Department of Public Health invites the community to gather for a candlelight vigil on Monday, August 31, 2026, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.

The event will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. at Barbey Maritime Center, 2042 Marine Dr, Astoria. 

This evening of remembrance is dedicated to honoring the lives lost to overdose, offering support to grieving families and friends, and raising awareness about overdose prevention.

Attendees are invited to bring a photo, poem, or short personal story to share. Those who would like to speak during the event can sign up in advance at clatsop.co/OverdoseAwarenessSpeaker.

“Overdose is a public health issue,” said Darby McNaughton with Clatsop County Public Health. “We want to remind people that overdose can happen to anyone. Our goal is to provide stigma-free education, resources, and empathy to anyone with substance use disorder to help them better their lives.”

Free naloxone, tacos from Monte Alban, community resources and giveaway items will also be available.

For more information, visit www.clatsopcounty.gov/publichealth or call 503-325-8500.

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August 13, 2026

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Wildfire smoke and evacuation threats can take a toll on mental health

Staying connected, taking breaks from the news and seeking support can help people cope during wildfire season

PORTLAND, Ore - Wildfires can affect more than the air we breathe. The uncertainty of an approaching fire, evacuation warnings, disrupted routines, loss of property or community, and prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can create stress, anxiety, grief and other emotional responses.

As wildfires and smoke continue to impact communities across Oregon, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding people that supporting mental health is an important part of wildfire preparedness and recovery.

“It's completely understandable to feel uneasy when wildfires are threatening our communities or when smoke is affecting the air we breathe,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., OHA health officer and state epidemiologist. “These conditions can take a real toll on our physical and mental health. Taking care of ourselves, staying connected with others and knowing where to turn for support can help us cope during these difficult times.”

Wildfire stress can affect anyone.

People may experience a range of emotions during and after a wildfire, including fear, sadness, anger, grief, helplessness, trouble sleeping or difficulty concentrating. Children and teens may also have strong emotional reactions, even when they do not directly experience a fire or evacuation.

People who have experienced previous disasters or wildfire losses may find that a new fire or smoke event brings back difficult memories.

OHA recommends several ways people can support themselves and others:

Check in with neighbors, friends and coworkers

A simple conversation can help people feel less alone. Reach out to people who may need additional support, including older adults, children, people with disabilities and those who may have difficulty evacuating or accessing resources.

Create space to express emotions

Give people permission to talk about what they are experiencing at their own pace and without judgment. This can be especially important for children and teens.

Encourage rest and recovery

Healing takes time. Maintaining routines when possible, getting enough rest and reconnecting with people and activities that bring comfort can help restore a sense of stability.

Take breaks from the news and social media

Staying informed is important during an emergency, but continuously monitoring wildfire coverage can increase stress and anxiety. Check trusted sources for updates, then give yourself permission to step away.

Prepare for evacuation

Having a plan can reduce some of the uncertainty that comes with a wildfire threat. Know your evacuation zone and routes, sign up for emergency alerts, keep important medications and documents accessible, and have a go-bag ready.

Protecting mental health during smoke events

People do not have to navigate the emotional effects of wildfire alone.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support.
• Lines for Life: 800-923-HELP (4357) provides emotional support and help connecting with resources. Oregon's wildfire recovery resources also direct people to Lines for Life for emotional support, with interpreters available.
• YouthLine: Young people can call 877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863 for support.
• The AgriStress HelpLine is a free, 24/7 hotline for Oregon's agricultural and forestry communities, including farmers, ranchers, fishermen, foresters, and their families. Call or text: (833) 897-2474. Helpline operators are trained to understand the unique stressors and situations of agriculture, forestry, and fishing. All calls are answered within 30 seconds.

People affected by a wildfire who need help finding food, shelter, health care, emotional support or other services can also connect with 211 for local resources.

Support for children and teens

Parents and caregivers can help children feel safer by providing reassurance, maintaining routines when possible and giving children opportunities to ask questions and express their feelings.

During a wildfire or evacuation, children may need additional reassurance and opportunities to reconnect with familiar people and routines. Adults can model healthy coping behaviors by taking breaks, getting rest, talking with others and asking for help when needed.

Additional resources:

• Wildfires and smoke: Oregon Health Authority wildfire resources
• Crisis and trauma resources: OHA Resources for Crisis and Trauma Response
• Wildfire recovery assistance: Oregon Department of Human Services – Get Help After a Wildfire
• Oregon wildfire preparedness and evacuation information: Oregon Department of Emergency Management

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OnPoint offers practical tips to help families manage higher prices and save on costs throughout the school year

PORTLAND, Ore. – Back-to-school season is putting new pressure on family budgets, with spending expected to reach record levels for the 2026-2027 school year.

According to a National Retail Federation (NRF) survey, families with K–12 students expect to spend an average of $863.86 this year, pushing total spending to a record $43.3 billion. That includes the cost of basic school supplies, clothing and shoes. College students and their families expect to spend an average of $1,437.79, with total spending projected to reach a record $103.5 billion. That includes basic school supplies, clothing, shoes, electronics and dorm furnishings.

“Back-to-school costs can add up quickly, especially when families are already balancing other household expenses,” said Peter Rector, financial wellness manager at OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Starting with a clear budget and prioritizing what students need most can help families make thoughtful choices and avoid overspending.”

Six ways to save on back-to-school costs

OnPoint recommends the following strategies to help families and students manage back-to-school costs:

1. Start with a plan and a clear budget. Before you shop, review what your kids already have and compare it with their school supply lists and clothing needs. Reuse backpacks, binders, lunchboxes and other supplies that are still in good condition to avoid buying duplicates. Then decide how much you can comfortably spend and prioritize the items students need most. You may also be able to wait on seasonal purchases, such as winter coats and boots, until better sales arrive.

2. Shop smart by comparing prices and choosing store brands. Search for deals both online and in-store and compare prices across retailers before making purchases. Shopping early gives families more time to find sales, use coupons, and take advantage of loyalty programs. Store brands often offer the same quality as name brands at a lower price. Buying frequently used items in bulk can offer additional savings, especially for households with multiple children.

3. Buy the essentials first. According to NRF, nearly half of shoppers plan to buy only what students need to start the school year and replenish supplies later. A similar share is waiting for better deals, and another 23% are spreading out spending to manage budgets. Focus first on what students need to start the year, then purchase additional supplies, clothing or gear later. This can help families take advantage of sales and avoid putting too much pressure on a single paycheck.

4. Explore secondhand options and local resources. Thrift stores, consignment shops and community exchanges can offer gently used clothing, backpacks and sports gear at a fraction of retail prices. Local nonprofits may also host school supply drives or distribute free supplies to families. Check with organizations in your area to see what support is available.

5. Include kids in budgeting and shopping decisions. According to a Deloitte survey, 59% of shoppers often are influenced by their child to spend more. Back-to-school shopping offers a natural opportunity to teach kids about budgeting. Give older children a spending limit for supplies or clothes and encourage them to make thoughtful choices. Younger kids can help look for sales or compare options between two similar items. Including children in the process teaches financial responsibility and helps them understand the value of money.

6. Budget beyond the first day of school. Costs often continue throughout the year, from school lunches and club fees to field trips and sports gear. Planning for those expenses now can prevent financial surprises later. Consider setting up a small monthly savings fund for school-related needs to stay ahead of unexpected costs.

Back-to-school costs can put added pressure on family budgets, but planning ahead can help make them more manageable. OnPoint offers financial education resources and tools to help families prepare for seasonal expenses, build savings and make informed financial decisions throughout the year. Learn more at https://www.onpointcu.com/financial-education/.

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 656,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 33 Oregon counties (Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com.

Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

HILLSBORO, Ore- On August 7, 2026, a Washington County jury found Vincent Charles Roberts II guilty of burglary in the second degree, aggravated theft in the first degree, theft in the first degree, and criminal mischief in the first degree. Deputy District Attorney Christina Luedtke prosecuted this case before Judge Kathleen Proctor.
 

On December 24, 2023, the defendant broke into the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals in Hillsboro, Oregon. He then used a sledgehammer to smash museum display cases and stole nearly all of the gold from an exhibit.
 

Washington County Sheriff’s Office detectives launched an investigation. They learned that the defendant traveled to Salem and Woodburn in an attempt to sell the items to pawn shops. Shop owners recognized the stolen items from an earlier media release issued by the sheriff’s office and alerted law enforcement. Additionally, the suspect’s DNA was found at the scene. Mr. Roberts also had interactions with officers regarding unrelated incidents and was in possession of gold pieces belonging to the museum and materials needed to melt gold.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the work of the Washington County Sheriff's Office on this case. This office also wishes to acknowledge the shop owners for reporting the defendant.
 

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 26, 2026.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office has canceld the Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice for neighborhoods in southeast Springfield related to yesterday's grass fire. 

The area included in the canceled Level 1 (Be Ready) notice is:

• Homes from the intersection of Holly Street and Booth Kelly Road east to South 55th Street between Mt. Vernon Road to the south and Booth Kelly Road to the north

Searchable evacuation map: https://bit.ly/LCEvacMap

More information about evacuation levels and what they mean for you: www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Evacuation

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Lane Alerts to receive emergency notifications via phone call, text or email. 

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ENCOUNTERING BEARS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Recently, there have been an increase in the number of bear encounters in our communities. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) urges Oregonians to respect wildlife and do their part to ensure that wildlife, including black bears, and people coexist. A bear's strongest sense is smell. This means everything from trash cans to grill drippings can bring them to your property.

Bears also have a great memory when it comes to food. They remember where they have found food before, including trash. Female bears will also pass this knowledge down to their young. Intentionally or accidentally feeding bears can negatively affect multiple generations of bears.

Feeding bears (intentionally or accidentally) will not only bring unwanted visitors to your community, but can also be harmful. Wildlife have specialized diets that coincide with seasonal changes. Food provided by humans can negatively impact their health, lead to conflict and safety issues with people, and in some cases, have fatal consequences for the animals. For the sake of Oregon's wildlife and their health, do not feed them.

Living responsibly with black bears is possible and it's up to everyone to do their part to keep people safe and bears wild. Follow these tips:

• Never feed or approach bears. Feeding bears, intentionally or unintentionally, will cause them to associate people with food. It is also against the law in Oregon (ORS 496.730).
• Secure food, garbage and recycling. Please ensure that your trash and dumpsters are secure from bears by using commercially available garbage cans, metal bars over dumpsters, fully enclosed trash storage, or by storing garbage inside. Take trash out immediately before pick-up, not the night before. Wash garbage cans with bleach to reduce their smell. Food waste is one of the strongest attractants for black bears and allowing bears access could qualify as illegal feeding if appropriate steps are not taken to prevent the issue.
• Remove bird feeders in bear habitat when bears are active. Birds have plenty of naturally available food sources during all seasons which is why some species migrate in winter. Bears can be food rewarded from bird seed and suet in feeders leading to habituation and food conditioning, destroyed birdfeeders, and public safety issues.
• Never leave pet food outdoors. This practice can easily attract bears and other wildlife, putting your pets and wildlife at risk.
• Clean and store grills after each use.
• Alert neighbors and ODFW to unusual bear activity (continued sightings during daylight hours, lack of wariness around people or pets, etc.).

Share these tips with your neighbors, friends and family. A community effort is vital to preventing problems with bears and situations like the one in Cottage Grove. One person who feeds or attracts bears, intentionally or not, can pose a risk to everyone in the neighborhood.

Find out more about living responsibly with black bears at https://myodfw.com/articles/help-keep-bears-wild.”

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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PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

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

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

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve May 19, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Darryl Fink, PS No. 058027

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

4. Joseph Sanchez Sr., PS No. 086458

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

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

   Relating to Interpretation of a Reasonable Request

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

6. Sub-Committee Appointments

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

7. Agency Update

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

Administrative Announcement

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

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

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

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

August 13, 2026

Contact: Larry Bingham, ry.Bingham@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Larry.Bingham@oha.oregon.gov, 971-239-6499.

OHA statement: West Coast Health Alliance continues to endorse AAP-recommended child, adolescent immunization schedules

PORTLAND, Ore. — The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) bases its recommendations for vaccinations on guidelines from trusted professional medical and health organizations representing millions of healthcare providers, reflecting a broad consensus on the safety and benefits of the recommended immunizations.  The Executive Order (EO) issued by the White House regarding childhood vaccine schedule recommendations does not change the WCHA’s position on evidenced-based vaccine guidance.

Earlier this year, the WCHA endorsed the 2026 Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This evidence-based schedule reflects the most current science-based safety and benefits of immunizations that protect children and adolescents from infectious diseases and have saved millions of lives in the United States.

The WCHA also endorses the 2026 Maternal Immunization Schedule issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which recommends routine vaccination during pregnancy to protect pregnant people and infants from serious illness. These immunizations are the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection and complications for both parent and child.

The WCHA believes that immunization guidance from trusted healthcare organizations should continue to serve as the foundation for routinely recommended immunizations and guide conversations between healthcare providers and families. The WCHA also believes that coverage of vaccines, particularly through government programs, is important to allow choice. Our communities deserve vaccination recommendations based on the best available evidence, reviewed by experienced health and science professionals and access to those recommended vaccines.

If you have questions about childhood vaccines and best practice for your family, we encourage you to seek information from your child’s doctor. For more information about immunization guidance, please visit: 

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 
• American Academy of Family Physicians 
• Vaccine Integrity Project

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DALLAS (OR) – Chance William Grooms, 25, has been sentenced to serve 75 months (6 years, 3 months) in prison for Sex Abuse in the First Degree arising out of a 2025 incident involving a special needs adult under his care.

Grooms, of Stayton was sentenced after pleading guilty to the single charge before Polk County Circuit Judge Monte S. Campbell. Grooms was sentenced according to Oregon’s Measure 11 mandatory sentencing laws. Consequently, he will not be eligible for any form of early release or sentence reduction. He will also be required to serve a 45-month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release and register as a sex offender. Grooms has no prior criminal history.

The case was investigated by the Monmouth and Stayton Police Departments. It was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen of the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.

Stayton, Ore. - Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies were looking for a wanted suspect at a residence in the 400 block of W. Locust Street in Stayton.

As deputies set up in the area, the suspect fled from the residence and was apprehended several blocks away. There was a strong law enforcement presence in the area during the incident; however, the suspect is now in custody and there is no danger to the community.

We would like to thank the Stayton Police Department for their assistance.

The suspect had outstanding warrants, and additional charges are pending.

No additional information will be available this evening.

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Douglas County Fire District No. 2 will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday August 17, 2026 at 5:30 pm. A supplemental budget adjustment will be considered at this meeting. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 pm on Monday August 17, 2026 for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1.  Monthly Financials

   2.  Auditor Communication During Planning

   3.  SB1068 Annexation Approval Request for Property ID: R64154

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to administration at 541-673-5503.

ST. HELENS, Ore., August 12, 2026 — Columbia County Emergency Management, in partnership with local fire agencies and community partners, is updating the Columbia County Community Wildfire Protection Plan and is encouraging residents to participate in community meetings and an online survey.

The Community Wildfire Protection Plan identifies wildfire risks and helps guide efforts to reduce those risks, improve preparedness, and protect people, property, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Residents know their communities best. Public input is a key part of the planning process, and residents are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences to help guide future mitigation efforts. The update will bring together local agencies, community organizations, and residents to identify wildfire concerns and opportunities to improve preparedness.

Community meetings are planned in the following areas:

• Rainier - September 3, 6:00 pm, 100 W A St, Rainier
• Clatskanie- September 8, 7:00 pm,555 SW Bryant St, Clatskanie
• Mist-Birkenfeld - September 12, 10:00 am, 12525 Hwy 202, Mist
• St. Helens -September 17, 6:00 pm, 1054 Oregon St, St Helens 52751 Columbia River Hwy
• Vernonia -September 19, 5:00 pm, 627 Adams Ave, Vernonia
• Scappoose -September 22, 6:00 pm, 52751 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose
   

Residents who cannot attend a meeting can share their input through an online survey, which will remain open through October 31, 2026. For a printed survey, you may call Columbia County Public Health at 503-397-7247 or email health@columbiacountyor.gov with your request.

Survey information, meeting updates, and additional CWPP updates will be shared through the Columbia County Emergency Management Program's webpage.

Following community outreach, the planning team will evaluate wildfire hazards, review existing mitigation efforts, and develop recommendations to reduce wildfire risk. A draft plan will be released for public review before adoption.

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#columbiacountyor

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Central Douglas Fire & Rescue Authority will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday August 17, 2026 at 5:30 pm. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 pm on Monday August 17, 2026 for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1. Monthly Financials

   2. Auditor Communication During Planning

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to administration at 541-673-5503.

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Winston Dillard Fire District will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St., Winston, OR on Monday, August 17, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. A supplemental budget adjustment will be considered at this meeting. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-679-8721 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday August 17, 2026 for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1. Monthly Financials

   2. Auditor Communication During Planning

   3. SB1068 Annexation Approval Request for Property ID: R65800

The meeting location is accessible to person with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to administration at 541-679-8721.

Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families are invited to attend the 2026 Veteran Benefit Expo, Oregon’s largest statewide veteran resource event, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Douglas Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg.

Presented by the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the free event will bring together more than 100 service providers and experts from federal, state, county, Tribal, nonprofit, educational and community organizations to help veterans learn about and access the benefits, services and opportunities they have earned through their military service.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with benefit specialists and resource providers offering information and assistance on topics including VA health care, disability claims, employment, education, housing, mental health, long-term care, recreation, emergency assistance and more. 

“Navigating veteran benefits can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Our Veteran Benefit Expo is designed to be a one-stop shop, making it easier for veterans and their families to get answers, discover new resources and connect with people who are ready to help. Whether you’ve been out of the military for six months or 60 years, we encourage you to come see what’s available to you.”

Since launching in 2015, the Veteran Benefit Expo has become ODVA's signature annual outreach event, traveling to communities across Oregon to improve access to earned benefits while strengthening connections between veterans and the organizations that serve them. 

The Oregon Lottery returns as the Expo's presenting partner. Since voters overwhelmingly approved Measure 96 in 2016, more than $184 million in Lottery funding has been allocated to veterans’ services in Oregon,  helping expand programs and services that improve the lives of Oregon veterans and their families throughout the state.
“We’re proud to support events like this in our local communities so veterans can access important benefits and resources,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “In fiscal year 2025, a total of $191,824 in Lottery revenue went to Douglas County.”

The Veteran Benefit Expo is free and open to the public. No registration is required to attend.

For additional information, visit expo.oregondva.com, or contact ODVA at LIC_INFO@odva.oregon.gov">ODVA_PUBLIC_INFO@odva.oregon.gov. 

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or Tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva. 

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What: Washington State University Tri-Cities celebrates the start of the 2026-27 academic year with annual Wave the Flag event. 

When: This event will take place from 8:30–10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 24. 

Why: This is a great opportunity for photo and video storytelling, with the option of interviewing event volunteers. The flag waving event is the kick-off to WSU Tri-Cities’ Week of Welcome. Showing our Cougar Pride makes new and returning students feel welcomed as they arrive on campus for the first day of classes. 

Who: WSU Tri-Cities faculty, staff, and community members will be volunteering their time and showing their Coug spirit by waving WSU flags and welcome signs along the main entrance road that lead to campus. 

Where: Flag wavers and sign holders will be positioned at the entrances to the WSU Tri-Cities campus at the corner of George Washington Way and Sprout Road in Richland. 

Warrenton, Ore. — Fort Stevens State Park is hosting a living history and military vehicle event kicking off Friday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. This is a chance to look at WWII-era vehicles and learn about the park’s rich history.

The event will include dozens of historic military vehicles on display, interactive living history encampments and weapons from both the Civil War and WWII.

Event days:

• Friday, Aug. 14: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 15: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 16: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event is hosted by Military Vehicle Collector Club of Oregon in partnership with Friends of Willie and Joe and Living History Group Northwest.

Admission is free. Parking in the day-use areas requires a $10 parking permit per vehicle or you can use an annual parking pass if you have one.

You can find additional details about the event on the event page.

About Fort Stevens State Park

Originally built in 1864 toward the end of the Civil War, Fort Stevens stayed active through the Spanish American war and World War II. All but one of the fort’s nine concrete batteries were constructed between 1897 and 1904. Shortly after World War II, the Army demolished many of the buildings and closed Fort Stevens.

Although the guns have been removed, their concrete emplacements remain. Today, Oregon State Parks preserves these remnants of early 20th-century U.S. military history.

Sheriff’s deputies and partners evacuated homes north of the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Jasper roads along Ivy Street, Pinehurst, 54^th, 55^th, and Holly Street. Conditions are being closely monitored in case responders need to increase the evacuation area.

Mt. Vernon and 57^th Street are closed to all traffic in that area.

Fire personnel are on scene and working to protect homes and contain the fire.

People are asked to avoid area so that responders can work safely.

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For immediate release: Aug. 12, 2026

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

Media Advisory

WorkSource Oregon invites job seekers to a manufacturing and warehouse job fair in Tigard

WHO: WorkSource Oregon – Tigard

WHAT: Manufacturing and Warehouse Job Fair

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, 10 a.m. to noon

WHERE: 11950 SW Garden Place, Suite 100, Tigard, OR 97223

Tigard, Ore.  —  WorkSource Oregon invites job seekers to attend a manufacturing and warehouse job fair at its Tigard location on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon. More than nine local employers will share more information on these positions:

• Machine operators
• Assembly workers
• Production workers
• Ramp agents
• Glassblowers
• And more

The event is free to attend and open to the public. The media are also welcome to attend. Advance registration is recommended but not required. Job seekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes and come prepared to discuss their skills and experience with employers.

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

“This is a great opportunity for people to learn about a variety of career options throughout the Portland Metro area and connect directly with employers,” said Jim Pfarrer, director of Workforce Operations with the Oregon Employment Department. “Job seekers should come ready to make a strong impression.”  

WorkSource Oregon staff will also be on site to offer resources for career exploration, as well as resume and interview guidance. 

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

About Workforce Operations and WorkSource Oregon

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

Need help?

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

¿Necesita ayuda?  

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

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HILLSBORO, Ore- On July 30, 2026, Washington County Circuit Court Judge Brandon Thompson found Isidro Martinez-Ramirez, age 51, guilty of five counts of sexual abuse in the first degree and sodomy in the first degree (Jessica’s Law). Senior Deputy District Attorney Chris Lewman prosecuted this case.
 

The defendant sexually abused the minor victim in this case dozens of times over a three-year period when she was between seven and nine years old. In 2015, the victim reported this abuse to her mother and law enforcement. Her mother was initially uncooperative with the investigation, and police were unable to locate the defendant.
 

In December of 2021, the victim told a counselor about the abuse. The counselor notified the Forest Grove Police Department and the Oregon Department of Human Services. The victim also met with medical experts at CARES Northwest, where she provided additional details.
 

In 2021, the defendant was convicted of attempted sodomy in the first degree in a separate case after he provided a minor with methamphetamine and sexually assaulted the teen.
 

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2026. The defendant will remain in custody pending sentencing.

HILLSBORO, Ore- On August 6, 2026, Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Erwin sentenced Giovanni Aguilar-Becerra, age 22, to 95 months in prison. This sentencing follows a jury trial in which the defendant was convicted of sexual abuse in the first degree and sexual abuse in the second degree (five counts). Senior Deputy District Attorney Chris Lewman prosecuted this case.
 

The defendant sexually abused three minors. Authorities first learned of his criminal behavior in November of 2023 when one of the victims disclosed the abuse to a school counselor. The victim told law enforcement that the defendant provided her with alcohol and marijuana and sexually assaulted her while she was intoxicated.
 

During the course of the investigation, authorities identified a second minor victim who reported similar behavior by the defendant, wherein he sexually assaulted her while she slept. The investigation revealed a third underage victim whom the defendant dated for a period of time before police learned of his ongoing sexual relationship. When confronted with these allegations, the defendant admitted to engaging in sexual activity with all three victims.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the victims in this case for their bravery throughout the legal process. This office also acknowledges the work of the Forest Grove Police Department.
 

The defendant will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.

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

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

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

The victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries . The victim is still hospitalized at the time of this writing.

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

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

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August 12, 2026

Contact: Larry Bingham, ry.Bingham@oha.oregon.gov" id="menur72h" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="mailto:larry.bingham@oha.oregon.gov">Larry.Bingham@oha.oregon.gov, 971-239-6499.

Oregon Health Authority releases statement on Oregon State Hospital change of leadership

Salem, Ore—Oregon Health Authority releases the following statement:

After careful consideration, Oregon Health Authority Interim Director Pakseresht has made a leadership change at the Oregon State Hospital (OSH) and will not move forward with Sean Murphy’s trial-service period. OHA leadership will resume recruitment for a permanent superintendent.

Effective immediately, Jim Diegel will resume serving as interim superintendent. Jim previously served in this role, has led in implementing positive changes and improvements to patient care at OSH, and will provide continuity and stability while OHA searches for the hospital’s next permanent superintendent while protecting the important progress underway at Oregon State Hospital.

Oregon State Hospital is a uniquely complex and important institution. It requires strong, trusted, accountable leadership, particularly given the needs of patients, families, employees, and the public. Because of this, superintendents are held to the highest standards possible. OHA’s focus is on ensuring that an institution as important as the Oregon State Hospital has the leadership it needs to fulfill its mission and serve patients safely and effectively.

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HILLSBORO, Ore- On August 4, 2026, Judge Erik Buchér sentenced William Mark Duyck, age 62, to 450 months in prison. This sentence follows a trial in which a jury found the defendant guilty of six counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. Senior Deputy District Attorney Andy Pulver prosecuted this case.
 

The defendant sexually abused more than one child multiple times over the course of several years. The abuse occurred in the city of Banks, Oregon. Detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation and located an eyewitness who confirmed the abuse took place.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the victims in this case for their bravery. This office also commends the work of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
 

The defendant will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.

New podcast episode highlights partnership between law enforcement and behavioral health and the power of planting the seed for recovery

ASTORIA, OR — A new episode of PODClatsop takes listeners inside the Clatsop County Deflection Program, where law enforcement and behavioral health professionals are working together to give people struggling with substance use another path forward.

Clatsop County Deflection Program Coordinator Christina Schulz and Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare’s Isaiah O’Neill join Clatsop County Public Affairs Officer Jenn Benoit to explain what happens when someone is offered Deflection, how participants are connected with treatment and why a person who initially turns away from help may return when they are ready.

During the episode, listeners hear an emotional message from a former participant thanking O’Neill for helping him through his recovery. The participant initially entered the Deflection Program but did not complete it. After another law enforcement contact, he was offered Deflection again.

This time, he was ready.

O’Neill said the earlier relationship mattered. The participant already knew where to go for help and had established trust with the program. He went on to achieve long-term sobriety, reunite with his family and begin considering becoming a recovery coach.

Schulz explains that the Clatsop County Deflection Program offers two pathways to services. One provides an alternative for qualifying people contacted by law enforcement while in possession of a controlled substance. The second allows law enforcement, Parole and Probation and Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare to refer people known to be struggling with substance use even when they are not facing a possession charge.

Once connected with Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare, participants receive an individualized assessment and may be connected with outpatient treatment, withdrawal management, residential treatment, recovery supports and other services based on their needs.

The goal is progress and sustained engagement, not expecting recovery to happen overnight.

“People don’t get sober all at once,” O’Neill said during the episode. “It’s a process.”

As of the recording of the episode, 138 people had been offered Deflection in Clatsop County. Of those, 83 entered the program, 36 had graduated and 18 were actively participating.

One of the strengths of Clatsop County’s program is the broad support it receives from law enforcement, behavioral health providers, the District Attorney’s Office and other community partners.

The episode highlights how those partnerships can translate into tangible changes in people’s lives from reducing substance use to finding employment, reconnecting with family and moving from homelessness into stable housing.

“Whether it’s small strides or big strides, we’re giving them the tools,” Schulz said.

Listen to the latest episode of PODClatsop to hear the full conversation and learn more about how the Clatsop County Deflection Program works.

PODClatsop explores the people, places and programs that make Clatsop County unique.

About the Clatsop County Deflection Program

The Clatsop County Deflection Program connects people struggling with substance use with treatment and support through a coordinated partnership involving law enforcement, Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare, the District Attorney’s Office, Parole and Probation and other community partners. The program emphasizes accountability, engagement and creating opportunities for recovery.

H.O.P.E. Drug Court Participant Turns Recovery into Community Action

ROSEBURG, Ore. — August 12.  Jesse Barrett, a participant in the graduation phase of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program, is giving back to the community through his community project, Brighter Days for Hope, a clothing drive focused on helping low-income and unhoused individuals in Douglas County.

Jesse is collecting new and gently used men’s pants, shirts, and socks through September 15, 2026. While clothing needs exist throughout the community, men’s clothing can often be in especially short supply. Through Brighter Days for Hope, Jesse hopes to help fill that gap and make sure men experiencing hardship have access to clean, comfortable clothing when they need it most.

“Even the hardest day sober is better than the best day in active addiction.” — Jesse Barrett

DONATIONS NEEDED

Community members are encouraged to donate:

• Pants
• Shirts
• Socks
• New or gently used items are welcome

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

HIV Alliance
647 W. Luellen Drive, Suite 3

Painted Horse Recovery Center
1941 SE Stephens St.

Green Community Church
3777 Carnes Road

Donations will be collected through September 15.

Clothing, Community and a Hand Up

Brighter Days for Hope is intended to provide more than clothing. It is about offering a hand up to individuals who may be struggling with homelessness or limited income, while creating an opportunity for people to participate in caring for the community around them.

Jesse plans to distribute clothing during a Connecting Point event on September 17. Any remaining items will be provided to HIV Alliance to hand out at their discretion.  As part of the project, individuals experiencing homelessness will be encouraged to bring in a bag of collected trash in exchange for new clothing.

The idea behind the exchange is not to create a barrier to receiving help, but to provide an opportunity for participation, contribution and community pride. Picking up trash can help improve shared public spaces while allowing participants to know that they, too, have something valuable to contribute. The simple exchange promotes dignity, responsibility and connection while reinforcing the message that everyone can play a role in making their community better.

It is also an opportunity to shift the conversation from simply receiving assistance to working together. A cleaner community benefits everyone, while clean clothing can provide comfort, confidence and a renewed sense of hope for someone facing difficult circumstances.

Recovery That Reaches Beyond the Courtroom

Community projects are an important part of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court experience because recovery is about more than completing treatment or meeting court requirements. It is also about rebuilding connections, recognizing personal strengths and finding meaningful ways to contribute to others.

Treatment courts bring together the justice system, treatment providers and community partners to help participants address substance use, establish stability and work toward long-term recovery. As participants progress through the program, community projects provide an opportunity to take what they have learned and turn it into positive action.

Projects such as Brighter Days for Hope allow participants to identify a need that matters to them and become part of the solution. They also give the community an opportunity to see recovery in action — through service, accountability, compassion and meaningful change.

For Jesse, reaching the graduation phase represents significant progress in his own journey. His project carries a message that extends beyond donated clothing: people can change, people can contribute, and brighter days are possible.

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program recognizes that when individuals in recovery are supported in becoming healthy, stable and connected members of their community, the positive impact reaches far beyond one person. Families become stronger, community connections grow and hope becomes something that can be shared with others.

HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP

Residents, businesses, churches and community organizations are encouraged to support Brighter Days for Hope by donating new or gently used men’s clothing before September 15, 2026.

A pair of pants, a clean shirt or a new pair of socks may seem simple, but for someone going through a difficult period, it can provide comfort, dignity and one less obstacle to overcome.

Together, small acts of service can help create brighter days and greater hope throughout our community.

Community members are also invited to attend the 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Cascade Hall.

For more information or to contribute, community members are encouraged to participate in the listed event.  Graduate flyers and additional information about the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program are available through the Douglas County website via the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) at: https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court

RELEASE DATE: August 12, 2026

INCIDENT: FLOCK Contract Cancellation

REPORTING DEPUTY: Sheriff Dave Daniel

DETAILS: 

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has been in contract with an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) company named FLOCK.  A contract for 10 cameras was entered into to increase the ability to identify/locate stolen vehicles, wanted or missing subjects associated with a specific vehicle and in general enhance the ability to investigate crimes.

In recent months some of the equipment and technology has been targeted and vandalized.  There has been a great deal of public concern over this technology and its potential infringement of Constitutional 4^th Amendment rights. Many jurisdictions across the United States have run into the same situation of theft, damage and social concern resulting in numerous cancellations of contracts with FLOCK.  Josephine County is no different.  While the technology has been beneficial in solving crime and overall public safety, it is clear much of Josephine County is not ready or willing to accept the use of ALPR technology.

We at the Sheriff’s Office work for the public and we are listening to you.  As a result, I have requested Josephine County Legal Counsel to send a “contract termination for convenience” letter to FLOCK.  Effective immediately, FLOCK ALPRs are no longer activated in rural Josephine County and the contract with the Sheriff’s Office has ended.  While some of the equipment is still in the field, it is not being used.  It is unknown when FLOCK will remove their equipment at this time.

Thank you for your continued support of the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.  We will continue to “Protect with Courage and Serve with Compassion”.

MEDIA CONTACT: Department of Agriculture, Andrea Cantu-Schomus, ea.cantu-schomus@oda.oregon.gov">andrea.cantu-schomus@oda.oregon.gov | 503.881.9049 

SALEM, ORE. — As drought conditions impact communities across much of Oregon, the State of Oregon reminds eligible public bodies, Tribes, nonprofit organizations and small businesses of the financial and technical resources available to support drought mitigation, water system improvements and economic recovery.

State and federal partners are offering multiple programs that help communities address declining water availability, improve local water infrastructure, and offset drought‑related economic losses. Some programs also have provisions applying to those affected by fire.

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants

These U.S. Department of Agriculture grants support rural communities experiencing significant declines in water quantity or quality.

Who may apply:

• Public bodies in rural areas
• Nonprofit organizations
• Federally recognized Tribes
• Applicants must document that a major decline in water quality or quantity has occurred within the last two years or is imminent.

Eligible areas:

• Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or fewer
• Tribal lands in rural areas

How funds may be used:

• Water transmission line grants (up to $150,000): Waterline extensions, repair of breaks or leaks, and necessary maintenance to restore supply.
• Water source development grants (up to $1,000,000): Construction of new wells, reservoirs, transmission lines, treatment plants, or other water‑source infrastructure.

WaterSMART Drought Response Program

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program supports projects that strengthen drought resilience through long‑term planning and infrastructure improvements.

Who may apply:

• States, Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts
• State, regional, or local authorities with water or power delivery responsibilities
• Other qualified organizations with water or power delivery authority

How funds may be used:

• Development of drought contingency plans
• Water management decision‑support tools
• Infrastructure to improve water storage, distribution, and supply diversification
• Planning and implementation measures that help communities prepare for and respond to drought conditions

Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund (WARRF)

The Oregon Water Resources Department’s Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund (WARRF) provides financial assistance to low-to-moderate income homeowners or members of a federally recognized Tribe in Oregon experiencing well water supply issues. Grants assist with dry wells and wells damaged or destroyed by wildfire. A majority of program funding is dedicated to applications from state drought-declared counties or for wells impacted by wildfire.

Who may apply:

• Qualifying low-to-moderate income homeowners or members of a federally recognized Tribe
• Homeowners with a well connected to their home that can no longer provide enough water for essential in-home use including drinking, cooking and bathing

How funds may be used:

• Reimburse up to $40,000 for work by a licensed professional and materials associated with and necessary to abandon, repair, or replace eligible wells

How to apply:

• Application and more information on qualifying and important instructions can be found at owrd.info/warrf
• Funding is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis to qualified applicants

OWRD encourages reporting of all dry wells via the state’s Dry Well website at owrd.info/drywell.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations impacted by the drought in Oregon.

• For drought in the following counties beginning March 24 and continuing: Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Polk, Wasco, Wheeler, and Yamhill.
• For drought in the following counties beginning April 1 and continuing: Baker, Clackamas, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Lake, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wasco, and Wheeler.

You can apply online and read more details on the MySBA Loan Portal. Application deadline for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is March 1, 2027.

Who Can Apply:

• Small businesses
• Private nonprofits & faith-based organizations
• Small agricultural cooperatives & nurseries
• Small aquaculture enterprises

Key Details – Economic Injury Disaster Loans (working capital for operational expenses):

• Up to $2 million in loan funding
• Loan terms of up to 30 years
• No interest/required payments during the first 12 months after disbursement
• Interest rates as low as:
  • 4% for small businesses and
  • 3.625% for private nonprofit organizations

Applicants may call the SBA Customer Service Center with questions regarding their application at (800) 659-2955 or email customerservice@sba.gov." style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(59, 100, 64); text-decoration-style: solid; text-underline-offset: 0.3em; transition: text-decoration-color 0.3s; text-decoration-thickness: 0.1em !important; text-decoration-color: inherit !important;">disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Resources for Agriculture Producers

Agriculture producers affected by drought are encouraged to connect with their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for information on drought disaster relief assistance. To find a Service Center near you, use the USDA FSA locator at farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator.

• Prepare: The FSA encourages farmers and ranchers to create a Login.gov account. Full FSA access requires identity verification, which can take 7 to 10 business days for new customers. Login.gov is the secure, single sign-on account that gives you direct access to FSA services including disaster payments, farm program benefits, and loans quickly. Acting right away is important because worsening drought, wildfires, heat waves, and smoke have already caused big losses to crops and livestock.
• Setting up a Login.gov account takes about 10 minutes. Once registered, you can use many U.S. federal and state government websites, including FSA and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). You need an email address and a phone number for extra security. If you want to also access services like Social Security or Veterans Affairs, you’ll need ID documents, such as a state ID or Social Security number.
• USDA offers a suite of programs to help producers recover losses from drought as well as protect their operations from the impacts of drought.  

These programs include:

• The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who suffered grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash leased land.  
  • FSA maintains a list of counties eligible for LFP and makes updates each Thursday.  
• The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides eligible producers with compensation for above-normal costs of hauling water and feed to livestock as well as transporting livestock to forage or other grazing acres.
• The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters including qualifying drought (includes native grass for grazing). Producers must have obtained NAP coverage for the crop year in which the loss occurs.
• The Tree Assistance Program (TAP) provides assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for qualifying tree, shrub and vine losses due to natural disasters including excessive wind and qualifying drought.  
• The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP)  provide landowners and forest stewards with financial assistance to restore damaged farmland and conservation structures or forests, including implementing emergency water conservation measures. This program may also help with damage to farmland due to natural disasters such as wildfire.
• Emergency and non-emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres may be authorized to provide relief to livestock producers in areas affected by a severe drought.
• USDA Farm Loans provide a variety of direct and guaranteed farm loans, including operating and direct emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses, or refinance farm-related debts and other needs.
  • Additionally, FSA has a variety of loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan debt to FSA because of reasons beyond their control.

U.S. Drought Monitor

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is an online map showing the location, extent, and severity of drought across the United States. The USDM provides producers with the latest information about drought conditions where they live, enabling producers to best respond and react to a drought as it develops or lingers.

USDA uses the Drought Monitor to determine a producer’s eligibility for certain drought assistance programs, like LFP and Emergency Haying or Grazing on CRP acres.

The USDM incorporates varying data – rain, snow, temperature, streamflow, reservoir levels, soil moisture, and more – as well as first-hand information submitted from on-the-ground sources such as photos, descriptions and experiences.

The USDM categorizes drought conditions and intensities as follows:

Drought Intensity Categories

• D0: Abnormally Dry - used for areas showing dryness but not yet in drought, or for areas recovering from drought
• D1: Moderate Drought
• D2: Severe Drought
• D3: Extreme Drought
• D4: Exceptional Drought

Drought or Dryness Types

• S: Short-term, typically less than 6 months (agriculture, grasslands)
• L: Long-term, typically more than 6 months (hydrology, ecology)
• SL: Area contains both short- and long-term impacts

Landowners and producers can contribute their observations to the USDM process using the Condition Monitoring Observer Report (CMOR) system.

• The CMOR system is also mobile friendly, and a corresponding mobile field app is available for download.
• It’s recommended that photos are submitted each month or each season, to provide an ongoing comparison of wet, dry and normal conditions. Of course, more frequent submissions are also welcome.
• Reporting regularly can help people see what normal, wet and dry conditions look like in specific areas of the country.
• The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) authors may consult the CMOR map to help identify areas that need more attention.

Intertribal Agriculture Council

The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) maintains a Technical Assistance (TA) Network that provides direct on-the-ground assistance with USDA program access and supplemental resource identification through conducting outreach, assessing program applicability and eligibility, supporting interface with USDA and partners, advising on contract implementation, and growing tailored support networks. Visit indianag.org for more information and to identify your technical assistance specialist.

Additional Resources

• County and Individual Resources
• Tribal Resources
• National Drought Mitigation Center CMOR Fact Sheet

State options available for water right holders

Water right holders in counties with a Governor-declared drought may have certain short-term tools available. See Oregon Water Resources Department's Drought Emergency Tools document or contact your watermaster for more information. Examples include:

• Temporary Transfer: Apply to change the type of use, place of use, or the location of the diversion under an existing water right. A temporary drought transfer takes place under an expedited process and is in effect for the duration of the drought declaration or up to one year, whichever is shorter.
• Temporary Instream Lease: Convert all or a portion of a water right to an instream use for a period of one year or the term of the drought declaration, whichever is shorter.
• Temporary Emergency Water Use Permit: An approved emergency water use drought permit allows a water user to temporarily replace water not available under an existing water right.
• Temporary Substitution: Any person holding both a primary right originating from a surface water source and a supplemental right from a groundwater source may apply to temporarily use the supplemental right instead.
• Temporary Exchange of Water: The Water Resources Commission can approve a temporary exchange of existing rights, such as using stored water instead of a direct-flow surface-water right.
• Special Option Agreements: A water-right holder can enter into an agreement that authorizes the use of water at locations, from points of diversion, and for uses other than those described in the water right. Interested parties must first work through the scoping of the need and propose it to the watermaster before ultimately submitting it to the Department for analysis and review. Once approved by the Water Resources Commission, these agreements would be usable the moment a drought declaration under Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 536 is signed by the Governor and do not require approval each season.

Supporting Oregon Communities in Drought

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and Water Resources Department (OWRD) continue working closely with federal partners and local communities to coordinate resources, share information and support preparedness efforts.

“Drought impacts every region of Oregon differently, but the message is the same everywhere: help is available,” said Erin Zysett, OEM Public Information Officer. “We encourage communities, water managers, and small businesses to review these programs and apply as soon as they are able.”

For additional drought information, planning resources, and situation updates, visit:

• Oregon Department of Emergency Management: oregon.gov/oem
• Oregon Water Resources Department: oregon.gov/owrd

PORTLAND, Ore. – It wasn't long ago that Portland Community College’s lifesaving CPR and emergency cardiovascular care program was on its last breaths and ready to close its doors. But thanks to dedicated staff, PCC’s American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center has come back to life by earning the American Heart Association’s 2025 All-Star Award. It is one of the first training centers nationwide to receive the honor, recognizing its success in delivering lifesaving education to healthcare professionals, students and community members.

The training center, housed within PCC’s Healthcare and Emergency Professions pathway, was part of the first group of centers to earn the new national recognition. The award honors American Heart Association training centers that consistently provide high-quality CPR and emergency cardiovascular care education, follow rigorous training standards and demonstrate exemplary program compliance.

“This award is a testament to the continued commitment to educational excellence and service demonstrated by our entire instructional team,” said Janeen Hull, dean of PCC’s Healthcare and Emergency Professions Pathway. “These courses ensure that learners are prepared to respond confidently in medical emergencies, directly strengthening overall community safety.”

PCC’s training center is a life-saver, literally and figuratively. It offers courses designed for healthcare providers, students entering medical professions and members of the public who want to develop emergency response skills. Faculty also offer customized training solutions for employers, healthcare facilities, schools, and other organizations. The center provides basic life support, advanced cardiovascular life support, pediatric advanced life support, advanced stroke life support and heartsaver courses that cover CPR, automated external defibrillator use and basic first aid.

"The classes provide foundational instruction, professional upskilling and continuing education for credit and non-credit students. They also help healthcare organizations maintain a qualified workforce by ensuring employees meet certification requirements," Hull said.

Nearly all healthcare providers must maintain basic life support certification, while many nurses, physicians, paramedics and other professionals are also required to hold advanced cardiovascular life support, pediatric advanced life support or advanced stroke life support credentials.

“The demand remains high because healthcare professionals must maintain current certifications as a condition of employment,” said Teresa Parrish, who supports PCC’s American Heart Association training center. “Without these certifications, they may be unable to perform their jobs or provide patient care.”

The American Heart Association evaluates training centers using several performance measures, including certification eCard activity, participant feedback, training quality and adherence to emergency cardiovascular care guidelines. Students and graduates are asked about their classroom experience, course length, required materials, instructor performance and whether they would recommend the course to others.

Many students enrolled in PCC’s healthcare programs must earn American Heart Association basic life support certification before participating in clinical education or entering the workforce. Providing that training directly through PCC makes it more accessible and allows students to complete academic and professional requirements through a trusted institution.

PCC’s recognition carries special meaning for Parrish because the college’s training center has operated for 24 years and has overcome obstacles.

In 2004, the center trained more than 18,000 students. Its enrollment later declined, and the program faced the possibility of closure shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. PCC ultimately maintained the center, while community and healthcare partners, including Life Flight Network, Legacy Health, Just in Time Training and Medical Outreach CPR, helped sustain its work during the pandemic.

The center initially resumed instruction through online coursework before returning to in-person operations. Participation has continued to grow as PCC has rebuilt its training offerings and strengthened connections with internal healthcare programs and external partners.

“I am most proud that we are making a comeback; that we did not give up,” Parrish said. “Being recognized after everything the program has been through shows the dedication of our instructors, partners and students.”

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.

Coordinated care organizations see financial improvements

Oregon Medicaid investments to preserve quality healthcare access pay off, but financial challenges remain

SALEM, Ore. – The financial stability of most local insurers that facilitate Medicaid benefits in Oregon – also known as coordinated care organizations, or CCOs – improved in 2025, according to new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) analysis. However, individual CCO operating margins varied last year and were collectively lower than historical averages.

The 16 CCOs that operated in Oregon last year earned a net operating profit of $67 million, resulting in an operating margin of 0.8% in 2025. The year before, the same CCOs nearly broke even with a smaller net profit of $129,000 and a profit margin of just 0.001%.

“While the overall financial picture for Oregon’s coordinated care organizations is varied, additional government financial support helped them make a small profit in 2025,” said OHA Chief Financial Officer Rochelle Layton. “OHA is committed to partnering with CCOs to ensure they can meet Medicaid members’ health needs far into the future.”

The vast majority of the approximately 1.4 million people in Oregon who are enrolled in Medicaid have their care managed by CCOs. Medicaid is a joint state-federal program that provides health coverage to adults with lower incomes, children, older adults, and people with disabilities. CCOs were established to lower the overall cost of healthcare through better outcomes and care.

Eleven CCOs operated at a net profit in 2025, while four had a net loss. That’s an improvement from 2024, when nine operated at a net profit and seven had a net loss.

Individual CCO financial performance in 2025 ranged from a high profit margin of 5.39% to a low negative margin of -3.42%. PacificSource Community Solutions did not renew their Medicaid contract in Lane County in 2025 due to financial losses. Another CCO, Trillium Community Health Plan, remains in Lane County and migrated former PacificSource members into their network. PacificSource continues to serve Medicaid members in other areas of the state.

Additional funding buoys CCOs

CCOs collectively spent 9.0% more in 2025 to cover services for their Medicaid members in comparison to the year before. As has long been the case, CCOs’ largest expense category in 2025 was hospital services, which made up 31.8% of all spending on member services. Increased use of mental health and substance use disorder services – which accounted for 22.5% of all member service costs in 2025 – also drove CCO spending.

CCOs fared better in 2025 because OHA was able to provide $149 million in additional funding, $30 million of which came from state general funds while the remaining $119 million came from federal funds. The Oregon Legislature approved the additional state funding in June 2025 as part of the regular budget process after it became clear continued increases in utilization were further straining CCO budgets. In total, this additional funding accounted for about 1.73% of all CCOs’ overall operating revenue last year.

OHA compensates CCOs in two ways: a flat monthly rate for each person whose benefits a CCO coordinates and an annual incentive bonus for improving care quality for CCO members. The monthly payments, also known as capitation rates, are updated annually.

OHA recognized CCOs were facing financial challenges while it was developing 2026 capitation rates last year. To protect quality healthcare access for the state’s Medicaid members, OHA increased 2026 CCO capitation rates by about 10%.   

Looking to the future

To develop 2027 capitation rates, OHA is factoring in CCOs’ 2025 financial performance as well as their available financial and claims data for 2026. OHA will finalize 2027 capitation rates by the end of this year.

Preliminary data collected so far this year suggests most CCOs have experienced further financial improvements because of the higher rates they are receiving. Through March 31, 2026, CCOs collectively spent 88.4% of their total revenue on member services and 9.9% on administrative services, leaving a 1.7% profit margin.

Historically, Oregon CCOs have collectively had profit margins as high as 7.5% in 2014, when the Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid eligibility criteria, and as low as -0.3% in 2017, when the eligibility of some Medicaid members was redetermined after OHA completed a comprehensive review of Oregon Medicaid enrollment.

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FIRE PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS MONTH 
ANNUAL LINCOLN COUNTY READINESS FAIR

August is Fire Prevention Month, and September is National Preparedness Month. With heightened wildfire risks across Oregon, now is an important time for individuals and families to review and update their emergency plans. Preparedness is a shared responsibility—working together with relatives, neighbors, and community partners strengthens readiness and helps protect lives and property during wildfires or other disasters.

To support community preparedness, Lincoln County Emergency Management, NW Natural, and the City of Newport will host the annual Lincoln County Readiness Fair. The event is free, open to the public, and requires no registration. NW Natural will provide lunch for the first 300+ attendees and there will be raffles for preparedness kits and gear every 30 minutes.

Event Details

Saturday, September 12, 2026

11:00am - 2:00pm

Newport Recreation Center

225 SE Avery St, Newport, OR 97365

Raffles held throughout the event

This year’s raffle includes a variety of practical preparedness items, thanks in large part to funding from the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contributions Fund. Prizes include a pet go‑bag, vehicle emergency kit, LifeStraw® water filtration system, bucket toilet setup, portable emergency alert radio, and more. A Grand Prize drawing for a 72‑hour, two‑person go‑bag valued at $629 will take place at 2:00 p.m.

Exhibitors & Activities

Local and state public safety agencies and preparedness partners will be on site to answer questions, demonstrate emergency readiness techniques, and provide examples of kits, tools, and information. Attendees can:

• Bring a NOAA Weather Radio and learn how to program and operate it
• Sample emergency food options for your own go‑bag
• Explore water purification and sanitation solutions for post‑disaster scenarios
• Learn hands-on bleeding‑control techniques through Stop the Bleed
• Connect with volunteer organizations supporting disaster preparedness and response

For Local Media and Community Partners:

Media outlets and community organizations are encouraged to visit the

Lincoln County Readiness Fair website and National Preparedness Month website for outreach materials and information to assist in promoting preparedness efforts.

PREVENCIÓN DE INCENDIOS, MES DE LA PREPARACIÓN FERIA ANUAL DE PREPARACIÓN DEL CONDADO DE LINCOLN

Agosto es el Mes de la Prevención de Incendios y septiembre es el Mes Nacional de la Preparación. Con el aumento de los riesgos de incendios forestales en todo Oregón, este es un momento importante para que las personas y las familias revisen y actualicen sus planes de emergencia. La preparación es una responsabilidad compartida: trabajar juntos con familiares, vecinos y socios de la comunidad fortalece la preparación y ayuda a proteger vidas y propiedades durante los incendios forestales u otros desastres.

Para apoyar la preparación de la comunidad, la Oficina de Gestión de Emergencias del Condado de Lincoln, NW Natural y la ciudad de Newport organizarán la Feria Anual de Preparación del Condado de Lincoln. El evento es gratuito, abierto al público y no requiere inscripción. NW Natural ofrecerá almuerzo a los primeros 300 asistentes y habrá sorteos de kits y equipo de preparación cada 30 minutos.

Detales

Sábado, 12 de septiembre de 2026
11:00 a. m. - 2:00 p. m.
Centro Recreativo de Newport
225 SE Avery St, Newport, OR 97365

Se realizarán rifas durante todo el evento

La rifa de este año incluye una variedad de artículos prácticos para la preparación ante emergencias, gracias en gran parte al financiamiento del Fondo de Contribuciones Caritativas de la Tribu Siletz.

Los premios incluyen una mochila de emergencia para mascotas, un kit de emergencia para el auto, un sistema de filtración de agua LifeStraw®, un kit de baño con cubeta, una radio portátil de alerta de emergencia y más. El sorteo del gran premio, una mochila de emergencia para dos personas con provisiones para 72 horas valorada en 629 dólares, se llevará a cabo a las 2:00 p.m.

Expositores y actividades

Las agencias locales y estatales de seguridad pública, así como los socios en materia de preparación, estarán presentes para responder preguntas, demostrar técnicas de preparación para emergencias y ofrecer ejemplos de kits, herramientas e información. Los asistentes podrán:

•    Traer una radio meteorológica de la NOAA y aprender a programarla y usarla

•    Probar opciones de alimentos de emergencia para su propia mochila de emergencia

•    Explorar soluciones de purificación de agua y saneamiento para situaciones posteriores a un desastre

•    Aprender técnicas prácticas de control de hemorragias a través del programa “Stop the Bleed”

•    Conectarse con organizaciones de voluntarios que apoyan la preparación y respuesta ante desastres

Para los medios de comunicación locales y los socios comunitarios:

Media outlets and community organizations are encouraged to visit the

Lincoln County Readiness Fair website and National Preparedness Month website for outreach materials and information to assist in promoting preparedness efforts.

Se invita a los medios de comunicación y a las organizaciones comunitarias a visitar el

sitio web de la Feria de Preparación del Condado de Lincoln y el sitio web del Mes Nacional de la Preparación, donde encontrarán materiales de divulgación e información que les ayudarán a promover las iniciativas de preparación.

Salem, Ore. – For the first time this year, Powerball players have a chance to win a $1 billion jackpot. Wednesday’s drawing climbed to $1 billion, ranking as the eighth largest Powerball jackpot ever. 

Since the current jackpot run began on May 3, Oregon has seen 421,519 winners and more than $2,328,700 million in total Powerball game winnings. 

"Anytime the jackpot is this large, it adds extra excitement and attracts new players who don't typically purchase lottery games," said Oregon Lottery's Product Manager Tina Erickson.  

In 2024, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan shared a Powerball jackpot worth $1.3 billion with his wife and a friend. The prize was life changing for Saephan and by far the biggest prize ever won in Oregon. Previously, the largest Powerball prize won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005. The biggest Powerball ever won in history was a $2.04 billion jackpot in 2022 by a player in California.

Oregon Lottery retailers that sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, a retail location that sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus. 

Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and are sold in 45 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize. 

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

CURRY COUNTY, Ore. (12 August 2026) – On Sunday, August 9, 2026, at approximately 12:38 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 101 near milepost 352 in Curry County.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a black Triumph motorcycle, operated by Louis Henry Vowell III (36) of Sisters, was traveling northbound on Highway 101 near the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint at a high rate of speed when it attempted to overtake multiple vehicles in a passing lane. When the motorcycle entered the passing lane, it collided with the rear of a gray Mazda CX-5, operated by Russell Keith Moore (56) of Pulaski, Arkansas, which was turning westbound into the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint. The rider was thrown from the motorcycle and subsequently struck by a gray Mercedes Sprinter van, operated by Jeffrey Alan Ludwick (58) of Rogue River.

The Triumph operator (Vowell) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Mazda (Moore) and two adult passengers were reportedly not injured.

The operator of the Mercedes (Ludwick) and an adult passenger were reportedly not injured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Ferrelo Rural Fire Department, Brookings Fire & Rescue, Cal-Ore Life Flight, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

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

RELEASE DATE:           Aug 11,2026  

CONTACT PERSON:    On Duty PIO

CASE NUMBER:           26-35737

Gresham, Ore.— Detectives are releasing the identity of the victim of a shooting after she died as a result of her injuries.

On Monday, Aug 4. 2026, just before 12:40 a.m., Lacey Mouser aka: Lacey Clayton, 45 was shot in the 700 block of SE 185^th Avenue and transported to a local hospital.

On Sat., Aug 10, 2026, Mouser died from her injuries. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the death a homicide.  Mouser’s family has been notified of her death and is requesting privacy at this time.

The East County Major Crimes Team (MCT) continues to investigate the shooting.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Detective Hawley at tin.daly@greshamoregon.gov">mark.hawley@greshamoregon.gov Detective Pick at justin.pick@greshamoregon.gov  and reference case number 26-35737.

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Measles is very contagious and you could give it to someone in a waiting room. If you believe you've been exposed, it's important to tell your doctor or clinic that you have symptoms of measles before you go. They will give you instructions for what to do so that you don't spread measles.

August 11, 2026

Contact: Larry Bingham, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center is latest measles exposure location

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles in a Clark County child who is unvaccinated.

The person who tested positive for measles was at local health care facility while they were contagious. People who were at the following location at the listed day and times may have been exposed:

• AFC Urgent Care Camas, 180 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver: Friday, Aug. 7, 2026 from 2 to 6:30 pm

People who were at the clinic and have not been vaccinated against measles or have not had measles in the past are at risk for getting sick and should stay home and out of public places for 21 days. During that time, anyone who believes they have symptoms of measles should call their health care provider before visiting the medical office to make a plan that avoids exposing others.

People who have been vaccinated are well protected. Two doses of the vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. People who have questions about the vaccine or are unsure if they’ve been vaccinated should talk to their health care provider. Vaccination records are also available through the state’s MyIR Mobile system.

So far this year, Clark County has had 17 cases of measles. Fifteen of the 17 people were unvaccinated; the vaccination status was unknown for two of the people.

For more information about the measles investigation, visit the Clark County Public Health measles investigation webpage.

About measles

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness caused by a virus. It spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. A person with measles can spread the virus before they show symptoms. The virus also can linger in the air after someone who is infectious has left.

Measles poses the highest risk to people who have not been vaccinated, including infants younger than 12 months. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine provides the best protection against measles. One dose of the vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles. Two doses are about 97 percent effective.

After someone is exposed to measles, they begin to get sick in about one to three weeks. Measles symptoms begin with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually begins at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. People are contagious with measles up to four days before the rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears.

Measles can be serious in all age groups. However, children younger than 5 years old, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant people are at higher risk for complications from measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. Measles may cause pregnant people to give birth prematurely or have a low-birth-weight baby. For every 1,000 children with measles, one or two will die from the disease.

To learn more about measles, visit the Washington State Department of Health website.

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in an Executive Session and Board Retreat on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at the Parkrose Middle School located at 11800 NE Shaver St, Portland, Oregon at the hour of 3:00pm

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

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

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

The agenda is posted on our website at: LINK.

Agenda items include but are not limited to: time with administrators, student board representative interviews, board operations, 26-29 CBA with ECBC, policy updates, resignations, collective focus, advocating for change, legislative advocacy, liaison roles, next steps and board reminders.  

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

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

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

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

14 people were arrested in a recent retail theft mission, which also led to the recovery of stolen merchandise, a stolen car and methamphetamine.

The mission was held on August 5th as part of a national Organized Retail Crime enforcement effort. During these missions, patrol officers and detectives work directly with loss prevention employees at local stores to monitor criminal activity in real time and make arrests on site.

During this mission, officers and detectives recovered about $1,000 in stolen merchandise and made the following arrests:

• Sophie Singleton: theft I
• Joshua Durrant: theft 3
• Diane Nusbaum: theft 3
• Stefan White: theft 3
• Nicholas Parham: arrest warrants x3
• Thomas Smalley: felony arrest warrant
• Garrett Carlson: theft 3, arrest warrants x2
• Gadise O’Donel: theft 3
• Jaylee Kolbe-Williams: theft 3
• Juvenile: theft 3
• Juvenile: theft 3
• Juvenile: theft 2
• Juvenile: theft 2
• Juvenile: theft 3

The Tigard Police Commercial Crimes Unit (CCU) works with regional partners and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office to conduct these proactive retail theft missions at various stores throughout the year to deter theft and other criminal activity. Learn more at www.tigard-or.gov/CCU.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Happy Valley Celebrates the Opening of Scouters Mountain Neighborhood Park

The new park offers residents recreational opportunities with a view of Mt. Hood

Happy Valley, OR [August 11, 2026] – Today, the City of Happy Valley celebrated the grand opening of its newest recreational space, Scouters Mountain Neighborhood Park located at 10478 SE Hornaday Avenue. The new park features an all-abilities playground, mobility charging station, tennis/pickleball court, picnic shelter, restrooms and walking trails. Additionally, there is a dog park for Happy Valley’s furriest residents.

To mark the occasion, the City of Happy Valley hosted a grand opening celebration. The family-friendly event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, brief remarks from Mayor Tom Ellis and fun activities for kids hosted by the city’s Parks & Recreation staff. Brain Freeze Shave Ice Bar provided shaved ice to attendees.

“Our residents have shown time and time again their love and appreciation for our parks and trails,” said Mayor Tom Ellis. “Through their support of our Parks & Recreation Levy, we are able to continue building and maintaining these important community spaces that provide recreational opportunities for everyone.” 

The City of Happy Valley is committed to creating accessible places for all community members. Every city-managed park in Happy Valley features an all-abilities playground, and multiple trails within city boundaries are ADA accessible.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WVCI Expands Access to Advanced PET/CT Technology to Strengthen Comprehensive Cancer Care Offering

Powerful new PET/CT technology advances WVCI’s commitment to state-of-the-art imaging, coordinated cancer care, and the future introduction of radiopharmaceutical capabilities. 
 

EUGENE, Ore. — [August, 11, 2026] — Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center (“WVCI”) announces the addition of PET/CT imaging technology with the installation of a new Siemens Biograph Trinion PET/CT scanner at its Eugene location this month. The technology provides patients a new, convenient option for advanced imaging and supports a higher level of coordinated cancer care for patients in the Willamette Valley.
 

PET/CT imaging combines PET (positron emission tomography), which shows tumor activity and location, with CT (computed tomography), which shows detailed images of the body’s anatomy, in one advanced scan. Together, these technologies help physicians identify health concerns quickly and accurately, supporting early detection, accurate diagnosis, and confident treatment planning.

By using PET/CT imaging early in the care planning process, WVCI care teams can see where cancer may be present and whether it has spread. This information helps physicians determine the stage of cancer, plan the next steps in care, and monitor how well treatment is working over time.
 

“Our new scanner gives our physicians highly detailed images that can detect exceptionally small areas of concern,” said Tina Nelson, Senior PET/CT technologist at WVCI.
 

The new PET/CT system is also designed with the patient experience in mind. Faster, lower-dose imaging may help shorten the time patients spend in the scanner and limit radiation exposure. Comfort features, including mood lighting and continued communication with imaging staff, are intended to help patients feel informed, supported, and more at ease during the exam.
 

“We want the experience to feel as reassuring as possible,” explains Nelson. “The new features help our imaging team do that by staying connected with patients and fostering a calming environment, which helps minimize clinical anxiety.”  
                                                                             

The PET/CT technology also supports WVCI’s introduction of radiopharmaceutical capabilities later this year. Radiopharmaceuticals are specialized medicines that contain small amounts of radioactive material and may be used to help diagnose and, in some cases, treat certain cancers. As this program develops, WVCI will share additional information with patients, referring providers, and community partners.

“For patients, this is about more than new technology,” Nelson said. “It brings cutting-edge imaging to where our patients are, alongside the cancer care team they already know. It’s helping reduce the physical and emotional burden of traveling to multiple locations for separate appointments.”
 

The new PET/CT scanner is available now for patients of WVCI. Details about future radiopharmaceutical capabilities will be shared as they are finalized later this year.

Patients who would like more information about WVCI’s imaging and cancer care services may call 541.683.5001. 
 

About Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center

The Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center is a member of the US Oncology Network of over 1,200 independent physicians, dedicated to delivering value-based, integrated care to patients – close to home in Albany, Corvallis, Eugene, Florence, Newport, and Springfield.  As part of the Network community, we share expertise and resources to advance local cancer care and deliver better patient outcomes. WVCI also participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research and Sarah Cannon Research Institute, which have played a role in more than 100 FDA-approved cancer therapies, approximately one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date.

Media Contact:
  Christy Curtis
  Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center
  541-632-3156
  Christy.Curtis@usoncology.com

Update 8/11/26: Correction on age of Jacob Orr. He was born 3/30/89 making him 37 years old. Not 27 years old as inititially reported. 

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On August 8, 2026, at approximately 6:47 p.m., deputies with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported shooting near the 8000 block of NE 142nd Avenue.

Deputies contacted a victim who had a grazing wound. Deputies learned that an argument had occurred in the neighborhood regarding juveniles riding dirt bikes on the street. The initial investigation suggests only one bullet was fired.

Twenty-seven-year-old Jacob Orr was identified as a suspect. He was detained during a traffic stop as the vehicle he was in left the neighborhood. When Jacob was taken into custody, he had a .380-caliber pistol. A .380-caliber shell casing was also located at the scene.

Jacob was booked into the Clark County Jail on multiple charges, including first-degree assault, felony harassment, and reckless endangerment.

The investigation remains active, and additional information is not being released at this time.

PORTLAND, Ore.— The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component under the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, awarded over $3 Million in Fiscal Year 2025 to support Oregon’s state, local, and tribal governments in criminal justice activities to keep Oregon communities safe.

The awards, provided through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, represent the nation’s leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. Across the United States nearly $290 million was awarded. For more than 20 years, the JAG program has provided critical funding to support law enforcement’s ability to protect the communities they serve, supporting critical needs such as personnel, equipment and supplies, technology, training, information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, and other operational priorities. JAG funding also supports a wide range of programs that strengthen crime prevention efforts and enhance the effectiveness of prosecutors, courts, corrections agencies, and services for crime victims and witnesses.

In addition to foundational uses of JAG funds, specific areas of emphasis were included to the JAG funding opportunities highlighting and encouraging state and local jurisdictions to join federal law enforcement in addressing the most pressing public safety challenges. For Fiscal Year 2025, these areas of emphasis included combatting violent crime, immigration enforcement, safe communities, and safe houses of worship.

In Oregon for 2025 many of our cities received grant assistance to support their work in public safety.

All recipients for both state and local JAG awards can be found here.

About the Office of Justice Programs

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime; promote fair and impartial administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking or SMART Office – can be found at ojp.gov.

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CASES:                                                                                                                         August 11, 2026

25CR17473

25CR23196

26CR03023

26CR03172

Portland, OR-Nickolas Alexander Edwards, 35-years-old, will go to prison after being convicted of stealing multiple cargo trailers from around the greater Portland area. Some of the thefts took place while he was wearing a pre-trial release ankle monitor from a previous arrest in Clark County.

Edwards pleaded guilty to the following charges:

Case 25CR17473 Count 1 Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle

Case 25CR23196 Count 1 Aggravated Theft

Case 26CR03023 Count 1 Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle

                                       Count 4 Felony Elude

                                       Count 7 Recklessly Endangering Another Person

                                        Count 8 Recklessly Endangering Another Person

Case 26CR03172 Count 1 Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle

                                       Count 4 Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle

The defendant has also stipulated to pay a total of $30,874 in restitution to a variety of victims.

Sentencing was set over until August 13, 2026, but the defendant has agreed to a term of 84 months (7-years) in prison.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm prosecuted the cases for the state. After the guilty plea he said:

“We don’t see a lot of sole trailer thieves in this county but its property crime and it's important to this community that this person is held accountable. Theft like this directly affects livability issues. Our office takes that seriously. Getting a resolution like this with somebody who was so prolific lets the county know we are here. We are going to take property crime seriously. We know this type of crime impacts people and their livelihoods and we are not going to stand for that.”

THE FACTS:

The defendant is a trailer prolific cargo trailer thief. He has past cases that range from Multnomah County to Clackamas County, Marion County and north to Clark County, Washington.

In late 2025, investigators noticed a spike in reported trailer thefts in the Portland area. A Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office investigator began looking into the cases. The defendant was wearing a GPS monitor from an earlier arrest in Clark County. That made it relatively easy for the investigator to place him at more recent trailer thefts in Multnomah County.

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DALLAS (OR) – Jacob Allen Tunget, 28, was sentenced today to serve 100 months (8.3 years) in prison for Rape in the First Degree arising out of a 2024 incident which occurred behind the Safeway supermarket in Dallas.

Tunget, a Dallas area transient, was sentenced today after pleading no contest to the single charge before Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso. Tunget was sentenced according to Oregon’s Measure 11 mandatory sentencing laws. Consequently, he will not be eligible for any form of early release or sentence reduction. He will also be required to serve a 140 month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release and register as a sex offender.

Tunget’s ultimate apprehension and prosecution was based on evidence developed through DNA samples obtained from the victim during the investigation. That DNA was linked to a positive match with a sample of the defendant’s DNA that was located in the FBI’s nationwide CODIS DNA bank of convicted felons.

The case was investigated by the Dallas Police Department and prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen of the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is seeking public comment on Idaho Power’s proposed sale of its Oregon distribution system to Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC). The PUC will review the proposed sale to determine whether it serves customers’ interests, maintains reliable service, and meets all regulatory requirements.

Idaho Power and OTEC have filed an agreement with the PUC that would transfer Idaho Power’s Oregon service territory and distribution system to OTEC. If approved, Idaho Power’s 20,000 residential, irrigation, commercial, and industrial customers in Malheur, Harney, Baker, and Wallowa counties would become OTEC member-owners. OTEC currently serves Baker, Union, Grant, and Harney counties.

This proposed sale has a base purchase price of $154 million and is expected to close in early 2027. As part of the agreement, OTEC would purchase wholesale energy from Idaho Power through a multi-year power supply arrangement to serve customers in the affected Oregon counties.

Following the sale, Idaho Power would no longer serve Oregon electric customers directly but would continue to own and operate generation and transmission facilities in Oregon, including the Boardman to Hemingway (B2H) transmission line.

To support public participation, the PUC is offering several ways for community members to learn about the proposal and share their comments directly to Commissioners and the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) overseeing this case.

Ways to Comment

Members of the public may provide comments by attending an in-person or virtual meeting or by submitting comments through online form, email, phone, or mail.

Comment via Zoom or phone 
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 6 p.m. Mountain Time (5 p.m. Pacific Time) via Zoom or by phone.

This virtual meeting will include an overview of the proposed sale and an opportunity for participants to provide comments. To participate, members of the public must have joined the virtual meeting by 6:30 p.m. MT.

Join the meeting: https://bit.ly/UM2447-PCH

Comment in person – Ontario, Oregon
Monday, August 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. Mountain Time (5 p.m. Pacific Time)

Commissioners and an ALJ will hold an in-person only hearing in Ontario. To comment, please be at the hearing by 6:30 p.m. MT.

Location:  Ontario City Hall, Council Chambers, 444 SW 4^th Street, Ontario, OR 97914

Other ways to comment 
Comments may also be submitted through any of the following methods:

• Online Public Comment Form: https://bit.ly/UM2447-Comment-Form

• Email: licComments@puc.oregon.gov" target="_blank">PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov

• Phone: 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 (all relay calls accepted)

• Mail:
  Oregon Public Utility Commission
  Attn: AHD – UM 2447 
  PO Box 1088 
  Salem OR 97308-1088 

Stay informed 
Individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents throughout this case. To be added, email ings@puc.oregon.gov">puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or call 503-378-6678. Please reference Docket No. UM 2447 in your request.

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SALEM, OR — On Monday, Marion County filed a motion outlining the many ways federal defendants violated the law in adopting their new policy of annual deep drawdowns of Detroit Lake. This new policy will devastate canyon communities, endanger drinking water for over 230,000 people living downstream, and even jeopardize the very fish it claims to be trying to save.

In 2023, a court order forced similar deep drawdowns at nearby Green Peter Lake due to a lawsuit from an environmental group. This killed thousands of salmon and caused massive increases in turbidity that harmed downstream water systems.

Photo Credit: Brian Stone Photography LLC; explanatory text added by public commenter who submitted it during SEIS process.

The new policy of annual deep drawdowns would drain the lake below its minimum conservation pool—to its lowest historic level in the first year and to even deeper untested low levels each fall in following years. Dropping water levels in this manner disturbs fine sediment on the lake bottom and causes turbidity (dirty water), which harms all fish and municipal water systems downstream. There would also be water shortages if there is low rain that prevents refill, hurting cities and agriculture. The damage that was caused by the deep drawdown of Green Peter shows a deep drawdown of Detroit could also kill much of a lake’s fish population. All this would harm the tourism-based economy of the local community.

“Risking the drinking water of our communities while harming thousands of fish is patently absurd” said Commissioner Colm Willis, Chair. “Since the Army Corps refused to listen to reasonable requests from the county, cities, and schools, this lawsuit is the strongest means we have to protect our downstream communities as well as recreation at Detroit Lake”

The Army Corps’ own analysis found that the level of low rain that causes water shortages when combined with a deep drawdown occurs one out of every four years. This year will almost certainly be one of those years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an “81% chance of a very strong El Niño during October-December of 2026 that would rank among the largest El Niño events in the historical record going back to 1950” and “a 97% chance” that El Niño conditions “will persist through early spring 2027.”

“Our residents depend on clean, reliable drinking water,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “The Army Corps should not be gambling with the safety of drinking water in our community.”

“Water management must be grounded in data-backed science with meaningful protections in place for our communities,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “The Army Corps is defying common sense and has not committed to any meaningful safeguards, which is why we will continue this fight to protect our residents from the Army Corps’ devastating policies.”

WOODBURN, OR. — Woodburn City Manager Scott Derickson recently informed the City Council about the retention of Thomas Consulting Group, an independent technical advisory firm, to conduct a comprehensive review of the City's existing ordinances, policies, long-term planning framework, utility infrastructure, and environmental regulations. The review will help the City identify whether changes are needed to ensure it is prepared to evaluate any future data center applications, ensuring that public concerns can be addressed and infrastructure protected. 

The City of Woodburn is aware that data center developer, Verrus, has evaluated industrial sites in and around Woodburn.  The City is taking proactive steps to ensure that any future consideration of data center development, should an application be submitted, is guided by clear regulations, sound information, and the community's priorities.  The City does not have any current data center applications under review.

“This work is about making sure the City is prepared and has the right tools and technical expertise available so the City can adequately protect the public interest should a data application be forthcoming,” said Derickson.  “Our goal is to have a clear and transparent process that reflects community priorities and gives decision-makers the information they need to make thoughtful, informed decisions.”

As part of its work, Thomas Consulting Group will evaluate areas that could affect future data center development, including land use and zoning, development standards, utility coordination, environmental regulations, noise requirements, and other municipal regulations. The firm will also identify opportunities to strengthen the City's planning framework and develop practical tools that elected officials and staff can use to evaluate future proposals. Thomas Consulting Group is not advocating for or against a particular project. Its role is to provide the City with an independent, technical assessment and help develop a regulatory framework that supports consistent, transparent, and informed decision-making.

“Most cities encounter large-scale data center development for the first time when a proposal is already on the table and the clock is running. Woodburn's City leaders decided not to wait and are asking the right questions before anyone files an application. That choice puts the city in a much stronger position. Thomas Consulting Group helps local leaders see the full picture, the costs, the tradeoffs, and the questions worth asking, so decisions rest on clear information rather than pressure or a deadline,” said Michelle Thomas, Founder & CEO of Thomas Consulting Group.

“This review is not an endorsement of any particular data center project.  As of today, no applications for review have been submitted. Instead, it is an opportunity to take a step back, evaluate the City's current regulations and infrastructure, and determine whether additional safeguards, standards, or planning tools are appropriate.”, said Derickson.

The City has also issued the required 45-day notice to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) regarding its intent to consider implementing a moratorium on data center-related development. The notice was issued on July 31, 2026.  Under state law, a city must issue this notice at least 45 days before it can conduct a public hearing and take action on a potential moratorium. This notice initiated the legally required waiting period while the City evaluates whether a temporary pause is appropriate to allow time for technical review and related policy discussions.

The City recognizes that residents have questions and concerns about how potential data center development could affect the community, including infrastructure, utilities, land use, noise, environmental resources, and long-term growth. The City's current work is intended to address those questions with reliable information and a clear regulatory framework before future applications are considered.

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Jayc Priest, Jariq Rupert and Jerriyah Rupert.

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. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected 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.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Alecia DeRoo often arrives at Portland Community College’s Sylvania Campus still wearing scrubs from her home-health nursing shift. Then she opens her oboe case and joins a Wednesday-night Symphonic Band class whose musicians range from high school students to people in their 80s.

About 30 players gather each term. Some are building toward a future in music; others are returning to instruments they set aside years, or decades ago. For DeRoo, who has played with the ensemble for about seven years, rehearsal is where a demanding workday gives way to breath, focus and sound.

“This is how I keep on playing,” DeRoo said. “I’ve just been a musician so much of my life, playing flute in college, and then learning oboe."

She is a 2012 PCC nursing alum who is a registered nurse. She is also a former flute minor at Southern Oregon University, but switched to oboe a few years ago and has been taking Matt Farris’ band class for about seven years.

"Coming here feels natural, and it’s stress-relieving,” DeRoo added.

The age span reflects PCC itself. In 2024–25, 53% of the college’s credit students were younger than 25, while 59% of its noncredit students were 30 to 64, and 16% of PCC’s non-credit students were 65 or older.

PCC's Music Program has five performance groups (Voices of Soul Choir, Chamber Choir, Chorus, Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band) along with private lessons and performance sessions. The Sylvania Campus offers two full years of university-transfer-level music coursework as well as general-interest classes, and PCC reports that students have continued at institutions including Portland State, the University of Oregon, Berklee, Eastman and the New England Conservatory.

In Farris’s rehearsal room, those separate demographics become one band. For some students, it is a weekly reset after a long shift at work, a return to an instrument set aside for decades, a link to a life in music or a new community built one rehearsal at a time.

The students’ experiences echo broader research on group music. Studies have found that six months participating in a community choir reduced loneliness and increased interest in life. In a separate randomized study of undergraduates, six weeks of group music therapy reduced self-reported stress and anxiety.

Music's Healing Qualities

The ensemble, based at the PCC Sylvania Campus, is led by an Oregon music educator whose own path began behind a drum set after he fell for the soulful R&B sound of Earth, Wind & Fire as a middle schooler in 1980s Montana. Today, Farris directs a group that brings together lower-division college students and PCC Community Education Program musicians, from high school students to retirees. The band is open to brass, woodwind and percussion instrumentalists, and rehearses every Wednesday at the Sylvania Campus.

“We sight-read, then vote on what we will perform,” Farris said. “From high schoolers to 80-year-olds, we tackle complex, fast-paced and highly dynamic music with a punchy and impactful brass section.”

That mix of challenge and welcome is what keeps students coming back.

For Emily Huber, the band became part of her recovery. After a 25-year break from clarinet, her best friend, also a musician, enrolled her in the class four years ago, partly because Huber was recovering from long COVID.

“The breathing exercise of playing made my physical therapist really excited,” Huber said. “I love playing at this level. Learning from Matt is not what I studied before in junior high, high school or even college.”

Huber said the class is both structured and collaborative. Students practice sight-reading, then help choose the music.

Students Come From International, Hollywood Backgrounds

Farris said that the student voice is central to the class.

“We play marches to more cinematic pieces, both vintage and new scores,” he said. “Students have a say in what we play and choose the group’s challenge piece that we take on to push ourselves.”

Cornet player Gregg McMickle is one of the ensemble’s veterans, with more than 12 years in the band. He brings loyalty and a Hollywood connection to the rehearsal room. A lifelong musician and former film prop master, McMickle worked on “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” the 1995 movie filmed in Portland that celebrated music teachers and the lasting influence they can have on students.

In Farris’ class, that influence is quieter but no less steady. The band currently averages about 30 students per term, with some non-credit students returning year after year. Their consistency gives the ensemble continuity and gives new students a place to land.

“No matter how long it’s been since they have played, we try to meet students where they are,” Farris said. “It’s a great community.”

For Marcos Ferraz, that community is part of a new chapter. Ferraz, who lives in Hillsboro and is originally from Brazil, built a career as a professional bass player. An early member of Silent, a melodic rock band from Rio de Janeiro, he later spent decades as a working musician.

“I was lucky to have one big hit in a band and saved my money,” Ferraz said. “I did not live a rock star’s lifestyle. It allowed me a life as a working musician.”

Ferraz eventually came to Portland for a custom-made cornet. Then he and his wife fell for the city.

“My wife and I loved this area so much we retired here,” said Ferraz, who has played cornet with the PCC Symphonic Band for three terms.

Fun Atmosphere Brings Them Back

Outside PCC, Farris directs the jazz and concert bands at Molalla High School and serves as a sergeant and percussion section leader with the Oregon Army National Guard’s 234th Army Band. His music education work also includes organizing high school honor bands and serving in leadership roles with the Oregon Music Education Association.

But on Wednesday evenings, the focus is the sound in the room: students counting measures, players listening across sections, a brass line finding its punch and woodwinds shaping the melody.

“PCC is a great atmosphere for learning, whether you are taking classes for credit or just for fun,” Farris said.

The friendships often continue after rehearsal, with band members gathering for dinner at nearby Sho Japanese Restaurant, which has welcomed the musicians and even stayed open late for them.

For Symphonic Band participants, the class is a place to breathe, learn, return and belong. It is a musical home.

For more information, visit pcc.edu/music, or to check out the Symphonic Band class's registration page.

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.

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What: Pick It Up, Portland!, presented by Subaru of Portland

When: Wednesday, August 12, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: 107 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214 | Map Link

Event Description: Join SOLVE and community volunteers for the 10th annual Pick It Up, Portland! on Thursday, August 6, presented by Subaru of Portland. As part of this citywide cleanup, volunteers will gather at Subaru’s Southeast location before heading into the surrounding neighborhood to remove litter and help create cleaner, healthier, and more welcoming public spaces. Cleanup supplies will be provided, and participants will enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, along with a raffle featuring prizes from local artisans.

Why: This year marks the 10th anniversary of Pick It Up, Portland!, a SOLVE tradition that brings Portlanders together to celebrate community and care for the places they love. Over the past decade, thousands of volunteers have helped transform neighborhoods through this citywide cleanup event. During the August 6 cleanups, SOLVE will also launch Love PDX℠, a new campaign inspiring year-round community pride and action through recycling education, community cleanups, and caring for shared public spaces. The launch will be amplified through a transit advertising campaign on the back of TriMet buses across Portland.

Media Crews: Please arrive by 9:45 am at the Subaru of Portland parking lot to capture approximately 40 volunteers of all ages checking in, collecting cleanup supplies, receiving a safety briefing, and heading out in groups to clean the surrounding neighborhood. Volunteers will be active throughout the Central Eastside from 10 am to noon, providing strong visuals for community news coverage, including volunteers collecting litter, interacting with one another, and helping improve the neighborhood.

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

Available interviewees: 

• Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
• Zac Caverhill, General Manager, Subaru of Portland
   

Pick It Up! is SOLVE's regional cleanup initiative that brings residents, businesses, and community organizations together to care for shared public spaces, city by city. What began in Portland 10 years ago, has grown into a regional movement, with events now taking place in Vancouver, Milwaukie, Salem, Bend, and Medford.

Pick It Up, Portland! is presented by Subaru of Portland, and supported by AAA Oregon/Idaho, City of Portland, Fred Meyer, Kaiser Permanente, Metro, Pacific Power, Plaid Pantry, and KOIN 6.

Visit the Pick It Up, Portland! page on the SOLVE website or the event registration page for more information.

About SOLVE:

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

QUARTERLY COFFEE WITH A DEPUTY – LINCOLN CITY

The next Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy event with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is just around the corner. Join us on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM for a cup of coffee at Pioneer Joe Coffee Company’s 51^st street location (869 SW 51st St., Lincoln City, OR 97367).

More about these quarterly events:
Every three months our office partners with a local coffee shop in Lincoln County to provide a time, space, and coffee for community members to meet our team and share what’s on their minds. Coffee with a cop events are a friendly and relaxed way for our communities to connect with the deputies that serve them.
 

These events offer a unique opportunity for community members to directly engage with law enforcement, ask questions, voice concerns, and build positive relationships. Whether you're a regular coffee drinker or simply curious about the work of law enforcement, this is a chance to connect with our team on a personal level, learn about each other’s experiences, and share local feedback.
 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2026

VANCOUVER, Wash. — At approximately 3:45 p.m. Monday, Vancouver Fire Department crews responded to a fire at 22217 NE 28th Street after several callers reported flames coming from a detached garage or shop.

Firefighters arrived to find the outbuilding fully engulfed in flames. The fire had also begun spreading to nearby brush, and an abandoned house stood approximately 20 feet away. Crews quickly brought the fire under control and prevented it from spreading to the house.

The vacant house was in severely deteriorated condition, including holes in the floors, making it unsafe for firefighters to enter. Crews searched the property from safe areas and confirmed that no one was inside the house or outbuilding.

One nearby resident was evaluated at the scene for possible smoke inhalation. The person did not require ambulance transportation. No other injuries were reported.

Preliminary information indicates the fire began after people staying on or frequenting the property burned trash in the lot. The flames then spread to the outbuilding. The Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the incident and to determine the official cause.

Firefighters remained at the property to extinguish remaining hot spots and ensure the fire did not rekindle. The power company also responded and disconnected electricity to the affected outbuilding.

The Vancouver Fire Department wants to remind the public that outdoor burning can be extremely dangerous and can quickly lead to uncontrolled fires, especially during dry conditions. Residents are urged to properly dispose of waste and debris and to report any unsafe burning or abandoned structures that may pose a fire risk.

Residents are also encouraged to check current burn restrictions and air quality conditions before any outdoor burning activity. Burn bans and restrictions may be in effect depending on weather and fire danger levels. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the following agencies:

-Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA): Responsible for air quality regulations, residential burning rules, and daily burn status updates. View the real-time status map at the SWCAA Interactive Burn Map or call 360-574-3058

-Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office: Issues and enforces local emergency and seasonal fire safety burn bans. Call 564-397-2186 or check updates through Clark County Community Development

At approximately 1615 hours on August 10, 2026 Lebanon Fire District Medic 31 was traveling back toward Lebanon after an interfacility transfer to Albany General Hospital, when the crew noticed a small fire burning along Highway 34 near Steckley Road.

The crew stopped and requested an engine from Lebanon Fire District. They attempted to stop the fire with the ambulance's fire extinguisher, but the fire had already grown too large. At that point, the fire was approximately 30 feet by 30 feet and spreading rapidly.

BC31 upgraded the incident to a first alarm, bringing additional engines, brush trucks, and firefighters to the scene.

By the time Engine 31 arrived, the fire had grown to approximately 75 feet by 30 feet and was rapidly moving toward a nearby house. Through the quick actions of the firefighters on Medic 31 and Engine 31, they were able to stop the fire in its tracks within just a few minutes and prevent it from reaching the residence.  Additional crews assisted with mop up the fire and ensured it was completely extinguished.

The Lebanon Fire District would like to remind you to check your trailer chains before you hit the road. Dragging safety chains can strike the pavement and create sparks capable of starting a wildfire. Take a few seconds to make sure your chains are properly secured and not dragging on the roadway.  A small spark can become a fast-moving wildfire in a matter of minutes.

Minutes before 1:00 p.m., CRESA received a 911 call reporting an aircraft accident in the Daybreak area. The caller indicated that a small airplane had crashed with two occupants on board, both conscious and breathing. Clark‑Cowlitz Fire Rescue (CCFR), AMR, and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) were immediately dispatched.

Initial information suggested the aircraft was located at the north end of the Daybreak airstrip near the river. Responding crews approached from multiple directions and began searching the area. With no flames or smoke visible, a drone was requested to assist in locating the aircraft, and crews prepared for the possibility that a raft might be needed for access.

Further questioning by the CRESA call taker clarified that the aircraft was actually at the south end of the airstrip, surrounded by trees with limited visibility of nearby roads. CCFR captains located the plane overturned, a detail confirmed by the caller. Due to the likelihood of a prolonged extrication, Life Flight was placed on standby.

Access to the crash site proved challenging. Crews had to carry EMS and rescue equipment on foot across uneven terrain and a shallow portion of the river. One occupant had self‑extricated and was found sitting on the wing with injuries. The second occupant remained trapped inside the aircraft. Homeowners in the area assisted responders by helping transport equipment while crews worked to establish a safe route across the river.

Rescue personnel cut and peeled back portions of the aircraft’s structure to reach the trapped patient. Once freed, the patient was secured to a backboard and transported across the river using a raft to reach awaiting medical units. One patient was transported by ground ambulance, and the other was airlifted by Life Flight to local hospitals.

At this time, no further information is available regarding the patients’ conditions.