Press Log

UPDATE

On 11/22/24, Clark County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) TDU Detectives teamed up with detectives from the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office to arrest the last suspect in this case, (Moises Pena 23 yo) of Longview, WA, on charges of Robbery 1 with a firearm, Unlawful possession of a firearm 1, Assault I & Theft 2.  His identification came after his picture was shared with the media and a member of the public recognized him.  Detectives with the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office and the Longview Police department were instrumental in arresting all three suspects and helping to resolve this case. 

This is the second case this week where information from the public assisted in identifying and arresting an armed robbery suspect.  As with the other case this week, suspects in this case are suspected of committing additional armed robberies in other jurisdictions and additional charges are anticipated.  The Clark County Sheriff's Office appreciates the public's assistance in solving this case.  Keep it up Clark County.      

On November 6th, 2024, at 5:20 p.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputies were dispatched to a report of a robbery that occurred during the sale of a cell phone. The victim told deputies he had communicated with a buyer online and then arranged to meet in person for the transaction. 

Three suspects arrived in a blue Dodge Durango and met the victim at an apartment complex in the Salmon Creek area. One of the suspects took a cell phone from the victim before pointing a gun at his head and pistol-whipping him. The suspect was armed with a semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine.  

Deputies later located and arrested two of the suspects, 18-year-old Howard Osawa and 19-year-old Va’Zjahn Willis, on robbery and trafficking stolen property charges. Investigators also recovered the vehicle and firearm used in the robbery. 

A third suspect remains unidentified. He is described as a Hispanic or Pacific Islander male with long hair in a ponytail, approximately 5’10”-6’2” tall, with a large build.  He was wearing a light-colored Champion hooded sweatshirt.  Please see the attached pictures. 

Detectives believe this group has committed several similar robberies and thefts in the past month, in which they communicated online with victims, met with them in person, and then robbed them. CCSO Detectives are working with other law enforcement agencies to bring charges in those cases.  

If you have information about the identity of the unidentified suspect in this robbery, please contact CCSO Detective Elijah Page at Elijah.page@clark.wa.gov.

HILLSBORO, Ore- On November 22, 2024, a Washington County jury found Daniel Ryan Gore, age 18, guilty of murder in the first degree, rape in the first degree, and sexual abuse in the first degree following a two-week trial. Senior Deputy District Attorneys John Gerhard and Andy Pulver prosecuted the defendant before Judge Ricardo Menchaca. 

On May 8, 2022, the defendant raped and murdered the victim in this case, Milana Li. Milana was just 13 years old at the time of her death. 

SDDA Pulver told the jury that the defendant was a wolf in sheep’s clothing as he lured Milana into a false sense of security before he brutally raped and killed her in a wooded area of Beaverton near where the defendant was living out of a tent. Prosecutors used surveillance footage and cell phone tracking data to prove Milana was last seen alive with the defendant around 7:45 p.m. the night of her murder. 

The victim was reported missing by her mother the next afternoon when she returned home after working the night shift. She expected Milana to be home but couldn’t locate her. She assumed Milana went to school early but grew increasingly concerned after she confirmed the teenager was not at school. 

News of Milana’s disappearance spread quickly throughout the community. Milana’s friend decided to look for her in a wooded area she was known to visit from time to time. The friend and her mother went to the area, found clothing and shoes belonging to Milana, and called the police. 

Investigators searched the area and quickly found Milana’s body half-submerged under a weighted-down blanket in a creek. Packaging straps linked to the blanket were found in Mr. Gore’s tent near Progress Ridge. Investigators also later linked DNA evidence found inside the victim to that of the defendant. 

Investigators quickly identified Mr. Gore as a person of interest. When police tried to approach him in a Beaverton library two days later, he ran out of the building via an emergency exit. He was located and arrested a short time later. Investigators learned the defendant called his then-girlfriend after the murder and told her something bad happened but that he, “took care of it.” 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office sends condolences to Milana’s family, friends, and loved ones. This office also acknowledges the work of Detective Cindy Herring, the Beaverton Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office – Forensic Sciences Unit, and the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory on this case. 

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 2, 2024, at 1:30.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment Wednesday charging a Delhi, India man with conspiring and attempting to export controlled aviation components and a navigation and flight control system to end users in Russia, in violation of the Export Control Reform Act. 

Sanjay Kaushik, age 57, of India, has been charged with conspiring to export controlled aviation components with dual civilian and military applications to end users in Russia. Kaushik is also charged with attempting to illegally export a navigation and flight control system from Oregon to Russia through India, and with making false statements in connection with an export.

The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Natalie K. Wight for the District of Oregon, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Special Agent in Charge Brent Burmester of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Portland Field Office.

According to court documents, beginning in early September 2023, Kaushik is alleged to have conspired with others to unlawfully obtain aerospace goods and technology from the United States for entities in Russia. The goods were purchased under the false pretense that they would be supplied to Kaushik and his Indian company, when in fact they were destined for Russian end users.

In one such instance, Kaushik and his co-conspirators purchased an Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS), which is a device that provides navigation and flight control data for aircraft, from an Oregon-based supplier. Components such as the AHRS require a license from the Department of Commerce to be exported to certain countries, including Russia. To obtain an export license for the AHRS, Kaushik and his co-conspirators falsely claimed that Kaushik’s Indian company was the end purchaser and that the component would be used in a civilian helicopter. Kaushik and his co-conspirators obtained the AHRS – which was ultimately detained before it was exported from the United States – on behalf of and with the intention of shipping it, through India, to a customer in Russia.

Kaushik was arrested in Miami, Florida on October 17, 2024, pursuant to a criminal complaint and arrest warrant issued by the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.

Kaushik made his initial appearance in federal court today before a District of Oregon U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a 7-day jury trial scheduled to begin on January 21, 2025. 

If convicted, Kaushik faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison and a fine of not more than $1,000,000 for each count in the indictment.

The case is being investigated by BIS Portland. It is being prosecuted by Gregory R. Nyhus, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorneys Joshua E. Kurland and Dallas J. Kaplan of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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DATE: Monday, November 25,2024

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Hockinson Community Center & Via Zoom (link on HSD website)

ADDRESS: 15916 NE 182nd Ave, Brush Prairie, WA 98606

TUALATIN, OR – The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (The Alliance) today announced that total Fall enrollment across its 11 member institutions has remained relatively stable for the 2024-25 academic year. Despite a 1% decrease in total headcount compared to Fall 2023, the combined enrollment of 23,079 students highlights the resilience and adaptability of Oregon’s independent, nonprofit higher education sector, even in the face of significant challenges stemming from the troubled rollout of this year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

"This year has presented extraordinary challenges for our member institutions, particularly with the technical issues surrounding the FAFSA process," said Brent Wilder, President of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities. "The FAFSA is a critical tool for students seeking financial aid, and the glitches in its distribution undoubtedly caused significant stress for both students and financial aid offices. Nevertheless, our member colleges and universities adapted quickly, showing remarkable perseverance and commitment to student success."

Key Enrollment Highlights for Fall 2024:

• Total Enrollment: 23,079 students across 11 member institutions.
• First-Generation Students: 19% of students are first-generation, marking a year-over-year increase of nearly 3%.
• Transfer Students: 48% of transfer students have previously attended an Oregon community college.
• Pell-Eligible Students: 27.4% of undergraduate first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students are Pell-eligible, up from 24.4% in Fall 2023.
• Retention Rates: Retention remains strong with nearly 95% of Fall 2023 cohort students returning for the Spring 2024 semester. Notably, Oregon Pell-eligible students saw a 5% improvement in first-year Spring retention, reaching 93.8%. Second-year Fall retention for Pell-eligible students also improved, rising nearly 2% to 81.7%. For non-Oregon Pell-eligible students, retention rates showed a mixed trend: first-year Spring retention improved to 92%, up 2% from 2023, while second-year Fall retention saw a decline of over 3%, falling to 78.3%.
• Oregon Students: Oregon residents make up 47% of the total student body.
• Undergraduate vs. Graduate Enrollment: 70% of students are enrolled in undergraduate programs, while 30% are pursuing graduate degrees.

The Alliance’s member institutions serve a diverse range of students, including Pell-eligible, first-generation, and adult learners. Despite the FAFSA-related challenges, the institutions of The Alliance were able to support students through personal financial aid guidance and institutional aid programs, helping many students navigate the complexities and continue their education.

“The resilience of Oregon’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities speaks to the dedicated support systems in place at our institutions,” said Wilder. "Our focus on supporting students through personalized financial aid guidance, institutional aid, and comprehensive retention initiatives continues to pay dividends."

Looking Ahead

With FAFSA-related delays and complications now behind them, The Alliance’s member institutions are optimistic about future enrollment cycles. They will continue to focus on enhancing academic programs, improving student retention, and ensuring that all students—regardless of background—have the opportunity to succeed.

"We are proud of our member institutions' ability to provide strong academic programs and exceptional student support, especially for Pell-eligible and first-generation students," said Wilder. "We remain focused on advancing our collective mission to prioritize the student experience, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and graduation outcomes as the sector adapts to an evolving higher education landscape."

About The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (The Alliance)
The Alliance is comprised of 11 private, nonprofit, independent colleges and universities. These institutions deliver high-quality experiential learning with high-impact teaching strategies. The Alliance is the collective voice of private, nonprofit education in public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.oaicu.org or email info@oaicu.org.

SALEM, Oregon—The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission adopted proposed rule changes to add Brookings to the list of cities where overnight camping is prohibited along the ocean shore within the city limits.

The proposed rule change was requested through a petition from residents living near Mill Beach in Brookings. Residents identified concerns over public health, risks to public safety and impacts on the marine ecosystem along the ocean shore as reasons for proposing the closure of camping on the ocean shore within the city limits.

Public comment received by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) strongly favored adding restrictions to camping. Over 90% of the more than 90 comments received by the agency expressed support for the change. 

Brookings will join the cities of Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Lincoln City, Newport, Bandon and Gold Beach where camping is currently prohibited along the ocean shore within the city limits. Camping is also prohibited on portions of the ocean shore in Clatsop and Tillamook counties, under different rules within OPRD's division 30. The last time a new area was added to this list was in 2000 when sections of the Tillamook County area were included. 

Signage and other materials will begin communicating changes to visitors as soon as December 1, 2024. Rangers will continue to focus on visitor education to reduce the impact to natural resources and gain rule compliance. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill three expiring positions and one vacant position on the Clark County Development and Engineering Advisory Board, DEAB. 

The positions are for the following: 

• Private sector professional engineer or planner
• Public-sector professional engineer or planner 
• Construction contractor
• At-large/development work

Members shall be appointed or reappointed to three-year terms. Members are eligible for reappointment after their terms expire.

The advisory board reviews policy and county code changes and works on process improvement and fees with the Community Development and Public Works departments. The board’s recommendations are routinely forwarded to the Clark County Council for use by final decision makers.

The board consists of three private-sector planners or engineers; one public-sector planner or engineer; one construction contractor; one land developer; one Building Industry Association representative; one professional associated with commercial or industrial development; and two professionals associated with development.

The Development and Engineering Advisory Board, commonly referred to as DEAB, typically meets at 2 pm the first Thursday of the month in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

Anyone interested should submit a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applications also can be emailed to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov. 

Application deadline is 5 pm Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.

More information, including meeting agendas and minutes, is available at www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/development-and-engineering-advisory-board.

Nov. 22, 2024. Hood River, OR — Ferment Brewing has teamed up with Oregon Wildlife Foundation (OWF) for Red Legged Ale, a collaborative hoppy red ale that supports our red-legged amphibian neighbors in Forest Park. The beer is available on draft and in 16oz 4-packs for a limited time beginning Nov. 19.

Every fall and early winter for millennia, Northern red-legged frogs have migrated between their habitat in Forest Park to wetlands near Multnomah Channel to lay their eggs, creating the next generation. Directly in their migration pathway are the busy Highway 30, railroad tracks, and Marina Way, making their journey dangerous and often fatal.

Northern red-legged frogs are a species of conservation concern in Oregon’s State Wildlife Action Plan. This particular sub-population has, for many years, had an assist from wildlife supporters who hand-collect the frogs in buckets and move them safely across Highway 30.  The Harborton Frog Shuttle is a wonderful but not sustainable long-term solution for safe wildlife passage.

In trying to get to a workable solution, OWF commissioned the design of a highway crossing structure — an undercrossing on Highway 30 near the town of Linnton to help red-legged frogs and other small animals get safely across the highway. 

The Harborton Frog Crossing project will address the barrier that Highway 30 is to the movement of red-legged frogs and other small species. OWF’s consulting team, with input from ODOT and ODFW personnel as well as Frog Shuttle volunteers, have settled on a conceptual design and plan. Now it’s a question of raising the funding needed to implement this project. To donate to the crossing visit myowf.org/frogs.

“This project represents an opportunity to help address habitat connectivity for red-legged frogs and other small wildlife species living around us. They can’t fix what we’ve made, only we can do that. We hope you’ll join us in this effort” said Tim Greseth, Executive Director of Oregon Wildlife Foundation.

Sales from Red Legged Ale benefit the Oregon Wildlife Foundation’s advancement of the Harborton Frog Crossing project. The beer is a red ale made with rolled oats, German wheat, and English crystal malt for a velvety smooth texture. Local Centennial and Ekuanot hops from Yakima Chief were added to the whirlpool to create delicate lemon and rose aromas and a beautifully hoppy finish.

“As a brewery that values and celebrates nature, Ferment Brewing is committed to promoting conservation efforts in our community, " said Jenn Peterson, Ferment’s Director of Operations. “That's why we couldn't be more proud to support the Oregon Wildlife Foundation and their vital work in protecting and preserving red-legged frogs. Enjoying a delicious pint of Red Legged Ale means you're not only savoring a great beer, but also making a positive impact on the local ecosystem.”

You can grab a 4-pack or enjoy a glass at Ferment’s Hood River brewpub or throughout its distribution footprint in Oregon and Washington. 

Learn more about the red-legged frogs at myowf.org/frogs.

About Ferment Brewing Co.

Ferment Brewing Co. opened in 2018 as a 20-barrel brewery and tasting room in Hood River, Oregon. Born out of an appreciation for the art of fermentation, the company prides itself in providing a modern brewery and tasting room experience that fuses traditional farmhouse techniques with a forward-thinking scientific approach. Ferment offers a unique family of beers that tap the wild terrain of the Columbia River Gorge for inspiration. Learn more at fermentbrewing.com.

Oregon Wildlife Foundation

Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, OWF has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information visit www.myowf.org.

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November 22, 2024

Amy Coven, 503-943-0164, amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace Seeks Proposals for State-Based Marketplace Vendor

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace announces a new request for proposals (RFP) for a state-based marketplace vendor. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and user experience of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, ensuring that Oregonians have seamless access to affordable, quality health coverage. 

About the project

Senate Bill 972 (2023) requires the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to transition the Marketplace from a state-based marketplace using the federal platform (SBM-FP) to a SBM using its own technology in time for open enrollment for plan year 2027. Specifically, OHA is required to procure and administer both an information technology platform and call center, to replace the federal platform and call center, and provide electronic access to the health insurance exchange in this state by November 1, 2026. 

About the RFP

The RFP invites qualified vendors with a proven track record in developing and managing health insurance marketplaces to submit comprehensive proposals. The ideal vendor will demonstrate expertise in creating user-friendly platforms, integrating advanced technology solutions, and providing robust customer support services. This move is part of Oregon’s ongoing commitment to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability for all its residents.

The previous request for proposals, released in July 2024, has been cancelled and a new request has been issued.

Interested vendors can access the full RFP document on OregonBuys, the state procurement website. Proposals must be submitted by December 30, 2024. For more information, please visit OregonBuys.gov. 

About the Marketplace

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov. For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov. 

22 de noviembre de 2024

Amy Coven, 503-943-0164, amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov

El Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon busca propuestas para proveedores del mercado estatal

El Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon anuncia una solicitud de propuestas (RFP, por sus siglas en inglés) para un proveedor del mercado con sede en el estado. Esta iniciativa tiene como objetivo mejorar la eficiencia, la accesibilidad y la experiencia del usuario del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon, garantizando que los habitantes de Oregon tengan acceso sin inconvenientes a una cobertura médica asequible y de calidad. 

Sobre el Proyecto

El Proyecto de Ley del Senado 972 (2023) requiere que la Oregon Health Authority (OHA, por sus siglas en inglés) haga la transición del Mercado de un Mercado estatal que utiliza la plataforma federal (SBM-FP) a un Mercado estatal (SBM, por sus siglas en inglés) que utiliza su propia tecnología a tiempo para la inscripción abierta para el año del plan 2027. Específicamente, se requiere que la OHA adquiera y administre una plataforma o servicio de tecnología de la información y un centro de llamadas, separado de la plataforma federal y el centro de llamadas, para proporcionar acceso electrónico al intercambio de seguros de salud en este estado antes del 1 de noviembre de 2026.  

Acerca de la convocatoria de propuestas (RFP)

La convocatoria invita a los proveedores calificados con una trayectoria comprobada en el desarrollo y la gestión de mercados de seguros de salud a presentar propuestas integrales. El proveedor ideal demostrará experiencia en la creación de plataformas fáciles de usar, la integración de soluciones tecnológicas avanzadas y la prestación de servicios sólidos de atención al cliente. Esta iniciativa forma parte del compromiso continuo de Oregon de mejorar la accesibilidad y la asequibilidad de la atención médica para todos sus habitantes. 

La solicitud de propuestas anterior, publicada en julio de 2024, ha sido canceló y se emitido una nueva solicitud.

Los proveedores interesados ​​pueden acceder al documento completo de la convocatoria en OregonBuys, el sitio web de contratación del estado. Las propuestas deben presentarse antes del 30 de diciembre de 2024. Para obtener más información, visite OregonBuys.gov. 

Acerca del Mercado

El Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon, que forma parte del gobierno estatal, ayuda a las personas a obtener un seguro médico cuando no tienen cobertura basada en el empleo y no califican para el Plan de Salud de Oregon u otro programa. El Mercado es el socio a nivel estatal de CuidadoDeSalud.gov. Para obtener más información, visite CuidadoDeSalud.Oregon.gov.

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Vancouver, Wash. – Last night at around 6: 20 p.m., Vancouver Police responded to a collision involving a vehicle that hit a pedestrian in the intersection of NE Fourth Plain Blvd./NE 117^th Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing in the crosswalk on the west side of the intersection, against the light, when a driver approached the intersection and hit the pedestrian. The driver remained on scene and impairment on the part of the driver was not a factor in the collision. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital but did not survive his injuries. 

The Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit is continuing this investigation. This is the 14th fatality collision in 2024 that the Vancouver Police Traffic Unit has investigated. 

The Vancouver Police Department reminds pedestrians to always activate crosswalk signals before crossing roadways, never cross mid-block and wear light-colored or reflective clothing. Drivers, especially during hours of darkness or when there is reduced visibility, should remain alert to possible pedestrians in and around intersections and maintain legal speeds. Visit the Vancouver Police Department Traffic Safety Page for more information. 

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November 22, 2024

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County jury found Jaylon Jamall Benjamin, 30, guilty on all counts for the October 2023 car crash that killed James and Lisa Johnson in Northeast Portland.

Case Facts

On October 28, 2023, while driving a U-Haul pick-up truck eastbound on NE Lombard, Jaylon Benjamin hit a black SUV driven by James and Lisa Johnson which was in the westbound lane attempting to turn onto 33rd Ave. Witnesses to the incident estimated the U-Haul being driven by Benjamin was driving at least 80 mph. The speed limit on Lombard is 45 mph. Both James and Lisa Johnson died at the scene due to their injuries. Despite Benjamin's claim that he was driving only 55 miles per hour, airbag control module data from the U-Haul shows he was in fact driving 100 miles per hour just two seconds before the crash, and then applied brakes one second before the crash, slowing to 80 miles per hour at the time of impact. 

Trial & Verdict

Deputy District Attorneys Chris Shull and Abbie Tornquist represented the state at trial, which took place from November 18 through November 21, 2024 in front of Judge Ryan Thomas. A 12-person jury delivered the verdict yesterday, Thursday, November 21, finding Benjamin guilty on all counts. He was convicted of:

• 2 counts of Manslaughter in the Second Degree
• Animal Abuse in the Second Degree
• Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, and 
• Reckless Driving

Benjamin remains in custody pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for December 19, 2024. 

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s office would like to acknowledge the work of all who contributed to the resolution of this case. We would like to express our appreciation for PPB Major Crash Team lead investigator Chase Fullington, as well as MCDA victim advocates Rebecca Leediker and Lyssa Simmons.

#MCDA#

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is hosting its 30^th Annual Shop with a Cop this holiday season. This eagerly awaited event fosters positive interactions between children and law enforcement, bringing together cops and social workers, to create lasting memories for local youth.

In partnership with Benton County Parole and Probation and the Department of Human Services’ Child Welfare office, a select group of elementary-aged children has been chosen to participate in this heartwarming experience in early December.

This year each child will receive a gift card, giving them the opportunity to select their own gifts on their shopping spree with public safety professionals from Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State University Public Safety, Corvallis Police Department, and Philomath Police Department. 

Shop with a Cop relies entirely on donations from law enforcement personnel and community members. Financial support is accepted year-round, and BCSO welcomes any contribution. Tax-deductible donations can be made via cash or check payable to “The Sheriff’s Foundation,” with “Shop with a Cop” noted in the memo. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at BCSO, 180 NW 5th St., Corvallis, OR 97330.

BCSO is grateful for the continued support of this program and looks forward to another successful year of bringing joy and strengthening bonds between law enforcement and the children of our community.

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Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring of source water. The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. In the 50 liters sampled each day from November 17 to November 20, one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected from a sample collected on November 18 and November 19. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the samples collected on November 17 or November 20. Prior to this detection, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run Watershed intake on November 12, 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 53 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,200 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day.

EUGENE, Ore. - Bushnell University’s School of Music and Performing Arts is pleased to invite the community to Christmas Concerts and events by the students in University Choir, Bushnell Jazz Ensemble, and Bushnell Chorale. 

The performance events will take place at First Baptist Church of Eugene, and The Grotto in Portland, OR. Bushnell Chorale will be singing at The Grotto’s Festival of Lights at 9:00 PM on December 6, 2024.  This 11-voice treble choir presents classical and modern pieces that bring beauty, celebration, and joy to the Christmas season. More information about the Festival of Lights and admission can be found here: www.thegrotto.org/christmas-festival-of-lights/.   

Bushnell School of Music and Performing Arts will close the season with their festive annual Christmas Concert, Saturday, December 7 at 4PM, at First Baptist Church in Eugene, bringing all the music students together in a program including hope-filled holiday favorites, meaningful worship songs and classical and contemporary jazz repertoire. 

See more at Bushnell Chorale at Festival of Lights - Bushnell University and A Bushnell Christmas - Bushnell University. The Bushnell events are open to all ages. 

Program subject to change.
LOCATIONS: First Baptist Church of Eugene, and The Grotto 

Tickets: Free (entry fee required The Grotto performance on Friday, December 6.) 

Interview & Media Opportunities: High-resolution photos are available upon request. For interviews, contact Emily Weinkauf Kidder at 541-521-6568 or ekidder@bushnell.edu.
IG: @bushnellmusic
FB: @bushnellperformingarts

Grant will fund innovative programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology to address workforce gaps and expand opportunities for underserved communities.

Salem, Ore., November 22, 2024 — Chemeketa Community College is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the Workforce Ready Grant, part of the Future Ready Oregon initiative administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC). This grant is poised to drive transformative changes in education and workforce development, prioritizing equitable access to careers in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and beyond.

Funded by the 2022 Oregon Legislature through Future Ready Oregon, this $200 million statewide investment is dedicated to creating innovative education and training opportunities that address barriers to participation and career advancement for historically underserved communities. The Workforce Ready Grant specifically targets industries critical to Oregon’s economy: healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.

Innovative Programs Supported by the Grant

Healthcare: Accelerating Pathways to Nursing Careers

Chemeketa’s innovative LPN-to-RN program will enable Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to advance to Registered Nurse (RN) status through a hybrid model that allows participants to work and earn income while completing clinical requirements. This program reduces barriers for working professionals, such as primary caregivers, and utilizes a paid clinical model inspired by successful apprenticeship programs in other fields.

“By offering a pathway for LPNs to advance their careers while continuing to work, this program empowers participants to overcome traditional barriers to professional growth,” said Sandie Kellogg, Dean of Health Sciences at Chemeketa. “This grant will help us significantly increase participants’ earning potential and provide Oregon’s healthcare industry with a skilled workforce.”

Manufacturing: Mobile Learning Lab

In collaboration with the Mid-Willamette Education Consortium (MWEC), Chemeketa will introduce a Mobile Learning Lab equipped with state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) simulators. These tools will provide hands-on training in manufacturing skills such as welding and equipment operation, offering industry certifications like OSHA 10 and pre-apprenticeship credentials. The project promotes cultural inclusivity through partnerships with local organizations and prioritizes equity in manufacturing education.

“MWEC is thrilled to receive the Future Ready Oregon grant to bring Mobile Learning Labs for Manufacturing to our region,” said Debbie Johnson, High School Partnerships at Chemeketa. “This support empowers us to provide hands-on, industry-aligned learning experiences directly to students and communities. With these labs, we’re not just expanding access to manufacturing education—we’re building pathways to high-demand careers and helping shape a skilled workforce ready for Oregon’s future.”

Technology: Expanding Cybersecurity and Information Systems Pathways

With support from this grant, Chemeketa will launch tuition-free Computer Information Systems (CIS) Certificate programs, including cybersecurity coursework and a new Tech Support Specialist Apprenticeship. These programs aim to recruit underrepresented students and provide wraparound support services, positioning participants for success in high-demand technology fields.

“The Future Ready Oregon Grant allows us to provide no-cost courses, hire additional faculty, and offer specialized support services,” said Dr. R. Taylor, Executive Director of Business Programming at Chemeketa. “These initiatives will remove financial barriers and create equitable access to education for students pursuing careers in high-demand industries.”

Latinx Workforce Development: Unidos Bridging Community Collaboration

In partnership with Unidos Bridging Community, Chemeketa will expand the Level Up program, providing Latinx youth with paid internships, employability skills training, and pathways to manufacturing careers. Participants will receive culturally tailored mentorship and wraparound support services, ensuring program completion and long-term career success.

Reducing Recidivism: Workforce Training for Incarcerated Individuals

In collaboration with the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) and SEDCOR, Chemeketa will offer manufacturing education and workforce training to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. This initiative will provide wraparound supports and industry-specific certifications, reducing recidivism and creating pathways to self-sufficiency.

About the Workforce Ready Grant

The Workforce Ready Grant represents a $95 million investment through three rounds of funding under Future Ready Oregon. This third and final round allocates $42 million to innovative programs that prioritize equitable workforce development in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.

Chemeketa Community College is honored to join the ranks of grant recipients working to strengthen Oregon’s workforce and economic competitiveness. This funding underscores the college’s commitment to providing transformative education and creating opportunities for all.

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For more than 50 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 30,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

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

Press Log

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: 
Billy Henry, Founder & CEO – henry@nwaba.org">bhenry@nwaba.org
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes
805 Broadway St., Ste 750 • Vancouver, Washington 98660
Local Phone: 1-360-448.7254 Toll Free: 1-800-880-9837
http://www.nwaba.org
media@nwaba.org

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes Seeks Support on GivingTuesday 

Vancouver, Washington—November 21^st, 2024—Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is seeking support on GivingTuesday to help fund nutritious meals and snacks for the blind or visually impaired children, youth, adults, and military veterans served by the organization.

GivingTuesday is a global crowdfunding event created to inspire community members to take a pause during the hectic holiday season to remember and support their favorite nonprofit charities. Giving Tuesday takes place annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

The dollars raised during this day of giving will provide food support to athletes who participate in NWABA programs & services. 

Food insecurity is a significant challenge faced by many of the athletes served by the NWABA. Many of our participants come from low-income households where consistent access to nutritious meals is not always guaranteed. This challenge is particularly pronounced among our youth athletes, who rely on regular and balanced meals for their physical development and overall well-being.

Healthy meals and snacks are provided to athletes at each of NWABA’s seven residential Camp Spark sessions. Nutritious snacks are provided at each of NWABA’s Sports Outreach program events which are held year-round.

Our fundraising goal for GivingTuesday is $30,000. Thanks to our generous match pool donors, gifts will be matched 1:1 up to $15,000. The annual budget to provide healthy meals and snacks is nearly $100,000. Donors to the match pool include RiteAid, McCords Vancouver Toyota, George and Cindy Middleton, Jayson and Meghan Robidoux and an anonymous donor.

How to support: On December 3rd, go to www.nwaba.org/givingtuesday and make a donation.

“For many of our athletes, knowing that a meal will be provided removes a significant barrier to attendance, allowing them to focus on enjoying the physical activities and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a supportive community. By addressing food insecurity within our programs, NWABA is not only promoting physical health but also fostering a more inclusive environment where all athletes have the opportunity to thrive. We greatly appreciate the support of our match donors and our community on GivingTuesday and throughout the year.” – said Billy Henry, Founder, President & CEO.

About NWABA: 
The mission of Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. A group of students who were visually impaired formed the association in 2007 to ensure that people who are blind were participating in sports and physical activity. Today, NWABA is a rapidly expanding 501(c)(3) charitable organization that delivers more than 5,000 program and service interactions annually to children, youth, adults and military veterans with visual impairments tailored programming which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, promotes independence, creates an inclusive community of supporters, and builds the skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life including school and employment.

For information: http://www.nwaba.org or
Contact: Billy Henry, Founder & CEO, henry@nwaba.org">bhenry@nwaba.org 
Phone:  1-360-448-7254

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Media hotline: 503-813-6018

                   Speelyai Bay Park Boat Launch Short-Term Closure

ARIEL, Wash. (Nov 21, 2024) — After sunset on November 30, the boat launch at PacifiCorp’s Speelyai Bay Park will be closed due to low Merwin Reservoir water elevation. 

Pacific Power is lowering the Merwin Reservoir for a short period – Dec. 1- Dec. 9, – to facilitate geotechnical drilling at the site of the new Yale Upstream Fish Passage Facility. The results of this drilling will inform the design of the new facility which will be constructed to collect, sort and transport fish migrating upstream out of Merwin Reservoir. 

Although Speelyai Bay Park Boat launch will be closed for about 9 days, Yale Reservoir is rising and the boat launch at PacifiCorp’s Yale Park will be available starting November 27.

While PacifiCorp intends to operate Merwin and Yale Reservoirs as noted above, dynamic weather conditions may delay or modify the actual site closure dates. For up-to-date information, please visit PacifiCorp.com/Camp.  

For questions about Lewis River recreation site operations, please leave a message for our recreation department at 503-813-6666 or contact us via email at recreation@pacificorp.com. 

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About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in an Executive & Board Business Meeting on Monday, November 25, 2024 at the Parkrose School District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott Street, Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30pm.

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

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

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

The agenda is posted on our website at: LINK.

Agenda items include but are not limited to: Celebrate Levy Advocates,  Pauly Rogers Auditor Report, consent agenda, Student ASB report, OSBA convention reports, OSBA elections and resolution adoption, Introduction of Board policy samples from OSBA, Board Goals finalized, Levy update, Wellness/Equity committee update, Portland Clean Energy Fund student program update, Prologis update and the Vision & Mission of Parkrose discussed. Policy introductions include: Artificial Intelligence, Attendance, Graduation, Instructional/Library materials, Staff leaves, Medications, Safety Committee and Title IX/Civil Rights 

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.

Longview, WA – Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, Longview Fire, Cowlitz County Fire District 5 (Kalama), and Cowlitz County Fire District 6 (Castle Rock) responded to a house fire in the 100 block of Ridgecrest Dr. just before noon Wednesday.  Fire crews arrived and reported the double-wide manufactured home 75 percent involved in fire.  Firefighters attacked the fire with multiple hose lines and had the fire extinguished at 1:58pm.  One resident was not home and the other was able to exit the property safely.  

Three fire engines, four water tenders, two medic units, and three Chief Officers responded to the fire.  Cowlitz County Sheriff deputies and Cowlitz County PUD also responded.  American Red Cross is aiding the displaced residents with temporary housing and other needs.  The cause of the fire is under investigation and is believed to be accidental.  No injuries were reported.

The following statement was issued by the St. Helens School District Board Vice Chair on Thursday, Nov. 21. The district will not comment further at this time.

St. Helens School Board to Appoint an Acting Superintendent

We are appalled and deeply saddened by the crisis our school community is experiencing after arrests were made for child sexual abuse at St. Helens High School. We were also just informed  of an active investigation by St. Helens Police Department of one of our middle school teachers for alleged criminal conduct. That teacher has been placed on administrative leave and we are cooperating with the St. Helens Police Department. Because this is an active investigation, we cannot comment further on this investigation at this time and must respect due process and privacy laws. 

Our students rely on the adults in our schools to ensure a safe, welcoming school environment. Their well-being is our highest priority. We are asking that families and students report any concerns to the St. Helens Police Department Non-Emergency line at 503-397-1521, the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 855-503-7233, or the SafeOregon Tip Line at 844-472-3367. Our school district has offered counseling spaces for processing and peer listening sessions. We have brought in mental health resources from Columbia County Mental Health, Columbia Health Services, the Northwest Regional Education Service District and neighboring districts to ensure adequate access to services. The education service district has also engaged an external, third-party investigator to review the efficacy of district policy implementation, systems for accountability and staff training, including training and accountability for mandatory reporters.

In taking steps to minimize further disruption to school operations, the St. Helens School District’s Board of Directors is recruiting a temporary acting superintendent. The Board is scheduling a public meeting for Monday, Nov. 25, at 6:30 pm to consider the appointment of the acting superintendent and introduce them to the community. The acting superintendent will be charged with liaising with investigators, serving as the spokesperson for the school district and school board, and ensuring stable day-to-day operations.

The Board will also begin the process to gather community feedback that will drive the district’s next steps, including the selection of an interim superintendent.

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The Oregon City Public Library recently announced a new initiative aimed at helping expand access to their services.  

The new “Library By Mail” program will give patrons who are permanently or even temporarily homebound the ability to still check out books and materials that they would otherwise be unable to use. 

“We’re very excited to be able to bring this program to Oregon City,” said Library Director Greg Williams. “Access is a huge element of the library’s mission; mobility issues shouldn’t prevent someone from being able to take advantage of their local library. This will help remove that barrier,” he said. 

Patrons can fill out the Library By Mail application form to apply. A staff member will review the document and contact the applicant to discuss details. Upon approval, the patron will have their library holds checked out and mailed to them in a black canvas bag every two weeks. The package will include a postage-paid return label and instructions on how to return the items. 

“Whether you’re on temporary bedrest recovering from a medical issue or permanently homebound, we can still provide books and other resources through this program,” said Williams.

Patrons must be eligible for a LINCC Library Card and reside within the Oregon City Public Library service area. Interlibrary Loans, book bundles and “Library of Things” items are not included in the Library By Mail program. 
 

-END-

This is a joint Coquille Indian Tribe and Oregon Department of Human Services media release

Earlier today Tribal, county, state and local partners gathered for an emergency preparedness exercise and demonstration. These partners worked together to set up components of an Evacuation Assembly Point (EAP). An EAP is a short-term, designated location used after emergencies like the Cascadia earthquake and tsunami. It serves as a staging area where people can gather while emergency responders work to access impacted regions and facilitate evacuation.

The EAP equipment was purchased by the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. The Coquille Indian Tribe has graciously agreed to store this equipment on their land. The supplies are housed in metal shipping containers and include food, water, tents, and medical supplies to support up to 100 people at the EAP for two weeks.

“The Coquille Indian Tribe is excited to be able to take on this responsibility which highlights what is possible when two sovereign entities work together for the common good,” Chair Brenda Meade said. “This is a great example of the Coquille’s desire to be a leader in our community and to highlight the spirit of Potlatch, and it emphasizes the importance of these partnerships to ensure we are prepared to support our Tribal citizens and our neighboring residents in Southwest Oregon when the need arises.”

This is the third set of EAP equipment that OREM has deployed on the Oregon Coast. Additional EAP locations are situated at the Tillamook Municipal Airport and Newport Airport, both of which are pre-designated sites for transporting individuals out of immediate disaster zones. 

“Coastal communities are a priority for housing EAP equipment because data indicates they are most likely to be cut off from the rest of the state in the aftermath of a Cascadia earthquake,” said Ed Flick (he/him), Director of the Oregon Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM). “I’m grateful to the Coquille Indian Tribe for hosting this exercise and for their willingness to stage this EAP equipment for the Tribal members and their neighbors. As the lead state agency responsible for mass care and shelter in disaster situations, it's essential for us to ensure local communities have fast access to critical supplies that can immediately support their needs in times of crisis.”

In addition to the EAP demonstration, several mass care demonstrations were conducted:

• United States Coast Guard demonstrated medical extraction and search and rescue operations.
• CERFP (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive Disaster Response Force) demonstrated mass care triage capabilities.
• Scappoose Fire Department showcased the use of an unmanned aircraft system (also known as a drone).

Visit this Dropbox link to download footage from the event: AR6 News pool file pictures and videos

Description of Dropbox content:

• Statements from: 
  • Jen Proctor-Andrews, Coquille Indian Tribe Vice Chair
  • Paul Evans, Representative, Oregon House District 20 
  • Jonna Papaefthimiou, State Resilience Officer
  • Eli Grove (Siletz), Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management Tribal Emergency Coordinator
• Pictures and video of the EAP tents and equipment
• Pictures and video of the USCG demonstration

UPDATE (11-21-24 2:30 pm)

Several photos from the search warrant service are attached to this update.

On November 20th, at around 9:30 a.m., the Southwest Washington Regional SWAT Team executed a search warrant at a home in Battle Ground, WA, in connection with a bank robbery investigation. Clark County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) investigators, along with assistance from the Vancouver Police Department and Portland Police Bureau, arrested two people believed to be involved in more than ten bank robberies in Washington and Oregon. 

Detectives arrested Andrew Bekman (31) and Amira Askew (28) for First-Degree Robbery. Investigators believe Bekman and Askew robbed the Umpqua Bank in Salmon Creek on November 6th and suspect their involvement in other bank robberies in the Vancouver/Portland metro area dating back to June of 2024.

At the scene of the search warrant executed on November 20th, detectives seized clothing matching those worn during multiple robberies, as well as firearms, ballistic vests, and stolen vehicles. Detectives also recovered a note with the words, "This is a robbery. I have a gun. Empty your till."

Background on the Umpqua Bank robbery:

On November 6th, deputies responded to a robbery at the Umpqua Bank in Salmon Creek just before 5 p.m. A teller reported that a male and female wearing masks had just robbed them. The male implied he had a gun, and the suspects left the bank with an unknown amount of cash.

Patrol deputies, detectives, and CCSO's Tactical Detective Unit (TDU) worked together to collect video and other evidence from the scene. CCSO then asked for the community's assistance in identifying the suspects. A tip from a member of the public helped identify both suspects and led TDU to their house in Battle Ground. Following their arrests, Bekman and Askew confessed to the Umpqua Bank robbery, along with several others.   

CCSO would like to thank the public for providing crucial information that led to the apprehension of these suspects. We would also like to thank the Southwest Washington Regional SWAT Team, the Vancouver Police Department, and the Portland Police Bureau for their partnership and assistance. 

November 21, 2024

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Jason Robert Steiner, 34, was arraigned on murder, attempted murder, and unlawful use of a weapon charges stemming from the October shooting at La Mota dispensary in North Portland.

Case Facts

Details of the case can be found in the Affidavit of Probable Cause.

Today, Steiner was arraigned in front of Judge Shelley Russell on the following charges:

• 2 counts of Murder in the First Degree
• Attempted Murder in the First Degree
• 3 counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon

He pleaded not guilty on all counts. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and Steiner is innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

• Join us for the Winter Traditions Celebration and Holiday Parade, hosted by the Salem Mainstreet Association, on November 29^th.
• The event includes a parade and visit from Santa Claus through downtown Salem starting at 6:30 p.m.
• Learn more about the event, where to park, or street closures by going to Salem Main Street Association 

Salem, Ore. — The Downtown Salem Winter Holiday Traditions Celebration and Holiday Parade, brought to you by Salem Main Street Association, will take place on Friday, November 29, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. In preparation for the event, several road closures are expected throughout parts of downtown Salem to accommodate the parade route and ensure the safety of participants and spectators.

The parade route will begin on Court Street NE, east of the Oregon State Capitol, and wind through downtown, on High Street (between State Street and Court Street), State Street (between High Street and Liberty), and will end at Liberty and Court Street. A detailed map of the route is available online.

Free parking is available in the Chemeketa, Liberty, and Marion Parkades.

Parade Details:

Route: The Parade will begin on Court Street east of the Oregon State Capitol, continuing west to High Street, heading south on High Street to State Street, west on State to Liberty, and north on Liberty Street ending at Court Street NE.

Date and Time: Friday, November 29, 2024, event starts at 600 p.m., parade starts at 6:30 p.m.

Affected Areas: Several blocks of Downtown Salem including Court Street NE, High Street, State Street, and Liberty Street will be impacted by the event.

Caution: To accommodate the parade, road closures will begin at 4:00 p.m. and are expected to remain in place until the event has ended. Please plan for increased traffic and consider alternate routes during the evening hours. 

In addition to the parade, the Salem Main Street Association invites you to enjoy the Winter Holiday Traditions celebration! Shoppers and families can experience festive activities throughout downtown, featuring live carolers, holiday-themed window displays, Santa’s grand arrival on an antique fire truck, a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, and more. 

Additional information about the Winter Traditions Celebration is available online.

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 29, and enjoy the magic of the holiday season in downtown Salem.

Nov. 21, 2024

Media Contact: Delia Hernández                         

equests@hcs.oregon.gov">HCS.mediarequests@hcs.oregon.gov 

Correction: Oregon’s population grew by more than 753,000 residents, representing a 21% increase between 2004 and 2023.

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) releases inaugural State of the State’s Housing Report for Oregon

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) unveiled the first State of the State’s Housing Report for Oregon, providing an in-depth analysis of housing availability and affordability across the state. Drawing from comprehensive data on housing markets, economic trends, and demographic shifts, the report highlights the challenges Oregon residents face in affording high-quality housing.

"Being attentive to the things that add meaning to people's lives requires reliable data," said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. "Data enables us to identify where our efforts are making an impact and where improvements are needed to make life better in ways that all people can feel and that we can measure. These data will aid in our collective efforts to deliver housing progress that communities deserve and demand."

Oregon’s population grew by more than 753,000 residents, representing a 21% increase between 2004 and 2023. Housing construction was insufficient to keep pace with a rapidly increasing population. Oregon must add more than 500,000 housing units over the next two decades to begin addressing supply issues.

Home prices have far outpaced wage gains over the past decade in the for-sale market. For every dollar Oregonians earned in wage increases between 2013 and 2022, the median sales price of a home increased by $7.10. Communities of color continue to face significantly lower homeownership rates (49%) compared to their white counterparts (66%).

More than half of all renters in Oregon and a third of homeowners experience a housing cost burden, meaning that they spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. Approximately 242,000 households fall into the extremely low-income or very low-income categories. Oregon only offers approximately 113,000 housing units that are both affordable and available to them, resulting in a deficit of 128,000 units for these households.

“OHCS cannot solve the deeply entrenched issues facing the people of Oregon on its own,” said Megan Bolton, assistant director of research at OHCS. “There are factors beyond housing that impact the ability of individuals to thrive in today’s economy, and it will take coordination and collaboration with our federal partners, other state agencies, and cities, both large and small, to find ways to ensure housing stability for all Oregonians.” 

OHCS expects to release a State of the State’s Housing Report every two years, with additional localized analyses in the years between each release. Reliable data enables the agency to identify where efforts are making an impact and where improvements are needed.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

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

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21 de noviembre de 2024

Contacto para Medios de Comunicación: Delia Hernández   

equests@hcs.oregon.gov">HCS.mediarequests@hcs.oregon.gov  

El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon publica el informe inaugural sobre el estado de la vivienda a nivel estatal

SALEM, Ore. — El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon (OHCS, por sus siglas en inglés) dio a conocer el primer informe sobre el Estado de la Vivienda en Oregón, proporcionando un análisis profundo de la vivienda a precio asequible disponible en el estado. Con datos sobre los mercados de la vivienda, las tendencias económicas y los cambios demográficos, el informe resalta los retos a los que se enfrentan los residentes de Oregon a la hora de encontrar una vivienda de alta calidad a un precio económico. 

“Estar atentos a las cosas que añaden significado a la vida de las personas requiere datos confiables”, dijo la directora ejecutiva de OHCS, Andrea Bell. “Los datos nos permiten identificar dónde nuestros esfuerzos están teniendo un impacto y dónde se necesita mejorar para ayudar a hacer la vida fácil para las personas en una forma que se pueda sentir y que podamos medir. Estos datos nos ayudarán en nuestros esfuerzos colectivos para conseguir el progreso en materia de vivienda que las comunidades merecen y exigen”.

La población de Oregon creció en más de 753,000 residentes, lo que representa un aumento del 21% entre 2004 y 2023. La construcción de viviendas no fue suficiente para cubrir las necesidades del rápido aumento de la población. Oregon debe añadir más de 500,000 unidades de vivienda en las próximas dos décadas para hacer frente a la escasez de viviendas.

Los precios de la vivienda han superado significativamente los aumentos de salarios durante la última década en el mercado de venta de viviendas. Por cada dólar que los habitantes de Oregon ganaron en aumentos salariales entre 2013 y 2022, el precio medio de venta de una vivienda aumentó en $7.10. Las comunidades de color siguen enfrentándose a tasas de propiedad de vivienda mucho más bajas (49%) en comparación con la comunidad blanca (66%).

Más de la mitad de todos los inquilinos en Oregon y un tercio de los propietarios experimentan una carga mayor de costos de vivienda, lo que significa que gastan más del 30% de sus ingresos para pagar por una vivienda. Aproximadamente 242,000 hogares se encuentran en las categorías de ingresos extremadamente bajos o muy bajos. Oregon sólo ofrece aproximadamente 113,000 unidades de vivienda que son económicas para estos hogares y están disponibles, lo que resulta en una escasez de 128,000 unidades para personas con ingresos muy bajos.

“La agencia no puede resolver sola los problemas profundos a los que se enfrenta la población de Oregon”, afirmó Megan Bolton, subdirectora de investigación de OHCS. “Hay factores más allá de la vivienda que afectan la capacidad de las personas para prosperar en la economía actual, y será necesaria la coordinación y colaboración con nuestros socios federales, otras agencias estatales y ciudades, tanto grandes como pequeñas, para encontrar maneras de asegurar la estabilidad de la vivienda para todos los habitantes de Oregón”. 

OHCS tiene previsto publicar un informe sobre el estado de la vivienda en Oregon cada dos años, con análisis adicionales en los años entre cada publicación. Estos datos permiten a la agencia identificar dónde los esfuerzos están teniendo un impacto y dónde se necesitan mejoras.

Acerca del Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon (OHCS)   

OHCS es la agencia de financiación de viviendas de Oregón. La agencia estatal proporciona apoyo financiero y de programas para crear y preservar oportunidades de vivienda a precio asequible y de calidad para los habitantes de Oregón con ingresos bajos y moderados. OHCS administra programas que proporcionan estabilización de la vivienda. OHCS ofrece estos programas principalmente a través de subvenciones, contratos y acuerdos de préstamo con organizaciones locales y proveedores comunitarios. Para obtener más información, visite: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Salem – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) will be hosting a public hearing on prescription drug prices on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. both in person and via Zoom. 

The hearing will feature panel presentations on “Who really pays for drug advertising and is what you see what you get?” and “Why are rebates necessary and how do they help or harm the consumer? How do they affect what drugs are available?” Panels will be moderated by Oregon legislators Sen. Deb Patterson, Rep. Christine Godwin, Rep. Emerson Levy, and Rep. Rob Nosse and feature presenters from academia, patient advocates, and industry representatives. You can learn more about the agenda on our website.

The public is invited to participate and comment on how drug prices have impacted them. You can attend the hearing via Zoom or in person at the Labor and Industries Building, second floor conference room (Room 260), located at 350 Winter St. NE, Salem, OR 97301. We encourage you to testify at the hearing or provide written testimony. For more information about the hearing, email x.prices@dcbs.oregon.gov">rx.prices@dcbs.oregon.gov. 

DCBS is also asking for the public’s help before the public hearing to share your stories on prescription drug prices. The department has set up a brief survey for consumers to share their stories about rising prescription drug prices. Drug prices play a major role in health care decisions of Oregonians, and the cost of prescription drugs have steadily increased. The department wants to hear your stories about the costs of prescription drugs and how it has affected you and your family. The previous testimonials are available on our website.

Insurance Commissioner Andrew Stolfi will facilitate the hearing, and staff will discuss highlights and recommendations from the 2024 Drug Price Transparency Report to the Oregon Legislature.

The Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act (ORS 646A.689) directed the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services to establish a transparency program to accept reports and disclose certain information from prescription drug manufacturers, health insurance carriers, and consumers on drug prices.

The goal of the program is to provide accountability for prescription drug pricing through the notice and disclosure of specific drug costs and price information from pharmaceutical manufacturers, health insurers, and consumers.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and www.dcbs.oregon.gov.​​

Update: Elaina Schaffer's height corrected to 5'3" tall.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is asking for the public’s help in locating a teenager from Fairview, Oregon, who ran away from home.

Elaina Vira Schaffer was last seen at her home on October 21, 2024. Based on information from her mother and neighbor, investigators believe she ran away sometime after 12:20 a.m. She did not take her cell phone with her. Since then, Elaina has been spotted multiple times in east Multnomah County, including Gresham, Fairview, and Troutdale. The last sighting was in Troutdale on November 9, 2024.

Elaina is a 14-year-old white female with blue eyes and brown or black hair. She is 5’3” tall and weighs about 130 pounds. The day she ran away, she was seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and black slippers.

If you see Elaina, please call 911 right away and reference MCSO case #24-43426. If you have information regarding her whereabouts, please call the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office at 503-988-4300.

(This is a joint news release from the Tigard Police Department, Beaverton Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office)

Tigard Police, Beaverton Police and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to share information with the community regarding a string of home burglaries and attempted burglaries that may be connected.

Across our three jurisdictions, investigators are following up on 10 recent cases that appear similar in nature, including four in Tigard, four in Washington County and two in Beaverton that have happened since late September. So far, the victims are all affluent homeowners who are Asian Americans, and the suspect(s) use a similar method to break in. 

We want to assure our communities that investigators are working in a coordinated effort to share information and develop leads. They are conducting extensive interviews with victims as well as neighbors and are canvassing neighborhoods to gather evidence. Investigators are actively looking into whether additional links between the victims exists.

We are sharing information with law enforcement agencies throughout the state and working with partners at the federal level, to maximize coordination and leverage resources between jurisdictions as the investigation moves forward.

Investigators believe the suspect(s) will park in a car to conduct surveillance on a home that is being targeted to determine when the homeowner will be away. We are asking community members to be aware of their surroundings, including any activity that appears out of place in your neighborhood or appears to be suspicious. Please report suspicious activity to non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 or call 911 for emergencies.

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MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University supports The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Safety Office by administering the required training to become an ODOT-approved driving instructor through the state’s Traffic Safety Education Grant. 

“It’s really valuable for WOU to be involved in the program. It’s an opportunity for us to continue providing education with a new group in a different focus area that supports all of Oregon. “ shared Megan McDermeit, traffic safety education program manager at Western.

The grant focuses on different areas within ODOT-TSO including:

1. Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) team: This team at Western supervises and coordinates assignments for adult instructors who wish to teach driver education in Oregon.
2. Training and mentoring: Western provides training and mentoring to adult instructors to prepare them to teach teen drivers and offer courses and assistance programs in all regions of Oregon. 
3. Certification and recertification: Western provides certification and recertification for instructors to teach in ODOT-approved driver education programs.
4. Annual conference: Western plans and coordinates the annual PacNW Driver and Traffic Safety Conference, which covers various driver education topics. 

Learn more about the program.

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.

(Salem, Ore. – November 21, 2024) – Salem Health has awarded $285,000 in Community Health Impact grants to four organizations in Marion and Polk Counties for fiscal year 2024-2025. These partnerships focus on strengthening the health of our urban and rural communities, in alignment with the local Community Health Improvement Plan.

The following organizations received Salem Health’s largest Community Health Impact grants:

• Salem Angels - $75,000 for individuals impacted by foster care, with support to children in care and the entire fostering family unit. This grant will specifically help to enhance their reach to rural/under-resourced areas of Marion and Polk counties.
• Salem Free Clinics - $110,000 for increasing access to medical, behavioral, and dental care in Polk and Marion counties for those who are uninsured, underinsured or have barriers to accessing care.
• Salem for Refugees - $75,000 to help meet three core needs of newly arriving refugees: Transitional Housing, Community Building Activities, and Workforce Development and English Language learning opportunities.
• Polk County Family and Community Outreach - $25,000 for the Fall City Resource Center and Polk County Service Integration Teams. The Fall City Resource center opened this fall and will provide access to in-person resources and telemedicine. The Service Integration Program brings together six teams of local social service providers and community partners to network, share, and fund creative solutions for client needs. 

Recipients of the Community Health Impact investments were chosen, in part, based on enhancing their services to rural areas, aligning with Salem Health’s focus on improving regional equity.

“Salem Health comes alongside these local organizations accomplishing tremendous work for the community,” said Tricia Frizzell, director, Community Outreach, Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics. “Through our grant program, we are honored to partner in multiple ways with these organizations, together, to improve the well-being of our community.”

Community Health Impact investments are a combined effort between Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics and Salem Health Foundations aimed at responding to community-identified needs and supporting initiatives that improve the health of the citizens of Marion and Polk counties. 

Salem Health is active throughout the region with a variety of partnerships, providing both resources and expertise. For more information on priorities and project applications, visit the Community Relations web pages.

The Salem Health Foundation, established in 1968 as a charitable, tax-exempt organization, works to improve the community's health. The Foundation's 12 volunteer directors help raise funds and manage the assets of the Foundation while distributing its resources according to donor intent.

About Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics

Salem Health offers exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. It comprises hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other affiliated services. Visit us at www.salemhealth.org; “Like” us on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Instagram and X: @salemhealth; and view us at www.youtube.com/salemhealth. 

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Note to editors and reporters: Rethink the Drink campaign visuals and supporting documents can be downloaded at this Dropbox link.  

November 21, 2024 

Media contacts:  

• Jonathan Modie, OHA, phd.communications@oha.oregon.gov
• Stephanie Condon, ADPC, stephanie.condon@oha.oregon.gov
• Matthew Van Sickle, OLCC, matt.vansickle@olcc.oregon.gov
• Mindy McCartt, ODOT, tt@odot.oregon.gov">mindy.m.mccartt@odot.oregon.gov 

Agencies unite to urge people to ‘Rethink the Drink’ during holidays

Fall ad campaign encourages conversations about alcohol, how people can keep Oregon communities safe from excessive use

PORTLAND, Ore.—Four state agencies are teaming up this holiday season to support the Rethink the Drink winter advertising campaign that encourages people in Oregon to celebrate safely by understanding the health and social harms of excessive alcohol use. 

Officials at the Oregon Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission, Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Health Authority hope the tools provided by the campaign help people reduce the pressure to drink alcohol during family gatherings or holiday parties. 

“In these environments, it’s easy to drink more than you normally might,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and deputy state epidemiologist at OHA. “We can all support one another to drink less, and that includes having healthy and honest conversations about our alcohol use.”  

Each year, more than 2,500 people in Oregon die from alcohol-related causes, including cancers, heart disease, liver disease, violence and vehicle crashes. Excessive alcohol use is the third leading cause of preventable death in Oregon.  

“The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to show support for loved ones who are working to avoid excessive alcohol use,” said ADPC Director Annaliese Dolph. “It is a great time to encourage healthy choices. The journey to wellness requires rethinking our relationships with different substances, and it requires the love and support of our communities.” 

Holiday events and binge drinking sometimes go hand in hand. That can contribute to unsafe driving and other dangerous behavior. Binge drinking impairs judgment, slows reaction times and increases the likelihood of making fatal decisions.  

“Preventing impaired driving is a shared responsibility, and each of us can do our part to make sure our celebrations don’t put others at risk,” said Ryan Stone, Impaired Driving Program manager for ODOT’s Transportation Safety Office. “By planning ahead—whether that’s designating a sober driver, arranging a rideshare, using public transportation, or supporting friends who choose to drink to get home safely—we can help keep our roads safe. Let’s make this season one of joy and safety for all.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition of excessive drinking includes both heavy drinking and binge drinking:  

• Binge drinking is when a man has five or more standard drinks in one setting or occasion. For a woman, it’s four or more drinks.
• Heavy drinking, the kind that can harm your health in the long term, is 15 drinks or more a week for a man. For a woman, it’s eight or more drinks.   

Binge drinking is the most common and costly form of excessive drinking, and it’s not just an issue for young people: people in their 30s and 40s binge drink at close to the same rates as younger people. But there are many things people can do this time of year to support friends and family to drink less.

“Not everyone drinks alcohol and not all drinkers want to drink only alcohol, so it’s good to have alternatives,” said Craig Prins, OLCC’s executive director. “If you’re hosting an event this holiday season, offer non-alcoholic beverage options and be sure to have food available for guests.”

In addition to offering non-alcoholic options during holiday events and encouraging people to arrange for a designated driver, rideshare or taxi, there are other ways people can keep themselves and others from drinking too much this holiday season:  

• Avoid asking people why they aren’t drinking or pressuring them to drink more.
• Drink plenty of water and eat food while drinking alcohol.
• Consider swapping every other drink with water or a non-alcoholic beverage, or watering down a drink with ice or a low-sugar mixer.
• If you’re planning to drink, set a limit for that event.
• Count drinks when at an event or out with friends. Use an app to track drink consumption.

If you or someone you care about is suffering from alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder, free confidential resources and support are available online or by calling or 1-800-923-435. 

Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission

The Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) is an independent state agency created by the Oregon Legislature to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state and local substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, treatment and recovery services for all Oregonians. For more information, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/adpc/pages/index.aspx. 

Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) oversees access to alcohol and cannabis products in Oregon through education, regulation and distilled spirits distribution. Its aim is to protect public health and safety while supporting responsible businesses and providing funding for local and state agencies. 

Oregon Department of Transportation

The Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOT) mission is to provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and supports Oregon's communities and economy. A key component of this mission is the Transportation Safety Office (TSO), which is dedicated to improving the safety of all roadway users and all modes of travel in Oregon through education and outreach.

Rethink the Drink

Rethink the Drink is an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) initiative to build healthier communities by decreasing excessive drinking and the harm it causes to individuals, families and communities. Rethink the Drink raises awareness of the effects of excessive alcohol use across Oregon. It aims to start conversations about alcohol’s role in people’s lives and communities. This initiative emphasizes health equity, noting that Black and American Indian communities, and those with lower incomes or education, face higher rates of alcohol-related harms due to systemic inequities. Rethink the Drink is committed to OHA’s larger goal of ending health inequities in Oregon by 2030. 

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Thanksgiving Safety Tips

We are a week away from one of the most traditional cooking days seen throughout the year and PF&R would like to share some safety tips and best practices so you can enjoy your holiday and avoid a need for our services on Thanksgiving. When spending time in the kitchen preparing food along with hosting family and guests, be sure to employ best practices to avoid a need for emergency response. 

• Never leave a pot unattended on the stove-stay in the kitchen-turn off the burners if you need to leave the kitchen.
• Have a 3’ “clear area” to keep children away from a hot cooktop – keep children away from the stove.
• Avoid wearing “flowing style clothing” that could catch on the handle of a pan or ignite if draped near a hot surface.
• Avoid trip hazards on the kitchen floor.
• Don’t have children operate lighters or matches without adult supervision.
• Open the flue on your chimney if you are having a fire in the fireplace for the first time this fall-winter season. 
• If you are planning on frying a turkey, make sure the bird is completely thawed, and your frying device is outside and away from any overhead cover. (Watch the attached video for more turkey frying tips - How to Safely Deep Fry a Turkey on Vimeo - feel free to share this video and link as you choose).

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday.

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The Umpqua Bank Warm Hearts Winter Drive to Raise Funds and Collect Winter Items for Nonprofits and Shelter Partners Throughout the Bank's Footprint

Umpqua Bank today announced the launch of its 10^th Annual Warm Hearts Winter Drive, an associate-driven campaign to support individuals, families and youths throughout the bank's footprint who struggle with access to housing and other basic resources. As part of the drive, Umpqua Bank's 4,800 associates and nearly 300 local branches will help mobilize their respective communities to raise money and collect winter items for shelters and aide organizations serving people experiencing homelessness.

Last year, the Warm Hearts Winter Drive raised a total of $365,000 for more than 100 shelter partners and nonprofits across Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. Since the campaign launched in 2015, the Warm Hearts Winter Drive has raised nearly $2.5 Million in funds and other resources for local nonprofits and shelters helping neighbors in need.

"It's an honor to celebrate the Warm Heart Winter Drive's 10-year anniversary and take a moment to reflect on the impact this campaign has made in the communities across our footprint," said Umpqua Bank Chief Marketing Officer David Moore Devine. "Thank you to all our associates, customers and community members who contribute to Warm Hearts each and every year. We look forward to continuing to work alongside all the amazing nonprofit partners and local shelters that do so much to support those in need and make our communities stronger."

How to Support the Warm Hearts Winter Drive 
The Warm Hearts Winter Drive accepts cash donations in addition to new winter clothes. Contributions can be made at www.WarmHeartsWinterDrive.com. Financial contributions and new winter clothing items can also be donated at Umpqua Bank branches.

Associates at Umpqua Bank's nearly 300 branches are actively engaged in securing financial contributions and warm clothing from customers and community members. One hundred percent of the clothing and funds collected will be donated directly to local shelters and aide organizations.

All designated contributions stay in the community where they were raised and directly support local organizations. Among the list of benefiting organizations are Oregon-based Portland Rescue Mission and Northwest Housing Alternatives Inc., as well as Tacoma Rescue Mission and Vine Maple Place based in Washington. Other organizations across the West include California's Sacramento Loaves and Fishes and Volunteers of America Inc., and Boise Rescue Mission and Family Promise of Northern Idaho.

For more information on the list of benefiting organizations in each county, or to make a cash or new clothing donation, please visit WarmHeartsWinterDrive.com. Those interested in supporting the Warm Hearts campaign may also email community@umpquabank.com for more information.

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About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank is a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System Inc., (Nasdaq: COLB) and a premier regional bank in the western U.S., with offices in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Colorado. With over $50 billion of assets, Umpqua combines the resources, sophistication and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking; Small Business Administration lending; institutional and corporate banking; equipment leasing; and wealth management. The bank's corporate headquarters are located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Learn more at: umpquabank.com.

EVENT PRESS RELEASE  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
November 21, 2024

MEDIA ADVISORY: 2025 Legislative Outlook

WHAT: 2025 Legislative Outlook, presented by Port of Vancouver USA

BACKGROUND: Join us for an exclusive opportunity to gain insights into legislative changes impacting the growth of businesses in southwest Washington. Hosted by the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC), and Identity Clark County (ICC), this event will feature Washington State senators and representatives from the 17th, 18th, 20th, and 49th Legislative Districts.

Discover the top priorities that will shape the upcoming legislative session, covering critical areas such as transportation, law enforcement, economic development, public safety, workforce, and the environment. 

The doors will open at 8:45 AM, providing an excellent opportunity for media representatives and over 400 area professionals to network and engage in meaningful discussions with industry leaders and executives over coffee. The event will proceed with a dynamic panel-style discussion at 9:00 AM, fostering an interactive atmosphere where participants can ask pressing questions and engage with local legislators directly.  

WHEN: Thursday, December 5^th

WHERE: Hilton Vancouver Washington

TIME: 8:45 am - 10:30 am (Media Check-In: 8:45am)

EVENT LINK: 2025 Legislative Outlook

RSVP: To plan appropriately, please let us know if you will be able to attend as a media representative by emailing lsalmonte@vancouverusa.com. 

SUBMIT QUESTIONS: If you would like to submit questions for the Q&A portion of the event, please visit: https://form.jotform.com/243235789956171

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

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

HOLIDAY SHOPPING SAFETY

With the holiday season beginning there are many things to keep in mind, including travel safety, winter weather preparation, and shopping security. Below are some tips to keep in mind as you shop this holiday season.   

Shopping In-Stores:

• Be alert and aware. Be attentive to your surroundings.
• Don’t carry more cash or valuables than necessary.
• Take extra precautions with your wallet or purse. Carry your purse with the opening flap next to your body and the strap hung over your shoulder.
• Review shopping safety with children and always know where they are. Before going shopping, decide where to meet if you become separated.
• Always lock your car doors and remember where you park.
• Be sure to place valuables out of sight. Place them in the trunk or take them with you.
• Never hide spare keys in or on your car. If you need spare keys, keep them in your wallet or purse.
• Be alert to suspicious persons or circumstances. Avoid parking where you see someone sitting in their vehicle for no apparent reason.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation, report it to security immediately.
• When walking in any parking lot, store, airport, shopping center, etc., walk confidently with your head up, make eye contact, and have your keys or phone ready.
• Use appropriate marked driving lanes and obey all traffic signs.
• Drive defensively and courteously.
• Remember, parking lots will be more crowded and checkout lanes will be busier, please be patient and plan to spend more time commuting and shopping. 
   

Shopping Online:

• Use trusted and reputable websites with secure payment systems and be cautious with personal information.
• Before entering any sensitive information, make sure the website has a secure connection. Look for a padlock symbol and "https://" in the website URL.
• Use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts.
• Keep your devices, operating systems, and security software up to date to protect your device and information.
• Be aware of deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers use enticing offers to trick shoppers.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off about a website or a product, trust your gut and consider shopping elsewhere.
• Help prevent packages from being stolen:
  • Schedule deliveries to arrive when you will be home or have them delivered to your office.
  • Have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up your packages if you won’t be home.
  • Install a security camera on your property.
  • Have packages delivered to a shipping store. If you hold a post office box, use USPS for shipping and take advantage of their package lockers to receive your items. Some post offices allow boxholders to use it’s street address, with the customer’s box number as the “unit” number for deliveries from other carriers. 
     

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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VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver will hold Scholarships 101 Information Night for prospective college students interested in learning how scholarships can help them manage the cost of a college education. The event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110. This event is a free public service open to everyone, no matter which college or university you plan to attend. Free parking will be available in Orange 2 lot. 

Scholarships provide money for college that does not have to be repaid and can help reduce financial stress, allowing students to focus more on their studies and stay on track to complete their degree. Guests who attend Scholarships 101 Information Night will learn where to find the best scholarships, how to write award-winning essays and get helpful tips from prior award winners.

If you have questions, email van.finaid@wsu.edu. For event accessibility, contact the Access Center at 360-546-9739 or van.access.center@wsu.edu. 

About WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134^th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-TRAN bus service. Find a campus map at vancouver.wsu.edu/map. 

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

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

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Oregon Nurses Association Statement on Negotiations with Providence Medford

Medford, Ore. - On Tuesday, November 19 nurses from Providence Medford once again met for negotiations with hospital management. Coming off a unifying rally on Monday, the nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association came to make a deal. But Providence executives failed to show up with a serious offer. Instead, its salary proposal was worth less than what was offered to nurses in May and is much lower than what Rogue Regional offers its nurses.

From the minute the session started it was clear that Providence was not serious about treating its nurses with respect. It has repeatedly shown that it is not serious about maintaining a hospital that cares for patients in Medford, and it is not serious about following its mission to serve all, especially the poor and vulnerable.  

As a $29 billion corporation who pays its CEO more than $11 million a year, Providence is choosing to shortchange its frontline caregivers. It routinely chooses profits over patients by failing to recruit and retain the backbone of its workforce - nurses. Reports are that more than a dozen nurses have left Providence Medford in just the last couple weeks. Patients need to know that if it was just about the money, nurses would take their skills down the road to Rogue Regional.  

Nurses have repeatedly watched Providence break its promise to “know me, care for me, ease my way.” Now they are saying “enough.” In the coming week, nurses will hold emergency meetings to discuss their course of action. Nothing is off the table.  

The entire Medford community needs to know that all of this could be over if hospital executives would come to the table with a fair and competitive offer.  

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 20,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

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Press Log

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2024

At their Nov. 12 meeting, Vancouver Public Schools’ board of directors approved a replacement Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy to appear on the Feb. 11, 2025 special election ballot. 

The six-year replacement levy is designed to support Vancouver Public Schools’ long-term and future needs for technology, safety, and building functionality. 

If passed by voters, the levy would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026 and would replace the current technology-focused capital levy that expires Dec. 31, 2025 and expand its purpose to include:

• Technology: replace and maintain future-ready digital tools and infrastructure that prepare students for modern learning and career opportunities 
• Safety improvements: secure entrances and updated safety systems
• Building system repairs: extending the life of existing facilities (like updating HVAC or roofs)

Capital Project Fund levies like this can only be used for facility, equipment, and technology needs, and this levy would allow the district to address emerging safety and infrastructure needs without increasing the total taxpayer burden.

The estimated levy rates will be:

• $0.29 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026
• $0.36 per $1,000 in 2027
• $0.38 per $1,000 from 2028 through 2031. 

Tax rates from previously approved bonds are expected to decrease in the future, meaning the total VPS tax rates are intended to remain consistent over time.

Local levy dollars make up about 12.5% of the district’s general fund budget. 

More information is available on the VPS website.

Today, a Marion County Jury found Jose Gustavo Garcia-Rivera (38) guilty of Murder in the Second Degree for the shooting death of Noel Romero-Orozco from June 4, 2023. Both Garcia-Rivera and the victim, Romero-Orozco, resided in Woodburn, Oregon.  The trial began Monday, November 18, and concluded Wednesday afternoon.  Garcia-Rivera was also found guilty of two counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person. The case was presided over by Marion County Circuit Court Judge Jodie Bureta and sentencing was set for Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 4pm.  

Under Oregon law, Murder in the Second Degree carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison, without the possibility of parole prior to 25 years.  

Marion County Deputy District Attorneys Justin Barbot-Wheaton and BJ Park prosecuted the case for the state.  Due to the pending sentencing, no additional information will be released at this time. 

November 20, 2024

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Eric Douglas Alexander, 42, was arraigned on attempted murder, arson, stalking, and endangerment charges stemming from the prolonged harassment of a former intimate partner and the arson of the home of her employers.

Case Facts

In mid-October 2024, a friend of Alexander reported his extremely concerning threats towards a prior partner online to law enforcement. The previous partner recently moved to Portland from out of state and reported Alexander followed her to Oregon. Alexander posted on various social media platforms threatening extreme violence towards her, those around her, and women in general. Alexander continued to threaten and harass her even after she ceased communication. 

On November 7, 2024, shortly after midnight, Portland Police Bureau officers were dispatched to the residence of the victim’s employer home on a report of a house fire. There were two adults and two children asleep when the fire began. All were able to safely escape the home. Following an arson investigation, it was determined the fire had been intentionally set. Later that morning, Alexander sent an email taking credit for the fire and warned the violence would not stop. 

Today, Wednesday November 20, 2024, Alexander was arraigned in front of Judge Steffan Alexander on the following charges:

• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree Constituting Domestic Violence
• 4 counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree
• 4 counts of Arson in the First Degree
• 4 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person
• 2 counts of Telephonic Harassment
• 2 counts of Stalking
• Criminal Mischief in the FIrst Degree 
• Menacing Constituting Domestic Violence

He pleaded not guilty on all counts. An Indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and Alexander is innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Special thanks to PPB SVU Officer Huntley Miller and PPB Lieutenant Jason Andersen for their work on the investigation.  

#MCDA#

Vancouver, Wash. – The iconic wood bridge over the East Fork Lewis River at Moulton Falls Regional Park has reopened. The bridge, trail and portions of the park were closed beginning this summer for work to protect and restore the bridge. A contractor made minor repairs to maintain the bridge’s structural integrity and refinished the bridge with wood stain to protect it from weathering. 

More information about the park is at clark.wa.gov/public-works/moulton-falls-regional-park.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

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

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

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

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

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Coos County, Ore 19 Nov 24- On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:57 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 255, in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound GMC Sierra, operated by Nickolos Hastings Barker (40) of Bandon, crossed the center line for unknown reasons and struck a southbound Ford F-250 and trailer, operated by Michael Guarino (49) of Bandon, head-on.

The operator of the Ford (Guarino) was ejected from the vehicle and declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the GMC (Barker) was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by the Bandon Police Department, Bandon Fire Department, Coquille Police Department, Coos County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.

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

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Results for America recognized Oregon as an Honorable Mention in its 2024 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence for its use of evidence and data to drive taxpayer dollars toward proven solutions. The announcement was made during an event with the National Governors Association.

“One of my key priorities as Governor is making sure our state government uses its resources wisely and focuses on providing the best outcomes to support the health, happiness and economic prosperity of all Oregonians. The Results for America recognition illustrates that Oregon continues to lead and mature in our use of data-informed decision making and in managing for results. I look forward to seeing agencies continue to strengthen their practices to deliver valuable services to Oregonians.” -Governor Tina Kotek.

Some highlights include: 

• Oregon’s  Key Performance Measures system is a leading example of performance management. Agencies use this system to report regular progress on identified measures to the legislature and the Governor's Office.
• In a 2022 report to the legislature, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Youth Development Division invested in local programs that meet evidence-based practice criteria.
• The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) maintains an ongoing inventory of approved evidence-based practices in behavioral health, including culturally relevant services. OHA has also established the Health Evidence Review Commission to continually review and update an ongoing inventory of evidence-based practices at work within OHA.

Results for America’s 2024 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence evaluates all states against 12 criteria that measure how they are leveraging their budgeting, grantmaking and direct services authority to invest in what works and deliver better results for their residents faster.

Links:

• 2024 Results for America: https://2024state.results4america.org/
• Oregon State Legislature Key Performance Measures: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lfo/Pages/KPM
• Progress Report on SB267: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/citizen_engagement/Reports
• Youth Development Division Report: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/citizen_engagement/Reports

Salem, Ore. – As winter storms and extreme weather events impact communities, Oregon residents are reminded to be prepared for potential power outages. Heavy snow, ice, and high winds can damage power lines and disrupt electricity, sometimes leading to extended outages. Weather conditions in specific geographies may also cause electric utilities to adjust system settings, which can result in more frequent or longer outages. 

Be Prepared in Advance 

Prepare your home and business in case a winter storm leads to a power outage: 

• Be two weeks ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, and other essentials needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks. Learn more about what supplies to consider.  
• Register for a Medical Certificate – If you have a medical condition that requires power, contact your electricity service provider in advance to register a Medical Certificate. This certification provides added benefits and helps ensure your needs are met during an outage. 
• Update your contact information – Ensure your utility service provider has your current contact information to receive notifications. If uncertain which electric utility serves your area, visit Find Your Utility. 
• Charge your devices – Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation of an outage. Consider a car charger for phones and other electronic devices. 
• Plan for livestock and well water needs – Ensure you have a plan for providing water to livestock in case well pumps lose power. 
• Consider alternative power sources – If possible, invest in a backup generator or identify an alternative location to meet power needs. 
• Documentation back-up – Capture clear images of vital papers and send them to your email, organizing them in a dedicated folder for quick access during emergencies (passports, driver’s license, car title, rental agreements, insurance policies, property titles, wills or power of attorney documents). 

During a Power Outage 

• Avoid downed power lines – Stay away from downed lines and anything near them. Report them to your utility provider immediately. 
• Be cautious around crews – Give space to utility workers and emergency responders as they work to restore service and clear hazards. 
• Use emergency lighting – Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns for light. Avoid candles or other open flames. 
• Reduce power surges – Turn off lights and unplug electric appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. Leave one light on to know when power is restored. 
• Use generators safely – Never operate a generator inside your home or garage, or near windows or vents, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn more about safe generator use. 
• Check on vulnerable neighbors – Offer assistance to elderly neighbors or individuals with special needs who may require additional help. 
• Report outages – Call your electricity service provider to report an outage. Report non-emergency issues to your utility provider – Contact your electricity or utility company directly for outage reports or other non-urgent concerns to help keep 911 lines open for those in critical need. 
• Call 911 only for true emergencies – During major events like power outages or severe weather, 911 call centers (PSAPs) may experience high call volumes, which can delay emergency response times. 
• Invest in an emergency radio with AM/FM/SW and NOAA capabilities- Weather radios are available for under $40. Many models feature solar panels, hand-crank or battery backup, and double as flashlights and power banks for your cell phone. 

Natural Gas Tips 

• If you need to evacuate, there’s no need to shut off natural gas. 
• If natural gas appliances don’t work properly after electricity is restored, contact your gas service provider. 
• Do not turn on natural gas service yourself; always call your gas provider for assistance. 
• If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately and call 911. 

Stay Informed 

• Sign up for alerts – Contact your electricity provider to ensure your contact information is current and sign up for local emergency alerts through ORalert.gov. 
• Check road conditions – Before traveling, visit Trip Check for road closures and weather updates. 
• Call 211 for information on resources available in your community.

Winter storms can disrupt daily life, but with preparation and safety precautions, you can minimize their impact on your household and community. 

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It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.

The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.

November 20, 2024 

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459, timothy.heider@oha.oregon.gov  

New data shows Behavioral Health Resource Networks are reaching more clients as Measure 110 changes begin to take effect 

SALEM, Ore.— Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRNs) across the state continue to connect more substance users with services and treatment, according to the most recent quarterly report that ended June 30, 2024.

The newly reported data were collected after legislative reforms to Measure 110 were passed but have yet to be fully implemented. 

“BHRNs are helping Oregonians engage and stay in treatment,” said Measure 110 Executive Director Abbey Stamp. “Following legislative changes to Measure 110, it’s encouraging to see that providers, law enforcement and the communities are continuing to connect more substance users to care.”

Stamp started her role as the state’s Measure 110 program director October 15.  

Measure 110 established and funds BHRNs. The networks provide substance use disorder services in seven specified areas regardless of a client's ability to pay. There are BHRNs in all 36 Oregon counties, and more than one in some counties. 

The Oversight and Accountability Council, which governs Measure 110 funding, is presently considering a new round of grant applications for services that will begin on July 1, 2025.  

Each BHRN is responsive to its community’s needs by providing screening, assessments, treatment, peer support services, harm reduction, housing, and supported employment. 

The latest quarterly data shows several notable and evolving trends: 

• Since the establishment of BHRNs, client contact has increased steadily. Overall client encounters over the most recent quarter grew from 248,651 to 299,662 – a 20 percent increase.
• Supported employment, peer services and housing supports have more than tripled in the 21 months of operation.
• In the most recent quarter, capital expenditures have dropped to 10 percent compared to almost 50 percent during the first quarterly review period, from July through September 2022. The steady evolution from capital costs to service expenditures shows BHRN infrastructure is firmly established, and substance use disorder services continue to increase.

BHRN provider feedback showed the needs of communities across the state and endorsed the value of Measure 110 investments: 

• “We have seen many successes with our BHRN funding. Client outcomes are improving through the removal of barriers. Housing stability and employment services are the two main areas where we really see barrier removal making an impact. With fewer setbacks, individuals are able to focus on their treatment and make progress.”
• “The recruitment for hiring more community-based peer specialists has been challenging due to the high level of need in the community and staffing shortages. With the new employees, we once again work towards onboarding and stabilizing.”

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) maintains a comprehensive online dashboard that includes quarterly data, expenditures, key demographic information, and aggregated narrative summaries for the 42 service networks statewide.  

The dashboard contains a new feature summarizing community engagement work, a key component of Measure 110’s strategic data plan.

The work included collecting feedback from culturally specific providers to better understand their programs and how to improve evaluation measures.   

To learn more, visit OHA’s Measure 110 webpage.  

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The City of Cornelius, in partnership with Centro Cultural de Washington County, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office, is proud to announce the Ninth Annual Cornelius Community Dinner. A free turkey holiday meal will be provided to community members and is expected to serve over 400 meals. Everyone is welcome, and no reservations are required to attend.  

The Cornelius Community Dinner will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cornelius Elementary School (200 N. 14th Ave, Cornelius, OR 97113).  

The dinner is made possible through generous donations, volunteer efforts, and the collaboration of local community partners, including:  
 

• Bimbo Bakeries USA
• Cornelius Booster Club
• Cornelius Fred Meyer
• Cornelius Walmart
• Botten’s Equipment & Event Rental
• Forest Grove School District
• Reser's Fine Foods
• Starbucks
• Washington County Police Officers Association
• Western Washington County Firefighter’s Association

  
“Our annual Community Dinner is one of the highlights of the year, bringing people together to share a meal and connect. It’s also a chance to support those in need, offering a warm meal to those who could really use it. We are grateful to all of our community partners and businesses, without whom this important event would not be possible,” said Cornelius City Manager Peter Brandom. 

This event also provides an opportunity for members of the community to connect with each other, city leaders, police, fire officials, and more.  

We are grateful for the support that helps make this event a yearly tradition for many!  

For volunteer opportunities, please visit https://bit.ly/3sfAWMH.   

Community Dinner Flyer: https://bit.ly/CommDinnerFlyer2024  

Salem, Ore. – As winter storms and extreme weather events impact communities, Oregon residents are reminded to be prepared for potential power outages. Heavy snow, ice, and high winds can damage power lines and disrupt electricity, sometimes leading to extended outages. Weather conditions in specific geographies may also cause electric utilities to adjust system settings, which can result in more frequent or longer outages. 

Be Prepared in Advance 

Prepare your home and business in case a winter storm leads to a power outage: 

• Be two weeks ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, and other essentials needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks. Learn more about what supplies to consider. 
• Register for a Medical Certificate – If you have a medical condition that requires power, contact your electricity service provider in advance to register a Medical Certificate. This certification provides added benefits and helps ensure your needs are met during an outage. 
• Update your contact information – Ensure your utility service provider has your current contact information to receive notifications. If uncertain about which electric utility serves your area, visit Find Your Utility. 
• Charge your devices – Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation of an outage. Consider a car charger for phones and other electronic devices. 
• Plan for livestock and well water needs – Ensure you have a plan for providing water to livestock in case well pumps lose power. 
• Consider alternative power sources – If possible, invest in a backup generator or identify an alternative location to meet power needs. 
• Documentation back-up – Capture clear images of vital papers and send them to your email, organizing them in a dedicated folder for quick access during emergencies (passports, drivers license, car title, rental agreements, insurance policies, property titles, wills or power of attorney documents). 

During a Power Outage 

• Avoid downed power lines – Stay away from downed lines and anything near them. Report them to your utility provider immediately. 
• Be cautious around crews – Give space to utility workers and emergency responders as they work to restore service and clear hazards. 
• Use emergency lighting – Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns for light. Avoid candles or other open flames. 
• Reduce power surges – Turn off lights and unplug electric appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. Leave one light on to know when power is restored. 
• Use generators safely – Never operate a generator inside your home or garage, or near windows or vents, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn more about safe generator use. 
• Check on vulnerable neighbors – Offer assistance to elderly neighbors or individuals with special needs who may require additional help. 
• Report outages – Call your electricity service provider to report an outage. Report non-emergency issues to your utility provider – Contact your electricity or utility company directly for outage reports or other non-urgent concerns to help keep 911 lines open for those in critical need. 
• Call 911 only for true emergencies – During major events like power outages or severe weather, 911 call centers (PSAPs) may experience high call volumes, which can delay emergency response times. 
• Invest in an emergency radio with AM/FM/SW and NOAA capabilities- Weather radios are available for under $40. Many models feature solar panels, hand-crank or battery backup, and double as flashlights and power banks for your cell phone. 

Natural Gas Tips 

• If you need to evacuate, there’s no need to shut off natural gas. 
• If natural gas appliances don’t work properly after electricity is restored, contact your gas service provider. 
• Do not turn on natural gas service yourself; always call your gas provider for assistance. 
• If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately and call 911. 

Stay Informed 

• Sign up for alerts – Contact your electricity provider to ensure your contact information is current and sign up for local emergency alerts through ORalert.gov. 
• Check road conditions – Before traveling, visit Trip Check for road closures and weather updates. 

Winter storms can disrupt daily life, but with preparation and safety precautions, you can minimize their impact on your household and community. 

#### 

The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc. 
 
It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times of crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. 

November 20, 2024

Contact: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon Health Plan members, providers, advocates encouraged to share experiences at virtual town hall

Portland, Ore. – The Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB) will host a virtual town hall Dec. 3 to hear about Oregon Health Plan (OHP) member successes, challenges and experiences with coordinated care organizations (CCOs). Stories shared at the town hall will inform the board’s recommendations about the CCO model to Oregon Health Authority and the Governor’s office.

OHPB is looking for stories from health care providers, caregivers, community-based organizations (CBOs) and OHP members. They are particularly interested to know more about CCO efforts regarding health care for children, care that goes beyond medical appointments to support social and environmental development (such as information about, or access to, air conditioning or housing programs), or behavioral health referrals or partnerships.

The town hall will take place online Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. People who wish to share during the meeting should register no later than 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 2. Anyone who wishes to share their experiences will have approximately three to five minutes to speak; timeframes may need be updated if there is an overwhelming number of participants. There will also be time at the January 7 OHPB meeting to provide feedback.

Stories can also be shared in writing only. Written submissions will be compiled and shared with OHPB members, then posted to the web site. People do not need to be present during the town hall to submit their stories via email.

OHPB will host a separate event in early 2025 for CCO staff to share their experiences. The December town hall is meant for OHP members, providers, CBOs, and members of the public.

If you have any questions or request assistance, please contact Suzanne Cross at oss@oha.oregon.gov">suzanne.l.cross@oha.oregon.gov or (541) 640-2994. Additional information is available on the OHPB web site or by subscribing to OHPB updates.

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Oregon City—Clackamas Community College has been awarded a $1-million Future Ready Oregon Workforce Ready Grant from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. This funding will support CCC’s FabYourFuture project, which unites partner organizations in a collaborative effort to expand access to training and career opportunities for communities of color and low-income communities in the region. 

The FabYourFuture project features Oregon’s first introductory welding course offered entirely in Spanish. This course is designed for English learners and provides an essential career awareness opportunity, forming the entry point to a comprehensive welding career pathway. 

“FabYourFuture exemplifies CCC’s commitment to equity and innovation,” Armetta Burney, dean of technology, applied science and public services said. “By offering Oregon’s first Spanish-language welding course and comprehensive career pathways in renewable energy infrastructure, industrial maintenance and welding, we are meeting students where they are and helping provide access to high-wage, high-demand careers.” 

The project’s second focus area introduces earn and learn opportunities in renewable energy infrastructure, industrial maintenance and welding career pathways. These training opportunities are tailored to support underserved communities, preparing students for rewarding careers while contributing to the economic growth of the region. 

FabYourFuture is designed with a student-centered approach, placing equity as its core guiding principle. The program offers culturally responsive training that addresses barriers to education and career advancement. It aims to create a welcoming environment that provides comprehensive support services and equips students with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s workforce. 

This grant is part of the broader Future Ready Oregon initiative, a $200 million investment aimed at advancing an equitable workforce system and enhancing economic opportunities for diverse Oregonians. Future Ready Oregon seeks to strengthen Oregon’s economy by developing a skilled workforce and addressing the needs of today’s employers. 

About Clackamas Community College 

Clackamas Community College is committed to providing high-quality education and training opportunities that foster student success and community engagement. As a comprehensive community college, CCC offers a wide range of academic programs and services designed to support a diverse student population. 

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Vancouver, Wash. – When preparing to gather for a holiday meal consider this: Clark County generates an average 35,000 tons of edible food waste each year. Tossing food in the garbage not only wastes money, but when food reaches landfills, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions that intensify climate change.  

Small changes can have a big impact. By taking simple steps before and after holiday meals, residents can save money at the grocery store and reduce the consequences of wasted food. 

• Simplify shopping: Food waste prevention starts at the grocery store. Avoid overbuying food  by taking stock of what’s already available in the cupboards and using an online tool like “Guest-imator” to determine how much food is needed based on the number of expected guests.  
• Celebrate leftovers: Send guests home with leftovers in reusable containers. Use leftovers to create new culinary combinations, such as using mashed potatoes to make shepherd's pie, adopting cranberry sauce as a festive topping for oatmeal, or boiling bones to create nutrient-rich bone broth for winter soups and stews. Freezing leftovers in air-tight containers can preserve the flavors of the holiday season for months. 
• Store properly: Properly store groceries to minimize spoilage. Store dry goods in labeled air-tight containers. Store onions and apples separate from other foods (they emit a gas that makes other foods spoil faster). And whenever possible, purchase local and in-season produce which often lasts longer since it requires less transportation time. 
• Compost scraps: Composting food scraps prevents bad odors and messes in kitchen garbage, returns beneficial nutrients to the soil, replaces the use of synthetic fertilizers, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 
  • Compost at the curb: Waste Connections customers in the cities of Vancouver and Ridgefield who have curbside organics service can put food scraps into their carts.
  • Compost drop-offs: All residents can drop off food waste for free at a We Compost Community Hub location. Find locations on the We Compost Community Hubs webpage.

For more food waste prevention tips, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website. 

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management is temporarily setting aside roughly 4,037 acres of public lands associated with the proposed Expedition Solar Project near Redmond in Deschutes County. This means that the lands will be withdrawn from the public land laws for two years, including location under the Mining Law, subject to valid existing rights, while the BLM reviews the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project.

As of September 2024, the Biden-Harris administration approved 41 renewable energy projects on public lands (10 solar, 13 geothermal, and 18 gen-ties) and exceeded the goal to permit 25 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2025. In total, the BLM has permitted clean energy projects on public lands with a total capacity of approximately 29 gigawatts of power – enough to power more than 12 million homes.  

The withdrawal notice will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register.

For more information, please contact Faith Simitz, BLM Prineville District Realty Specialist, at (541) 416-6783 or fsimitz@blm.gov. 

-BLM- 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.  

Portland, OR — The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) and Densho are excited to announce a significant grant award from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) for Citizen(s) Yasui: Illuminating the Japanese American Experience through the Yasui Family Collections. This two-year collaborative digitization project will create over 17,000 digital files from the Yasui family papers, Yasui Brothers business records, and Yabe family papers collections preserved in OHS’s research library. 

This grant award is part of CLIR’s Digitizing Hidden Collections: Amplifying Unheard Voices program, designed to support efforts to digitize materials that deepen public understanding of the histories of people of color and other communities and populations whose work, experiences, and perspectives have been insufficiently recognized or unattended. Citizen(s) Yasui is one of 18 funded projects that, through archival digitization efforts, ensures that new generations can engage with and learn from the stories, contributions, and cultural heritage of underrepresented groups.

“Public discourse requires an honest and rigorous understanding of our past; it is imperative that we expand access to these vital materials to foster scholarship and enrich our collective knowledge,” said CLIR president Charles Henry noted in a press release announcing the grant awardees. 

Building on the successes of recent projects highlighting and translating a selection of Japanese language materials, Citizen(s) Yasui will cover a much larger sample of these historically significant collection materials. Rare among archival collections in size and content, these three collections document early twentieth century immigration, business, farming, family, and community life in Oregon; Japanese American incarceration and separation during World War II; the work of later generations to rebuild in post-WWII America; and decades of activism to acknowledge incarceration and seek justice.

This project will enable free online access to these primary source materials documenting the Japanese American experience through OHS Digital Collections (digitalcollections.ohs.org), Densho Digital Repository (ddr.densho.org), and the Digital Public Library of America (dp.la). 

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of photographs, books, maps, manuscript materials, films, oral histories, objects, and belongings. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history available to all. We preserve our state’s history and make it accessible to everyone in ways that advance knowledge and inspire curiosity about all the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon. 

About Densho

Densho is a nonprofit organization started in 1996, with the initial goal of documenting oral histories from Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II. This evolved into a mission to educate, preserve, collaborate, and inspire action for equity. Densho uses digital technology to preserve and make accessible primary source materials on the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans and presents these materials and related resources for their historic value and as a means of exploring issues of democracy, intolerance, wartime hysteria, civil rights and the responsibilities of citizenship in our increasingly global society. 

On November 18, 2024, at approximately 1:45 PM, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a deceased body, found near the Amanda Trail in south Lincoln County.

Lincoln County Sheriff's Detectives and personnel responded to the scene, where it was confirmed, a subject had died as a result of apparent self-inflicted wounds.  The subject was identified as 43 year old Frank Marunich of Springfield, Oregon. His next of kin have been notified. 

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank their partner agencies, the Oregon State Police, Yachats Fire, Oregon State Parks and the United States Forest Services for their assistance. 

With changes in the national economic outlook, Oregon is moving toward a soft landing.

Salem, OR – Carl Riccadonna, state chief economist at the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and head of the Office of Economic Analysis (OEA), presented the latest revenue forecast to a joint meeting of the Oregon Legislative Revenue Committees. The quarterly revenue forecasts serve to open the revenue forecasting process to public review and is the basis for much of the Oregon state government budgeting process. 

The Office of Economic Analysis provides quarterly forecasts for the State of Oregon’s major revenue sources, including all sources contributing to the General Fund (Personal and Corporate Income Tax, etc.), Lottery and the Corporate Activity Tax. In May of odd years, OEA’s revenue forecast establishes the resource levels for the next biennium’s adopted budget.

What is different about this forecast?

The revenue forecast presented in today’s committee begins with a modified analytical approach. Carl Riccadonna and his team reviewed the methodology and outcomes of the revenue forecast over several recent biennia to identify potential sources of error. The past forecasts ultimately deviated significantly from actual tax collections, as shown in figure 1. 

The Nov. 20 forecast reflects methodological adjustments that result in immediate increases to the forecast. The reason for these methodology changes is because the historic forecast errors have increased in magnitude and shown a persistent bias since 2009. OEA’s adjustments are expected to address these issues. 

The Office of Economic Analysis has made two main adjustments:

1. Reconstruction of the Personal Income Tax model to reflect true tax liability and collections. As part of this change, modeling of the kicker impact was more intrinsically incorporated into the model. This will eliminate a false signal of weakness in current tax year collections 
2. Tighter alignment between the Oregon revenue forecast assumptions and the larger, national economic trends.

The intent of these changes is to reduce future forecast error and align income tax forecasts with economic assumptions. 

The results

The December revenue forecast projects the 2023-25 General Fund ending balance to be $2.79 billion, with revenues increasing by $945 million since the September forecast. 

In the 2025-27 biennium, General Fund available resources are forecast to increase by $2.27 billion, and revenues increasing by $1.3 billion from the September forecast. This results in a total of $37.8 billion projected available resources. 

About the Office of Economic Analysis

The state chief economist oversees the Office of Economic Analysis within the Department of Administrative Services and provides objective forecasts of the state’s economy, revenue, populations, corrections population and Youth Authority population. These forecasts are used across state government, and by the public for a variety of reasons, notably to inform the state budgeting process. For more information about the Office of Economic Analysis and recent forecasts visit https://www.oregon.gov/das/oea/pages/index.aspx. 

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Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Elections Office beginning Monday, Dec. 2, will update its office hours to 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. The Elections Office is located at 1408 Franklin St. in downtown Vancouver. 

Find more information about Clark County Elections at clarkvotes.org. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Vancouver City Council will hold its next council community forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25 at Evergreen Public Schools Administrative Service Center, 13413 N.E. LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive. Community forums are held throughout the year at locations across Vancouver.

All community members are invited to attend and share their questions, concerns, and ideas directly with the City Council. The round-table forum will include small-group discussions hosted by pairs of councilors and time for informal conversation.

No RSVP or registration is required. For interpretation services or accommodations with a disability, please get in touch with the City Manager’s Office at 360-487-8600 or cityinfo@cityofvancouver.us. 

Vancouver, WA – November 20, 2024 – Following the positive community response to the Indigenous Peoples Market earlier this month, the Clark County Historical Museum is pleased to announce the Winter Native Art Market, to be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the museum, located at 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.

This highly anticipated event will feature a dynamic selection of 16 local Indigenous artists and vendors, including many who return from the November market, in addition to a number of new vendors who will be showcasing their work for the first time. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and purchase a wide range of unique, handcrafted items, including arts, crafts, jewelry, and other Indigenous-made goods—ideal for holiday gift-giving and personal collection.

In addition to the marketplace, internationally recognized Native American flutist Dr. Sherrie Davis Morningstar will return to perform live, providing a cultural and musical experience that complements the event’s focus on Indigenous artistry and traditions.

The Clark County Historical Museum will be open and free to the public throughout the event, allowing visitors to engage with exhibits that highlight the rich heritage of Southwest Washington.

The Winter Native Art Market offers a unique opportunity for the public to connect with local Indigenous artists and deepen their appreciation of Indigenous heritage and craftsmanship.

For more information, please visit www.cchmuseum.org or contact the Clark County Historical Museum at 360-993-5679.

Kelso, WA – Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and Kelso Police responded to a tree onto a house with power lines down at 7:46 Tuesday evening in the 100 block of Union Way. Responders arrived and advised all neighboring residents to remain inside.  Firefighters requested Cowlitz County PUD to respond and secure power to the homes.  Firefighters confirmed that the family was able to vacate the home and were safely inside a neighbor’s house.  Cowlitz County PUD arrived and shut the power off to the area and secured the downed lines. Fire officials estimate the tree size to be 3 feet in diameter.

The family of five and their dog will stay with family in the area until the morning.  American Red Cross has been contacted and will assist the family with housing and other needs.  No injuries were reported. 

Press Log

Event signals construction completion of first building on college’s Ridgefield campus

Ridgefield, Wash. – On November 19, leading developer and design-builder Mortenson officially presented Clark College with the keys to the Advanced Manufacturing Center, the first building on the college’s Ridgefield campus, located at 7000 East Pioneer Street.

During the ceremony, nearly 100 attendees including the college mascot, Oswald the Penguin, looked on as Carolyn Sizemore, market director of Mortenson, and design-build partner, Kyle Womack, principal of Hennebery Eddy Architects, presented the symbolic key to Dr. Karin Edwards and Sabra Sand, the Clark College president and vice president of operations, respectively. The ceremony marked construction completion of the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Clark College.

“This milestone marks an incredible step forward for Clark College and the Ridgefield community,” said Dr. Edwards. “The Advanced Manufacturing Center will provide invaluable opportunities for students to develop critical skills in a growing field, allowing us to support the region’s workforce and expand educational access in north Clark County.”

Clark College will begin moving into the Advanced Manufacturing Center over the next few months and readying the space for classes to begin in 2025. General education classes will be held there in Spring 2025; five general education classrooms and one computer lab will accommodate a future capacity to serve up to 1,200 students per term. By Fall 2025, the complex will become the hub for the college’s advanced manufacturing program which is currently in development. When completed, the program will provide initial enrollment of 32 students in two cohorts of 16, with plans to eventually serve 48 students across three cohorts.

Located on a 10-acre property due east of the Ridgefield Junction, the 49,000 square foot Advanced Manufacturing Center features a vast open manufacturing floor, collaboration zones, satellite instructional facilities, classrooms, laboratories, offices and more. The 35,000 square feet dedicated to manufacturing training includes three industry-specific classrooms, four labs, five manufacturing cells and a vast open manufacturing floor. The remaining 14,000 square feet houses the five general education classrooms, along with faculty and student amenities.

Manufacturing and classroom spaces in the Advanced Manufacturing Center are designed for multiple delivery modes including lecture, collaborative, project-based learning, and hybrid models implementing online content and classroom application. The facility’s acoustic design ensures that unamplified voice communication will carry above ambient machine noise. The flexible design of the structure is envisioned to accommodate future growth and will serve students, Ridgefield and other north Clark County communities.

“As we celebrate completion of the Advanced Manufacturing Center, we are committed to delivering an education environment that fosters innovation, collaboration and workforce readiness,” added Dr. Edwards. “This world-class facility will be a hub of learning and industry-driven training for years to come.”

The LEED Silver certified Advanced Manufacturing Center meets state energy performance standards, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves operational efficiencies. The progressive design-build construction delivery method used on the building was spearheaded by Mortenson in collaboration with Henneberry Eddy Architects; this delivery method proved instrumental to the successful implementation of the use of prefabrication in this project and the resulting efficiencies.

Sizemore emphasized the project's unique attributes. 

“The Advanced Manufacturing Center is a stunning testament to what can be achieved when stakeholders come together with a shared vision,” said Sizemore. “Clark College envisioned a sustainable, future-ready facility adaptable for growth in the Ridgefield community. We are proud to deliver this anchor building on the Ridgefield campus and we are confident that it will exceed the aspirations of Clark College and the Ridgefield community.”

About Mortenson

Mortenson is a U.S.-based, top-20 builder, developer, and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Mortenson’s expanding portfolio of integrated services helps its customers move their strategies forward, ensuring their investments result in high-performing assets. The result is a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers. Founded in 1954, Mortenson has operations across the U.S. with offices in Chicago, Denver, Fargo, Iowa City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit www.mortenson.com.

About Clark College

Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90th year, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately three-quarters of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.

With its main campus located in Vancouver’s Central Park, Clark College serves over 8,000 students per term. Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education. The college currently offers classes at two satellite locations: Washington State University Vancouver campus and Columbia Tech Center in East Vancouver. Beginning Spring 2025, the college will offer classes at its 3^rd location, Clark College at Boschma Farms, in Ridgefield, Wash.

EVENT UPDATE: Wednesday's Info Picket at Mercy Medical Center is Cancelled.

ONA nurses at Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg are pleased to announce they reached a tentative contract agreement with hospital management after 9 p.m. Tuesday, November 19. 

As part of the agreement, nurses are cancelling the informational picket originally scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 20. 

After more than 20 negotiation sessions, local nurses were able to secure a fair agreement which will help the hospital address staffing issues and raise local healthcare standards. The new three-year agreement includes a 26% wage increase in year one to pull nurses level with other local hospitals' wages. It also increases frontline healthcare workers' benefits to remain competitive with other healthcare systems. Nurses on the bargaining team believe this new agreement will enable the hospital to recruit and retain nurses in Douglas County and help ensure local patients continue to have access to high-quality, safe, and affordable healthcare. 

Local nurses expressed deep appreciation for the support they've received from their coworkers at Mercy and from community members throughout contract negotiations. Community support was critical to reaching a fair contract agreement that will make a positive difference for nurses, patients and our community. 

Nurses at Mercy will review details of the tentative agreement and hold a ratification vote soon. 

350+ nurses at CommonSpirit-owned Mercy Medical Center are fighting to fix the hospital’s staffing crisis and improve local healthcare

WHAT: 
Nurses and community supporters are holding an informational picket and public rally outside Mercy Medical Center Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

WHEN & WHERE: 
Wednesday, Nov. 20
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Public Sidewalks outside Mercy Medical Center
2700 NW Stewart Pkwy, Roseburg, OR 97471

WHO: 
Local nurses, healthcare workers and community supporters. ONA represents more than 350 frontline registered nurses at Mercy Medical Center who care for more than 112,000 people living in Douglas County and the surrounding region.

WHY: 
Local frontline nurses are fighting for a fair contract to resolve the hospital’s staffing crisis and improve their communities health and safety. Nurses have repeatedly raised the alarm about unsafe staffing concerns at Mercy. In recent years, the hospital’s inability to recruit and retain nurses has led to unsafe staffing levels that fail to meet the standards in Oregon’s Safe Nurse Staffing Law. 

Decades of research and real-life experience show a lack of nurses harms community health and safety and leads to longer wait times and hospital stays, more expensive care, more infections and injuries, more hospital readmissions and more preventable deaths. 

Mercy currently has approximately 75 unfilled nursing positions. 

Nurses at Mercy make 20% less than nurses at other comparable Oregon hospitals. They also have worse benefits and health insurance that is both expensive and inaccessible. Due to Mercy’s low wages, inaccessible health insurance, and a lack of respect from their employer, many nurses have left Mercy in the past year, compounding the community’s healthcare crisis. 

Nurses and community supporters are asking Chicago-based CommonSpirit–which made nearly $700 million in profit last year–to address its staffing crisis and focus on providing residents of Douglas County with the safe, accessible, affordable healthcare they deserve.

Community members are invited and encouraged to attend nurses’ informational picket to hear directly from local nurses, ask questions, and share concerns and stories about their own health care experiences at the hospital. 

Media members are encouraged to attend to capture the voices and stories of frontline nurses and inform the community about patient care conditions at the hospital. 

Wednesday’s event will be held rain-or-shine. Participants are asked to follow guidance from designated rally officials and safety personnel. 

NOTE: An informational picket is not a strike or work stoppage. It is a demonstration of solidarity to CommonSpirit executives that local nurses are united to improve our community’s healthcare. 

ABOUT COMMONSPIRIT: Chicago-based CommonSpirit is the third-largest healthcare system in the country. It owns 137 hospitals and more than 2,200 care sites in 24 states including 2 Oregon hospitals. It collects $38 billion in annual revenue and reported a nearly $700 million profit last year thanks to $1.5 billion in investment gains and profitability in 4 out of its 5 regions including the Pacific Northwest. Mercy’s former owners, CHI, joined with Digntiy Health to form CommonSpirit in 2019.

On November 19^th, 2024, at approximately 6:30pm, Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched for a boater in distress at Marine Park Boat Launch. Callers stated that there was a male subject and his dog on the boat, and they were unable to get close enough to the dock to get off due to storm conditions and an unstable dock. 

When the fire department arrived at the dock, they noticed a 32-foot sailboat partially tied to a very unsteady dock. The initial fire department crew contacted the male who stated he was unable to get himself and the dog off the boat. The fire crew attempted to assist the person from the boat, but it was too far to make it to the dock safely. The fire department switched plans and decided to use the Fire Boat to attempt the rescue. The Plan was to push the boat to the dock, but the conditions did not allow this to happen. A rescue swimmer was then deployed to the sailboat and was able to move the dog and the male subject to the Fire Boat. 

This was a very technical maneuver by Vancouver Fire Boat crew. The Fire Department spend a lot of time and effort to train for these very situations and tonight that training paid off. 

Vancouver Fire responded to the scene with a Battalion Chief, two Fire Engines, a Truck company, and Fire Boat 1 for a total of 14 Firefighters. There were no injuries to report, and all parties and pets were reunited with their loved ones. 

The City of Battle Ground is seeking the community’s input on the proposed future extension of NW 5^th Street between N. Parkway Avenue and SR503. 

This project is in the early stages of preliminary engineering.   The new roadway will help to reduce congestion along Main Street by creating an east/west connection between North Parkway Avenue and SR 503.  The potential design options for the proposed intersection at NW 5^th Street and SR 503 include a signalized intersection, right-in/right-out turn design, and a roundabout.  These design concepts will be analyzed to determine the ideal option for this location, per Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) requirements. 

As we continually improve our overall transportation network and develop it in the long term, we want to be sure that this improvement project meets the needs of our overall transportation network and is suited to our community’s needs.  The city encourages community members to take part in a brief survey to assist with the project’s design development. 

Respondents will be asked to provide information on their travel habits, including the day, time(s), and frequency by which they travel in the area of this proposed intersection, as well as modes of transportation they use when doing so.  This survey data, along with other data sources, will be used to gauge the use and predict future needs for this proposed roadway.  Additionally, the public feedback will help guide the design recommendations to be considered by the City and WSDOT.

The public comment period for this phase of the project is open now through December 3, 2024. 

Further information about the project as well as a link to the online survey is available at www.cityofbg.org/NW5thStreet.  To receive and submit a paper copy of the survey, residents can visit the customer service desk in City Hall, located at 109 SW 1^st Street. The customer service desk is open 9:00am – 5:00pm (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and 8:00am – 1:00pm (Tuesday and Thursday).

Medford, OR—The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for portions of southwestern Oregon, including Curry and Josephine Counties, the Siskiyou Mountains, and the southern Oregon Cascades. The watch is in effect from now through Friday evening (11/22/2024). 

The NWS is expecting heavy rainfall over the region which may result in landslides, rock falls, and debris flows in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires. 

Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/search?area=OR

Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.

If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area:

• Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
• Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
• Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.

For more landslide and debris flow information: 

https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx

###

HILLSBORO, Ore- On November 14, 2024, Washington County Circuit Court Judge Erik Buchér found Ali Muhammed Quraishi, age 33, guilty of 23 counts involving the assaults and sexual assaults of nine women. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2025, on the following convictions in this bench trial:

Court Case #23CR13359

1. Rape in the First Degree (three counts)
2. Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (three counts)
3. Sodomy in the First Degree (two counts)
4. Invasion of Personal Privacy in the First Degree
5. Assault in the Fourth Degree

Court Case #23CR57793

1. Rape in the First Degree (two counts)
2. Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (six counts)
3. Sodomy in the First Degree
4. Invasion of Personal Privacy in the First Degree (two counts)
5. Unlawful Dissemination of an Intimate Image in the First Degree

Senior Deputy District Attorney Allison Brown prosecuted the defendant following an extensive investigation conducted by the Beaverton Police Department. The convictions involve the defendant's assaults of nine adult women between 2016 and 2023. All the victims in this case were strangers to the defendant and to each other. The defendant met his victims at Silverado and Stag nightclubs in Downtown Portland where he worked as a dancer. He supplied the women with alcohol and lured them back to his apartment in Beaverton. He then proceeded to engage in sex acts with the victims while they were in conditions in which they could not consent. 

The investigation was led by Detective Maggie Brown and began in May 2022. Through the course of her investigation, she learned of the defendant’s crimes against the other victims. Two of the sexual assaults occurred while the investigation was already underway. 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the bravery of the victims in reporting this abuse and persevering through a challenging legal process. This office also thanks the Beaverton Police Department for its work conducting this investigation. This office also acknowledges the work of the Portland Police Bureau and the Oregon State Police Forensic Lab.

Investigators believe there could be additional, unidentified victims. Anyone with information related to the defendant is urged to call law enforcement. 

LYONS, Ore.—The four-year effort by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to reforest the Santiam State Forest after the 2020 wildfires hit an important milestone this month when the last of more than 2.3 million trees were planted. 

“This was a huge, challenging, and long-term project for ODF,” said John Walter, ODF’s State Forests Silviculturist. “We planted about ten times what we normally would in that time, with no additional staff being hired. The replanting was in steep, rocky, and difficult terrain along with high-altitude snowy conditions for much of the prime planting season. These safety concerns limited the time crews could plant the seedlings. Additionally, we did not have the budget to purchase that number of trees for the 5,600 acres that were scorched in the state forest from those 2020 fires. Even with all those hurdles, the ODF team worked together to make this happen quickly and effectively.” 

And those were just the challenges of replanting, to get to the areas that needed to be reforested, more than 200 miles of roads had to be repaired; and burnt, dangerous trees along those roads had to be removed so crews could safely get to the areas. 

The fastest and most cost-effective way to remove the dead trees and get the roads fixed was through special salvage logging timber sales. 

“This was a gigantic work effort,” said Kyle Kaupp, Santiam Unit Forester for ODF’s North Cascade District. “We typically have a team of one unit manager and five foresters to set up our four-to-six sales for the year. In 2021, we had foresters come in from every district with State Forest ownership to help set up 18 salvage sales, develop road repair contracts, assist with reforestation, and help us through the planning process.” 

Speed is critical for after fire timber salvage sales since the standing timber is only good for about three years before it is unusable. 

“We had advertised timber volume of 50.5 million board feet for the sales which gave us net receivables of roughly $20.25 million,” said Kaupp.   

This revenue would not have been recovered if not for the quick actions of the ODF team. The revenue from all state forests sales is split with approximately two thirds going to the county where the timber was harvested and one third going to ODF to manage state forests. 

“Clackamas, Marion, and Linn counties all received more than typical years of regular harvests. The additional revenue was timely in that it helped the counties in their already monumental efforts to recover from those 2020 fires,” said Kaupp. 

To access the sales areas and to get the salvaged timber out the roads needed to be inspected and repaired. “Many of our smaller road culverts, typically18-inches, are made from plastic and some of these melted from the intense heat of the wildfires,” said Kaupp. “If you don’t evaluate and replace the damaged ones you could get dangerous sinkholes in your roads. The roads are also critical to get to future wildfire starts to put them out quickly and to minimize future losses from fires.” 

As the salvage logging was underway and roads repaired and improved, tree planting was taking place. However, there was still the challenge of paying for seedlings and crews to plant them. 

“We received more than $1million from the non-profit American Forests,” said Walter. “All that funding went toward seedlings costs—we typically plant 360 seedlings per acre and then go back and replant if we do not have at least 200 trees per acre survive.” 

Because of the rough terrain and lack of roads in some areas of the state forest the department also used a helicopter to aerial seed some nearly inaccessible parts of the forest.  

“The challenge with that method is determining how effective your efforts are after a few years since those small seedlings can’t be seen through the other vegetation from our typical aerial surveys,” said Walter. “Our small on the ground sampling in areas we could get to saw a good survival rate considering the conditions.” 

State forests are not just managed for economic benefits, but a concept called greatest permanent value. This takes into account economic, environmental, and social benefits to all Oregonians.  

The social value of the Santiam was greatly reduced right after the fire as most trails and recreation areas were closed due to those dangerous hazard trees and road safety concerns.   

“At the popular Shellburg Falls recreation area bridges, wooden steps and other infrastructure and the trees around the falls were wiped out by the fires,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation Manager for State Forests. “For the safety of our staff, we had to wait for the salvage logging and road repairs to finish before beginning work on recreation restoration projects.” 

Once again there were no additional personnel or funding to get recreation sites useable again. 

“We relied heavily on volunteer groups and adults in custody work crews from the Department of Corrections to rebuild and realign trails and build new structures,” said Offer.  

Thanks to those cooperative efforts, the popular Butte Creek Falls and Shellburg Falls recreation areas opened this year providing access into some of the forest’s most loved facilities and trails. 

“The only areas that are still closed for safety reasons are the Sardine Creek and Rhody Lake areas. However, we’re working diligently to open both in the near future,” said Offer. 

On the environmental side the 2020 burns impacted wildlife and their habitat. 

“Many people do not realize that the landscape after a wildfire is not a monolithic black completely burned area,” said Mike Davis, state forests Wildlife Biologist. “It’s more of a patchwork type of landscape depending on the severity of the fire in each area. There might be completely a burned area, then a small stand of healthy trees that survived, then trees that look alive but die in a few years.” 

In the middle of that patchwork the biologists were excited to see the first northern spotted owl in the area since 2020. The spotted owl is a threatened species the department monitors throughout all the state forests in western Oregon and Sun Pass State Forest in eastern Oregon. 

“We first saw the owl in 2023 and worked with our contract surveyors to capture and put leg bands on the female owl. It was found again this year but doesn’t appear to be nesting,” said Davis.   

Nearly half of the Santiam was burned by the fires including critical habitat areas for owls.  

“We were excited to see the owl make a return—even if only one. Our hope is it will find a mate and nest next year,” said Davis. 

Under the future state forests habitat conservation plan (HCP) the department is in the process of applying for with federal agencies to ensure both continued timber harvest and protection of threatened and endangered species for the next 70 years, the Santiam will provide a unique research opportunity. 

As part of the HCP, the department will develop and manage habitat conservation areas (HCAs) to maintain and improve habitats of key fish and wildlife species. 

“We'll be implementing landscape-level passive acoustic monitoring to document changes in northern spotted owl use throughout our habitat conservation areas on Santiam State Forest,” said Vanessa Petro, state forests Lead Wildlife Biologist.   

This process uses remote recording devices to capture wildlife vocalizations to more accurately determine what species are in an area. 

“Conducting this type of survey in the Santiam will allow us to document differences in spotted owl occupancy relative to the burn severity patterns within the Beachie Creek fire perimeter. It will also help us better understand how wildlife species are responding to habitat treatments such as thinning that will accelerate the development of late-seral forest characteristics we desire in the HCAs such as large diameter snags and down wood, in addition to a multi-layered forest canopy.  

Another species ODF will be studying is the Oregon slender salamander, which is a federal species of concern found only in the Cascade Range in Oregon. 

“We will also be conducting Oregon slender salamander surveys to better understand their distribution and occurrence on the Santiam,” said Petro “Our long-term monitoring will provide us a better understanding on how their occupancy and abundance is influenced by existing habitat conditions and our forest management activities.” 

Wildfires like the ones in 2020 fueled by strong East winds can move very fast and inflict their damage in a few hours; however, recovery can take years. 

“I want to thank all the staff, volunteers, contractors, partners and community members for their hard work and patience while we worked to restore their forest these last four years,” said Mike Wilson, ODF’s State Forest Division Chief. “This replanting is an important milestone, but we still have more work to do to make sure the Santiam State Forest recovers and remains accessible to all Oregonians.” 

Astoria Fire Department Holiday Food Parade

December 11, 12 & 13 from 6:30PM - 8:30pm each night

Update: This meeting has been cancelled.

The Lincoln County Citizen Corps Coordinating Council (LC5) intends to meet on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 3:00pm via Zoom. The meeting will be streamed live on the Lincoln County website here: Agendas & Minutes | Lincoln County, OR (https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/129/Agendas-Minutes)

Any members of the public who have questions or would like to attend the meetings should email the Committee Recorder to request virtual meeting information at least 4 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting.

Committee Recorder

Susan Trachsel
Assistant Emergency Manager
achsel@co.lincoln.or.us">strachsel@co.lincoln.or.us
541-265-0610

About the Lincoln County Citizen Corps Coordinating Council (LC5)

Overview

The Lincoln County Citizen Corps Coordinating Council (LC5) was initiated in 2008 by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners following the Federal Citizen Corps model.  The model focuses on coordinating volunteer activities that will make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to hazardous situations. Its mission is to harness the power of every individual through education and outreach, training, and volunteer service.

Meetings

• Third Thursday of every month, 3:00pm to 4:00pm
• Virtual Meetings streamed live (https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/129/Agendas-Minutes)

EUGENE, Ore. — Bushnell University is proud to announce its receipt of a $1 million Healthcare Workforce Ready Grant from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) under the Future Ready Oregon initiative. This grant, part of a competitive statewide effort to bolster healthcare workforce development, supports the groundbreaking “Paving a Pathway to Practice” grant, which aims to address Oregon’s critical nursing shortage by training and retaining nurses in rural and underserved areas.

This initiative, developed in collaboration with PeaceHealth Oregon and Lane Workforce Partnership, takes an innovative approach to workforce challenges in rural healthcare. Designed to support historically underserved populations, including low-income individuals and women, the grant supports efforts to recruit, train, and retain bachelor’s degree-level nurses who are interested in serving within non-urban healthcare settings.

For Bushnell nursing students, the grant provides for nursing-specific scholarships while also funding available academic support services. Additionally, the grant supports new wrap-around services for these students through Lane Workforce Partnership. For new graduates and early career nurses who work in the PeaceHealth Oregon network, the grant funds a new nurse mentorship program. Comprehensively, the grant removes financial and logistical barriers to training and retention, ensuring nurses are prepared and supported throughout their education and early practice.

“This transformative initiative underscores Bushnell University’s commitment to providing equitable and impactful healthcare education,” said President Dr. Joseph Womack. “The Healthcare Workforce Ready Grant will empower aspiring Bushnell nurses and strengthen rural healthcare systems, helping to create a sustainable pipeline of nurse leaders in Lane County and beyond.”

Through “Paving a Pathway to Practice,” student and early career nurses will benefit from:

• Financial Support: Scholarships and wrap-around support services to reduce the economic burden of a Bushnell nursing education
• Financial Support: Scholarships and wrap-around support services to reduce the economic burden of a Bushnell nursing education
• Accelerated Training: Streamlined degree pathway and available academic supports to prepare Bushnell student nurses for critical patient care roles
• Mentorship: A robust nurse mentorship model for new graduates and early career nurses who work in PeaceHealth Oregon network clinical practice settings

This program is a critical step in ensuring that rural hospitals in Oregon not only attract skilled nurses but also retain them through a supportive professional ecosystem.

The $1 million grant funding will facilitate project implementation through June 2026, with the ultimate goal of alleviating the nursing crisis and improving healthcare outcomes in underserved communities.

“This grant will have a tremendous impact in Lane County, particularly in our rural areas where we see a chronic and acute shortage of nurses,” said Nicole Gooding, director of the Institute for Nursing Excellence, PeaceHealth Oregon. “We look forward to building on our efforts with Bushnell University and Lane Workforce Partnership in helping train and support nurses to fill a pressing need in our smaller communities throughout the county,” said Gooding, who collaborated with Bushnell University staff on the grant application.

Bushnell University’s proposal was recognized for its strong emphasis on equity, innovation, and strategic partnerships, aligning with healthcare workforce priorities in the state. Bushnell University expresses gratitude to the HECC and the Future Ready Oregon initiative for recognizing the urgency of Oregon’s healthcare workforce needs and providing the resources to make a meaningful difference.

For more information about the “Paving a Pathway to Practice” grant award and Bushnell University’s School of Nursing, please contact:

Media Contact:
Lars Coburn, M.A., Director of University Relations
Bushnell University

Phone: 541-684-7320
Email: urn@bushnell.edu">lacoburn@bushnell.edu

To read the full HECC press release visit:

PRESS RELEASE: Workforce Ready Grants Expand Career Pathways in Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Technology

To read more news about the Bushnell School of Nursing visit:

Bushnell’s School of Nursing Receives $2.5M Grant | News

Bushnell University Nursing Continues Academic Excellence - News

Oregon State Board of Nursing Grants Final Program Approval and Enrollment Expansion to Bushnell University's ABSN Program - Academics

About Bushnell University
Founded in 1895 Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call in their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell. Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant university district. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and hybrid formats. More information about the University is available at www.bushnell.edu.

About Lane Workforce Partnership
Lane Workforce Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and one of Oregon’s nine local workforce development boards. Lane Workforce Partnership, the designated local Workforce Development Board for Lane County, Oregon, funds and delivers programs that empower job seekers to meet the current and future workforce needs of employers in Lane County. Programs and services are delivered through a network of local partners including employers, labor groups, government, community colleges, high schools, community-based organizations, and economic development. Information can be found at www.laneworkforce.org.

About PeaceHealth
PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a medical group practice with more than 1,100 providers and nine medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at www.peacehealth.org.

About Future Ready Oregon
Future Ready Oregon (Senate Bill 1545, 2022) is a $200 million investment in education and training to advance a more equitable workforce system and increase opportunities for diverse workers. Future Ready Oregon drives innovative and collaborative partnerships between employers, education providers, and community-based organizations to prioritize opportunities for Oregon’s historically underserved and underrepresented communities, including adult learners, dislocated workers, and disconnected youth. Future Ready Oregon aims to strengthen Oregon’s economic competitiveness by removing barriers to education and employment, developing a diverse workforce, and supporting businesses’ needs for employees today and into the future. The majority of Future Ready Oregon investments, including Workforce Ready Grants, are administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC).

Hood River, Ore. – On November 19^th, 2024, a regional tactical team served a high-risk warrant in the 3300 block of AGA Road. The operation concluded peacefully, with one person taken into custody.

In the early morning hours of November 19^th, 2024, members of the Northern Oregon Regional Tactical Response Team (NORTAC) served a high-risk arrest warrant in the 3300 block of AGA Road in Odell. The occupants of the home were compliant, and 25-year-old Alonzo Calderon-Camaro was taken into custody. He was lodged at NORCOR on charges of attempted Assault in the First Degree, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Criminal Conspiracy. A subsequent search warrant was served by HRCSO detectives.

NORTAC is a regional tactical response team made up of members from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, and Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office. Assistance was also provided by The Dalles City Police.

SALEM, OR – November 19, 2024 – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites all Oregonians to participate in shaping the future of emergency management across the state. On February 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., OEM is hosting its second annual town hall where community members and partners from all backgrounds can provide input and feedback on the agency’s 2023–2025 Strategic Plan and the OEM Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) plan.

The Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for OEM’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service and building resilience within Oregon’s communities. The IDEA plan guides emergency management practices that address the needs of all communities, fostering equitable outcomes and inclusive resilience statewide.  Feedback from this town hall will help guide OEM’s efforts to improve emergency preparedness, response and recovery in ways that serve every community across the state—before, during and after a disaster.

The town hall is open to everyone, and no prior emergency management experience is required. Closed captioning will be available, and a video and audio transcript of the event will be accessible upon request after the event.

Event Details:

Event: Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s second annual strategic planning and IDEA town hall
Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meeting will be virtual; link will be sent as event nears.  

Your feedback is critical in helping OEM serve Oregon’s diverse communities better and to foster an inclusive approach to emergency preparedness and resilience. We look forward to hearing from you at this important event.

For more information or questions, please contact Bobbi McAllister at obbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov">bobbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov. 

PR 22-24

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 
CONTACT: Maryam Habibi, BPA, 503-230-4413

BPA selects Chris Wilk as chief information officer

Wilk will take over the role and join BPA’s executive team on Dec. 1, 2024 

Portland, Oregon – The Bonneville Power Administration has named Chris Wilk as its chief information officer and executive vice president of Information Technology. Wilk will take over the role on Dec. 1. 

Wilk comes to BPA from the Southeastern Power Administration, where he served as CIO for three years. He also served as BPA's acting CIO during the first half of 2024. 

“Chris brings to BPA a depth of experience in civil service, industry and the military that gives him a uniquely well-rounded perspective and the ability to create connections, collaborate and build coalitions across diverse groups at all levels," said Chief Administrative Officer Robin Furrer. 

The CIO and executive vice president of Information Technology is responsible for developing and supporting BPA-wide technology systems and providing governance and planning to meet BPA's mission and objectives. In this position, Wilk will have overall responsibility, oversight, direction and accountability for BPA information and operational technology-related programs.

After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado, Wilk was commissioned through the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. While on active duty, he served with the storied 10th Mountain Division as part of Operation Enduring Freedom as well as with the 15th Signal Brigade and U. S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence. 

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as BPA's chief information officer," said Wilk. “Technology is a key partner and enabler, supporting nearly all aspects of our agency's mission. I look forward to working with BPA’s workforce as we help move the agency forward during a time of critical transformation."

You can read more about Wilk’s qualifications and responsibilities in BPA’s newsroom. 

About BPA: BPA is a federal non-profit power marketing administration that delivers reliable, affordable and carbon-free hydropower produced in the Columbia River Basin to communities across the Northwest. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage transmission lines and administers one of the largest, most comprehensive fish and wildlife conservation programs in the United States. More information about these and other activities is available on our Media Relations page.

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On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Providence St. Vincent Medical Center to take a report of a sexual assault that occurred at 8400 SW Hemlock Street in Portland (Metzger Park). 

Investigators learned the victim was in the park walking her dog when she was approached by a man who sexually assaulted her.

Investigators obtained a description of the attacker from the victim. The man was described as approximately 30 years old, 5’ 10” tall, and roughly 180 lbs. with a stocky build. The man’s ethnicity is believed to be Pacific Islander, with straight black hair down to the nape of his neck and no facial hair. The man wore basketball shorts with a white stripe, a dark T-shirt, flip-flops, and a backward baseball cap. 

The victim worked with investigators to provide a composite description of the attacker. 

If you have information about this incident, contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 503-846-2500. 

(Astoria, OR) - The public is invited to participate at an in-person presentation from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial Street, Astoria. 

An online questionnaire has also been created to collect feedback related to the Comprehensive Plan update. The questions will inform County staff about the areas that will be considered during the goal update process. The questionnaire will close on November 27.

The Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan describes the long-term vision for unincorporated Clatsop County, looking ahead to set direction for the County’s growth over the next 20 years. It contains common goals that guide development within the County, including in the areas of land use, environment, transportation, economic development, housing and resource use. 

Clatsop County is updating three portions of the Comprehensive Plan: Estuarine Resources (Goal 16), Coastal Shorelands (Goal 17), and Beaches and Dunes (Goal 18).  

• Estuarine Resources Goal 16 is focused primarily on the health and usability of the Columbia River Estuary. It contains policies and standards related to recreation, fish and wildlife, and the Federal Navigation Channel. 
• Coastal Shorelands Goal 17 covers many areas next to bodies of water such as the Necanicum River, Nehalem River, and areas near Youngs River Bay. This goal has policies related to water quality, development adjacent to bodies of water, and the health of rivers for the purposes of fish species. 
• Beaches and Dunes Goal 18 is concerned with sandy areas near the ocean coast. This goal has policies focused on protecting natural dunes by limiting ground disturbance and other developments. 

Regular review of these goals using up-to-date data and maps is important so the public and environment can be better served.  

Join the in-person meeting on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact Community Development Senior Planner David Cook if you have questions or need assistance joining at dcook@clatsopcounty.gov or by phone at 503-325-8611. 

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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health’s Solid Waste Education and Outreach team encourages the community to celebrate this holiday season by properly disposing of items that cannot go in curbside garbage or recycling carts.

The holiday season often means more garbage and more types of waste. Community members can use the RecycleRight app and RecyclingA-Z.com to find local disposal options for hundreds of items, as well as view curbside collection schedules, sign up for service reminders, and receive information about holiday schedules and winter weather service alerts. 

Follow these tips to ensure proper disposal of items that cannot go in curbside garbage or recycling carts:

• Batteries: Take batteries to designated disposal sites; do not place them in garbage or recycling carts. Batteries that end up in household garbage or inside of recycling carts can explode and pose a significant fire risk. Several retail stores across Clark County now offer free battery disposal for household batteries, including lithium-ion batteries and cell phones. Find locations at RecyclingA-Z.com or on the RecycleRight app.  
  
  Household batteries can also be recycled by covering each battery terminal with tape, putting them in a clear sealable bag and placing them on top of curbside recycling carts. Batteries accepted for curbside recycling include single-use and rechargeable AA, AAA, C, D, button batteries, hearing aid and watch batteries. 
   
• Block foam: To recycle block foam, drop it off at Earth Friendly Recycling in Vancouver. Block foam can also be placed in curbside garbage carts, but it cannot go in curbside recycling carts.
   
• Air pillows, bubble wrap, bubble mailers and plastic packaging: These plastic film products can be placed in bins for recycling at many local grocery stores and all three Clark County transfer stations. Plastic film cannot go in curbside recycling carts because it can get tangled in the machinery that sorts recyclables.
   
• String lights: Holiday string lights can be taken to a specialty recycler or should be placed in the garbage. Holiday string lights cannot go in curbside recycling carts. Find specialty recyclers at RecyclingA-Z.com or on the RecycleRight app.
   
• Gift wrap and ribbon: Gift wrap with non-paper decorations, such as glitter, foil and plastic elements, should be placed in the garbage because the decorative pieces are not recyclable. Plain gift wrap that does not have glitter, foil or other non-paper decorations can be placed in curbside recycling carts. Ribbon should always be placed in the garbage. 
   
• Electronics: Electronic products contain valuable materials that can be recycled and toxic chemicals that should be kept out of the landfill. Take electronics to a free E-Cycle drop-off location in Clark County. Find locations at RecyclingA-Z.com or on the RecycleRight app.
   
• Excess recycling and cardboard: Set out extra cardboard and other recyclables for free pickup on your regular curbside recycling collection day. Place extras in a cardboard box or paper bag; do not use plastic to bag extra recyclables. Extras can also be dropped off for free recycling at Clark County transfer stations.  

For more holiday waste-reduction tips, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Building upon Western Oregon University’s success in educating bilingual teachers to serve Oregon’s diverse communities, the university has been awarded a $2 million Workforce Ready Grant by the Oregon Legislature, administered by The Higher Education Coordinating Commission to help train more counselors and behavioral and mental health professionals through June 2026.

Similar to the shortages of teachers and medical providers, there is a severe lack of counselors and behavioral health professionals who can work with clients in both Spanish and English. The program will recruit bilingual undergraduate students, provide them with tuition assistance, and offer opportunities to work with Polk or Marion County in an earn-to-learn setting. Students placed with the counties will work part-time, gaining valuable experience and supervised clinical hours while addressing the acute shortage of counselors in the community.

The program will also support students in Chemeketa Community College’s Behavioral Health program, Western’s Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program, and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. The community-based organization Interface Network will assist in recruiting students and helping them overcome barriers that affect their ability to earn their degrees, such as lack of childcare, transportation, and technology.

"As a clinician for 25 years working alongside our Latino community members and other service providers, I know firsthand the benefit of working with clients in their preferred language,” said  Carlos Texidor Maldonado, Ph.D., assistant professor in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at Western. “It is thrilling that Oregon, particularly Western Oregon University, is purposefully training more bilingual counselors and behavioral health professionals to meet the increasing needs of our communities."

The program launches in early 2025 and is currently recruiting students. Learn more about the program.

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.

2024 Festive Holiday Bike Build scheduled for December 7th

More than 150 volunteers have signed up to help assemble hundreds of bicycles on Saturday December 7^th at the Clark County Fairgrounds. It’s the annual Scott Campbell Christmas Promise Bike Build, supported by Waste Connections. 

Volunteers will start at 9am and work until all 700 bikes are assembled. The finished bikes will go to support eight community organizations providing holiday toys to families in need. 

• Saturday, December 7
• Start time: 9am - event concludes when all the bikes are built (usually 11am).
• Clark County Event Center Exhibit Hall A - 17402 NE Delfel Road, Ridgefield

It’s part of the Scott Campbell Christmas Promise, Scott Campbell was a longtime employee of Waste Connections. He started the Bike Build 14 years ago with 100 bicycles, 20 volunteers, and a wish that every child in need who asks Santa for a bike on Christmas morning shall receive one.

It has grown so much in the 14 years that we, Waste Connections, now make it an annual event to bring everyone together to build the bikes and give back to the community. Scott passed away seven years ago, and it was his Christmas Promise to move the community forward, always thinking of the community, so we all promised, no matter what, we'd always have a Bike Build. Seven years since he's been gone, and here we are, still doing it

This year’s supporters include Ed & Dollie Lynch Fund, Beaches, NW Natural, Riverview Bank, J. Scott Campbell Foundation, Waste Connections Employees, Fred Meyer Columbia House

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver invites community members to get in the holiday spirit—Cougar style! Come to Holiday Cheer and Gift Gear from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Hilton Vancouver Washington, 301 W. 6^th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660. Get a free photo with WSU’s mascot Butch T. Cougar and shop for Cougar gear at Crimson & Gray’s popup shop. 

Santa Butch will be wearing a traditional red shirt and cap trimmed in white faux fur. Holiday Butch will pose wearing a crimson sequin blazer. Santa Butch and Holiday Butch will alternate every 30 minutes. The family- and pet-friendly event is free and open to all.

In the spirit of the holidays, guests are encouraged to make a cash donation or bring nonperishable food items to the event to support WSU Vancouver’s Cougar Food Pantry. 

For more information, email Jacob Hirning at .hirning@wsu.edu">jacob.hirning@wsu.edu.

About WSU Vancouver

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

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

# # #

SALEM, Oregon — Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comments on proposed general park area rule updates that refine definitions, reflect agency practice, make rules easier to understand and provide more flexibility when possible.

Park area rules help guide public use of park properties and cover everything from the use of motor vehicles, bicycles and boats to day use and campground use. Proposed changes would address issues that staff face as visitation grows, make rules and penalties clearer and provide more flexibility for public services.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed updates now through 5 p.m. Jan. 17, 2025: 

• Submit comments online on the rules webpage 
• Attend a public hearing Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 5:30 PM
  • Registration required to provide public comment: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V89ta-sURvamrsaBaOnz0g
  • Watch the hearing: https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams

Two internal workgroups developed the proposed updates. The last group reviewed the rules with an inclusionary lens and sought external feedback to help remove possible barriers to park use. 

A Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) met three times last summer to suggest changes to the proposed rule updates developed by the two internal workgroups. RAC Members included mental health practitioners, representatives from the disability community, equestrian community and diversity and environmental conservationists. The committee included diverse stakeholders who currently use state parks and those who have faced barriers. Those meetings are posted online at https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams

One proposed update creates a clearer definition of the overnight campground stay limit. Currently, visitors can stay no more than 14 consecutive days in a 17-day period. This definition has caused confusion for visitors and staff. The proposed update defines the stay limit as no more than 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period to match most national parks. Another update includes language about traditional use for members of a federally recognized Oregon tribe. 

Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Helena Kesch at least three days in advance of the meeting at helena.kesch@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-881-4637.

Press Release  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
November 19, 2024 

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR 2025 IRIS AWARDS HONORING WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

Award recipients to be celebrated at the Iris Awards Luncheon, a cornerstone of the GVC’s Inspire HER Conference.

Vancouver, WA- The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Iris Awards, an esteemed recognition honoring women who exemplify outstanding achievement, leadership, philanthropy, and community service in southwest Washington. Established in 2012, with roots as the "Women of Achievement" awards dating back to 1985, the Iris Awards honor remarkable women who positively impact their communities. 

The award recipients will be celebrated at the Iris Awards Luncheon on Thursday, March 13, 2025, during GVC’s Inspire HER Conference—a premier leadership event designed to celebrate and empower professionals. This annual gathering highlights women’s contributions and achievements across the region and serves as an inspiring platform for professional growth and recognition. 

“We are proud to continue this legacy with the Iris Awards, which showcase the strength and vision of women leaders in southwest Washington,” said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “The contributions of these remarkable women have a lasting impact, and we look forward to honoring their work and commitment to our community.” 

Nominations for the 2025 Iris Awards are open to all, and submissions can be made online through the following link: https://form.jotform.com/243095510461148. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, January 14, 2025. For more information and a list of past Iris Awards honorees, visit the GVC website at https://www.vancouverusa.com/annual-events/past-iris-awards-honorees/.  

The 2025 Iris Awards Luncheon is made possible with the support of Presenting Sponsor Riverview Bank, as well as Award Sponsors Legacy Health and OnPoint Community Credit Union. To learn more about the awards, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket purchases for the Inspire HER Conference and Iris Awards Luncheon, please visit: VancouverUSA.com/InspireHERConference.  

About the Iris Awards

Wanting to recognize women of achievement in southwest Washington who exemplified leadership, philanthropy and community service was the inspiration for what is today the Iris Awards. This recognition program was launched in 1985 as Women of Achievement. For 39 years, the southwest Washington community has nominated outstanding women for recognition. The Iris Award was held to commemorate National Women’s History Month, to recognize International Women’s Day, and to honor volunteer efforts and community leadership of women in Clark County.   

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

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

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Iris Awards Official Link: 
https://www.vancouverusa.com/inspireherconference/#IrisAwards

Nomination Form:
https://form.jotform.com/243095510461148

WHAT: On Thursday, November 21 the Coquille Indian Tribe is hosting state legislators and other leaders as the Oregon Department of Human Services' Office of Resilience and Emergency Management conducts an emergency preparedness exercise and installs evacuation assembly point (EAP) equipment.

Members of the media are invited to tour the EAP equipment and attend a news conference. 

WHERE: Coquille Indian Tribe Plank House. Media parking at 1050 Plankhouse Road, Coos Bay, OR 97420.

WHEN: Thursday, November 21, 2024

• Members of the media may come and go anytime 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Key events:
  • 12:45 p.m. news conference
  • Speakers from the Coquille Indian Tribe, Oregon Legislature, Oregon Department of Human Services
  • 1:15 p.m. mass care demonstrations: 
    • United States Coast Guard demonstrating medical extraction and search and rescue.
    • CERFP demonstrating mass care triage capability.
    • Scappoose Fire demonstrating an unmanned aircraft system (aka drone).
  • 2:30 p.m. demonstrations end
• Video and still images of the exercise will be sent to media by 3:00 p.m. on November 21.

WHO: Leaders from the Coquille Indian Tribe, State legislators and leaders from Coos County and the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management

WHY: The Coquille Indian Tribe agreed to host the EAP supplies provided by OREM. The supplies are housed in metal shipping containers that store food, water, tents and medical supplies to support 100 people at the evacuation assembly point (EAP) for two weeks in the event of an emergency. Evacuation assembly points are short-term locations for people to gather while emergency responders work to access the impacted area, and stage people for evacuation. 

This is the third set of EAP equipment that OREM has placed on the Oregon Coast. Others are located at the Tillamook Municipal Airport and Newport Airport. These are pre-planned locations for people to be transported out of the immediate disaster area.

OREM is the lead state agency for mass care (e.g., shelter, food and water). Along with partners like the Coquille Indian Tribe, OREM has staged these supplies in coastal communities because they will be isolated from responders in the immediate aftermath of the Cascadia earthquake. 

HOW: For interviews or additional information please contact: 

• Sara Campos, ODHS OREM Public Information Officer, 971-208-1947 a.k.campos@odhs.oregon.gov">sara.k.campos@odhs.oregon.gov
• Tim Novotny, Coquille Indian Tribe Communications Director, 541-751-7491 timnovotny@coquilletribe.org

Portland Oregon, November 19, 2024–Rocky Butte Farmers Market (RBFM), Portland’s top notch neighborhood market with a block party vibe, is hosting a Fall Pop-Up Market from 10AM-3PM on Saturday, November 23, inside The People’s Courts, 2700 NE 82nd Ave., Portland, OR 97220

Get the best of fresh local fall produce for your favorite soup recipes and wrap up holiday shopping early with unique gifts made by local artisans. The market will feature local, sustainable and hand-crafted goods grown and created by area makers, farmers and small businesses. The Fall Pop-Up Market will also feature:

• Food demo
•  Live music by Brenna Larsen
•  Face painting plus a fun kids patch activity
• IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT PETS: Because this market is indoors, unfortunately you'll need to leave your furry friends at home this time!

Rocky Butte Farmers Market proudly accepts Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), matching up to $20 per market day with Double Up Food Bucks through a partnership with the Farmers Market Fund. 

An additional seasonal pop-up market will be held Saturday, DECEMBER 14TH inside The People’s Courts located at 2700 NE 82nd Ave., Portland, OR 97220. 

Learn more about Rocky Butte Farmers Market, and vendors at www.rockybuttemarket.com, and follow market happenings via Instagram and Facebook at @rockybuttefm.

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Meet the Incredibly Strong 5-Year-Old Whose Life was Saved by 40 Blood and Platelet Transfusions

Community encouraged to give blood in honor of this little hero

HILLSBORO, OR (November 19^th) — The community is invited to donate blood in honor of Emmi Bradley at a special American Red Cross blood drive November 21, 2024, from 9:30am to 2:30pm at Hidden Creek Community Center. Emmi and her mother, Stephanie, will be present and willing to talk to the media at the drive from 9:30am to 12pm. 

Emmi Bradley was only three years old when she was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia – a rare disease in which the bone marrow does not produce an adequate number of new blood cells.

She was reliant on blood and platelet transfusions until September of 2023 when she got a match and had a bone marrow transplant. 

Her mother, Stephanie Bradley, recalls, “She was surviving on blood and platelet donations for an entire year of her life. From her initial appointment on May 12^th, she spent 72 nights in the hospital, had 37 appointments that weren’t part of overnight stays, and 17 anesthesia procedures”. 

After going through the many long and tough days at the hospital, Stephanie says that blood and platelet donations, “saved our daughters life so if you can, you should donate. And it’s not a one-time thing, Emmi had 40 transfusions and that was just one person".

B-ROLLL & PHOTOS OF EMMI: here. 

READ MORE ABOUT HER STORY: here. 

Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help celebrate a person’s life. For the hour it takes to give blood, there could be a whole community of people thankful for another birthday given to a loved one.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass^® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. 

The countdown is on! The first day of the highly anticipated Holiday Express is almost here, and it’s your chance to ride a train pulled by a historic steam locomotive—an unforgettable experience like no other.

Santa's nearly ready—list checked, elves prepped, lights sparkling, and candy canes in hand. The only thing missing is YOU!

Get your tickets now for this beloved annual tradition. Create lasting memories with friends and family aboard the Holiday Express. Rides begin Nov. 29 and run every Friday - Sunday through Jan. 4.

Special Offer: Get 10% off select rides from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8! But don’t wait, tickets are selling fast.

Be part of the magic this holiday season. Reserve your seat today!

Press Log

First building on Clark’s new Ridgefield campus will serve students beginning spring 2025

RIDGEFIELD, Wash. – Leading developer and design-builder Mortenson will officially present Clark College with the keys to the Advanced Manufacturing Center, the first building on the Ridgefield campus, at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19. The ceremonial event will be held at Clark College, 7000 East Pioneer Street, Ridgefield. Speakers from Clark College and Mortenson will address an anticipated 100 guests.

At the celebration, Mortenson will present Clark College with a symbolic key to its new building. This event marks the completion of construction and the college will begin moving in and readying the space for classes to begin in 2025. General education classes will be held in the Advanced Manufacturing Center starting in spring 2025; by fall 2025, the facility will become the hub for the college’s advanced manufacturing program. 

The 49,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center at Clark College features a vast open manufacturing floor, collaboration zones, satellite instructional facilities, classrooms, laboratories, offices and more. The flexible design of the structure is envisioned to accommodate future growth and will serve students, Ridgefield and other north Clark County communities. 

Event details: 

• When: Tuesday, Nov. 19
  • 2:30 p.m. - Gathering time
  • 3 p.m.: Speaking program
  • 3:20 p.m.: Handing over the keys with Mortenson team members and Clark College mascot Oswald the Penguin 
  • 3:30 p.m.: Building tours, refreshments 
• Where: Advanced Manufacturing Center, Clark College, 7000 East Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, Washington

Speakers:  

• Dr. Karin Edwards, President, Clark College
• Sabra Sand, Vice President of Operations, Clark College
• Carolyn Sizemore, Market Director, Mortenson
• Kyle Womack, Principal, Hennebery Eddy Architects

Anticipated guests: 

• Clark College Foundation, Board of Trustees and administrators
• City of Ridgefield
• Design-build team members, including Mortenson, Hennebery Eddy and sub-consultants 
• Onsite craft workers and trade partners

Visuals:

• Speaking event
• Ceremonial key exchange 
• Reception

About Mortenson 

Mortenson is a U.S.-based, top-20 builder, developer, and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Mortenson’s expanding portfolio of integrated services helps its customers move their strategies forward, ensuring their investments result in high-performing assets. The result is a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers. Founded in 1954, Mortenson has operations across the U.S. with offices in Chicago, Denver, Fargo, Iowa City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit www.mortenson.com. 

About Clark College

Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90th year, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately three-quarters of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.

On Sunday evening (11/17/24), NDPD officers responded to a shots fired complaint near the intersection of HWY 99W and 11^th Street in Dundee. The caller reported witnessing two vehicles possibly involved in a road rage incident in which one of the occupants shot at the other vehicle. The caller provided a description of the vehicles involved and said they were traveling towards Newberg. 

An NDPD officer intercepted a vehicle matching the description as it sped recklessly through downtown Newberg. A traffic stop was attempted; however, the driver did not stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. 

The pursuit ended after the suspect vehicle crashed into multiple parked cars in the 1100 block of North Meridian Street in Newberg. One of the parked vehicles was occupied. The occupant, a 47-year-old male, sustained significant injuries and was transported to OHSU. 

The suspect vehicle was occupied by two males. Both males were taken into custody.  Firearms were recovered from the vehicle.

The driver, William Gabrielsen (43 y/o of Hillsboro), was charged with Elude (Felony), Assault in the Third Degree (Felony), Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver to Injured Persons (Felony), two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Felony), Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (Felony), Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle (Felony), Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver for damaged property, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, Criminal Driving While Suspended, three counts of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, three counts of Reckless Endangering, Resisting Arrest, and Interfering with a Police Officer. 

The passenger, Neo Gabrielsen (20 y/o of Hillsboro), was arrested and charged with Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle (Felony), Hindering Prosecution (Felony), and Unlawful use of a Weapon (Felony). 

This is an active investigation. If you have any information you believe may be helpful, please contact NDPD by calling the non-emergency number (503) 538-8321 and ask to speak with Detective Mitchell.

Update: With the assistance of our UAS and K9 teams, officers located and arrested Gabriel Saucedo for multiple warrants.  The shelter in place has been lifted and roads are reopened.

Original Release:

Gresham, Ore.— Gresham Police are searching for a wanted person near NE 195^th Ave and NE Clackamas St.  The suspect fled into the neighborhood while officers were attempting to arrest him on warrants for multiple violent crimes.  Officers believe the suspect is armed.  Area residents are being asked to shelter in place and call 911 if they see anything suspicious.  Some roads in the area are closed.   

Vancouver, WA, November 18, 2024 - YWCA Clark County is seeking local businesses and community members donate new unwrapped toys and gifts by Monday, December 16 to make Holiday Shop magical for families in need.

Holiday Shop allows participants from YWCA's SafeChoice Domestic Violence Program, Sexual Assault Program, and Y's Care Therapeutic Preschool Program to select gifts for their families at no cost, providing empowering shopping experience over three days in December.

Businesses can participate by hosting gift tags for their employees, customers, or members to select and purchase gifts; or share the Amazon and Target Holiday Shop wish lists via company email or internal newsletters. The team at Anytime Fitness in Vancouver put out a challenge to their members that each gift will equal ten burpees for staff, all for a good cause.

"Our Holiday Shop is more than just gift-giving; it's about giving back power and autotomy to those that have survived domestic violence and sexual assault. Financial abuse is part of domestic violence and often survivors worry about gift giving over the holidays as they enter our SafeChoice Domestic Violence programming,” says Brittini Lasseigne, YWCA Clark County CEO. "We're calling on our community to help make this holiday season special for these resilient families.”

The deadline for gift donations is Monday, December 16. Individuals can also volunteer at the event as gift wrappers for three hours shifts from December 17-19.

The Holiday Shop is organized to provide a range of gifts, including stocking stuffers, small gifts, medium gifts ($10-25 range), large gifts ($25+), teen gifts, and household items. Each child typically receives a carefully curated selection of gifts across these categories.

For those unable to host gift tags, YWCA Clark County offers alternative ways to contribute:

• Purchasing directly from the organization's Amazon or Target wish lists.
• Volunteering time to wrap gifts at the Holiday Shop. 
• Making monetary donations to support the program.

"The generosity of our community partners is crucial in making the Holiday Shop a success," added Erin Stepanek, YWCA Community Relations Officer. "Every contribution, big or small, helps us create a magical holiday experience for those who need it most."

For more information on how to get involved with the Holiday Shop program, visit https://www.ywcaclarkcounty.org/holiday-shop.

About YWCA Clark County: 
Founded in 1916, YWCA Clark County is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  YWCA Clark County began as a lunch counter serving women in the workforce.  Today, the organization offers six core programs where women, children and men find safe harbor from domestic violence and sexual assault to begin their journey to healing and hope.  For more information about YWCA Clark County, please visit: www.ywcaclarkcounty.org

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Salem, Ore. —The City of Salem is excited to announce Z.E.U.S. as the name for our all-electric compact street sweeper! Z.E.U.S stands for Zero Emission Utility Sweeper, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly street maintenance. The name was suggested by 8^th grade student Zaidee Salazar and received the majority of the more than 1,300 responses. 

The contest received more than 650 name suggestions, with the finalists picked based on their originality and creativity. Over the next few weeks, the new street sweeper will be outfitted with custom logos and graphics and begin its work clearing narrow paths, sidewalks, alleyways, and other tight spaces of leaves and debris this December.

More about the Sweeper

The eSwingo 200+ EV Sweeper is a fully electric, compact sweeper that’s built to tackle narrow spaces like park trails, bike paths, and alleys. This 100% electric sweeper produces zero carbon emissions, can operate for up to 10 hours before needing a recharge, and runs quietly with a sustainable design. 

Thanks to a $337,443 grant through the DEQ’s Oregon Clean Fuels Program and PGE’s Drive Change Fund, the City of Salem was able to purchase this cutting-edge sweeper. The Drive Change Fund, established in 2019, has awarded millions of dollars for new electric vehicles and chargers across Oregon, supporting cleaner air and lower emissions in our communities. This new electric sweeper is a significant addition to the City’s Climate Action Plan, specifically supporting Strategy TL-30 to transition all city vehicles to electric.

The City of Salem is committed to creating a greener future and reducing our carbon footprint. We extend our thanks to the DEQ’s Oregon Clean Fuels Program and PGE for helping make this progress possible. 

To see a map of your neighborhoods street sweeping schedule, go to the Find your streetsweeper schedule webpage.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Robert Gary Gammell, died November 11, 2024. Gammell was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Gammell entered DOC custody on July 7, 2020, from Marion County with an earliest release date of November 3, 2028. Gammell was 68 years old. 

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

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.

Please note - the delay in public notification is due to a technical difficulty with the messaging platform DOC uses.

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Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver has extended the deadline to apply for volunteer positions on two advisory boards and commissions. The new deadline to apply for the following City boards is Dec. 20 (previously Nov. 1):

• Downtown Redevelopment Authority Board (DRA): A public corporation chartered by the City that owns the Vancouver Hilton Hotel and Convention Center (Hilton) downtown and oversees its operations, finances and promotion. DRA is also one of the major partners in the City’s Waterfront Gateway Project, a long-term redevelopment plan for the City-owned properties around the Hilton.
• Vancouver Public Facilities Board (VPFD): This volunteer board owns several parcels of land downtown, including the parcel under the Hilton in downtown Vancouver. The land is leased to the City’s DRA. The VPFD receives funding from the state sales tax credit program and transfers it to the DRA. The sales tax credit revenue funds a portion of the tax-supported bonds issued to finance the construction of the Hilton. The VPFD board is also responsible for approving annual budgets and monitoring the use of the funds. 

Learn more and apply for either board at www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. For a printed application or further information, contact the boards and commissions coordinator in the City Manager’s Office at P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995, c_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us">bc_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us, or by calling 360-487-8600.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power Foundation announces new grants to organizations focused on community enhancement and the environment

PORTLAND, Ore. (Nov 18) — Community-serving organizations in Oregon, Washington and California transform hope into action every day by showing up to care for their neighbors and the environment. The Pacific Power Foundation is supporting this important work with a new round of grants to local organizations that are committed to fostering resilient cities, towns and natural areas in our region.

The foundation is donating a total of $175,000 in grants across the three states to underwrite a diverse range of programs and projects, from affordable housing access, job training and rural economic development to ecosystem preservation, trail restoration and nature-based education.

“These organizations lift up our communities and protect our natural surroundings for future generations,” said Ryan Flynn, director of the Pacific Power Foundation and president of Pacific Power. “It is an honor to support their inspiring work and help build communities where everyone can flourish.”

This round of grants, focused on community enhancement and environmental respect, is one of four grant cycles offered by the foundation annually. A total of 63 grants were given to local Oregon, Washington and California organizations. Sample grants include:

Washington-based Organizations: 

Columbia County Washington

Washington Water Trust

Zillah Scouts BSA 555

Canyon Blooms Petals for Patients

Yakima Greenway Foundation

Yakima Valley College

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About the Pacific Power Foundation: 

The PacifiCorp Foundation, doing business as the Pacific Power Foundation in Oregon, Washington and California, is one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The foundation was created by PacifiCorp, an energy company that serves over 2 million customers across a diverse six-state region in the West as Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California) and Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power. Since it started in 1988, the PacifiCorp Foundation has awarded more than $77 million to nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit PacificPower.net/Foundation.

Lake Oswego, Ore. – The Hospital Association of Oregon Board of Trustees has elected Joe Ness, interim executive vice president and interim CEO of OHSU Health, and Tom Gessel, president and CEO of Asante, to serve as member trustees on the board of trustees. Both were elected to fill vacancies on the board.  

“We are excited to have these two outstanding leaders join the board,” said Hospital Association of Oregon President and CEO Becky Hultberg. “Both Joe and Tom have spent their careers improving the health care system, and each brings a wealth of leadership experience. They will make great additions to the board at this critical time for hospitals and the communities they serve.” 

Since 2018, Ness has also been a senior vice president and the chief operating officer at OHSU Health, where he has executive leadership responsibilities for OHSU Healthcare (OHSU Hospital and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital), including professional and support services, perioperative services, Knight Cancer Institute’s clinical oncology services, organ procurement organization, and major capital construction initiatives. Ness earned a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Washington.  

Gessel joined Asante in 2023 and serves as president and CEO.  He brings 25 years of executive experience, with 20 years at the president and CEO level. Gessel previously served as group president for a 20-hospital system in Colorado and has led a variety of hospitals throughout his career. He holds a master’s degree in health administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.  

About the Hospital Association of Oregon 
Founded in 1934, the Hospital Association of Oregon is a mission-driven, nonprofit trade association representing Oregon’s 61 community hospitals. Together, hospitals are the sixth largest private employer statewide, employing more than 70,000 employees. Committed to fostering a stronger, safer, more equitable Oregon where all people have access to the care they need, the hospital association provides services to Oregon’s hospitals ensuring all are able to deliver dependable, comprehensive health care to their communities; educates government officials and the public on the state’s health landscape and works collaboratively with policymakers, community based organizations and the health care community to build consensus on and advance health care policy benefiting the state’s four million residents.   

Meet Santa and enjoy carnival rides!

[SALEM, OR] There’s no place like the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center for the holidays! Starting November 22, join us for our first-ever Holiday Village, the perfect place to create lasting memories with your family and friends.

Our Livestock Pavilion will transform into a charming market with music from local artists, and DJs from 98.7’s The Bull. Enjoy classic Christmas tunes while you indulge in delicious holiday treats like apple pie funnel cakes and fried gingerbread! 

On the weekends, you can have photos taken with Santa! The fun doesn’t stop there – we’ll have a petting station where you can interact and take pictures with miniature horses too.  Plus, take a spin on one of eight carnival rides, including their Merry Go Round. You can buy one ride for $5 or 5 for $20. 

We’ll spotlight a different charity each weekend, so you’ll also have a chance to give back to your community:

• 11/22-11/24 & 11/29-12/1: The Marion Polk Food Share will accept canned food donations.
• 12/5-12/8: Union Gospel Mission will host their New Sock Drive, collecting socks for those in need this Winter.
• 12/12-12/15: Family Building Blocks will accept books, toys, and kids’ activity donations for children up to 5 years old.
• 12/19-12/22: Marion and Polk County YMCA will put up a tree allowing people to sponsor kids' sports and donate money for activities. 

At the same time, FOX 12’s Magic of Lights will take thousands of visitors through our Fairgrounds to enjoy more than 2 million lights showcasing beautiful Christmas scenes, a 200-foot tunnel of lights, and colorful displays with familiar faces like Barbie! The Magic of Lights runs through January 4.

If you’re only visiting our Holiday Village, parking is $5. However, if you tour the Magic of Lights, parking is free! There is no charge to enter the village. For more information, visit oregonstateexpo.org/magic.

Holiday Village hours: 

Thursday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Saturday - Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Closed on Thanksgiving

Magic of Lights hours: 

Monday-Thursday 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday- Sunday 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Starting December 6, open until 10:00 PM nightly

About the Oregon State Fair:
The Oregon State Fair is a public/private entity owned by the people of Oregon. The Fair began in 1861 in Oregon City. In 1862, the Fair moved to the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem, the State Capitol. The Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center hosts thousands of visitors from all over the world each year, with premier concerts, art, culture, rides, agricultural exhibits, and livestock exhibits. Throughout the year, the Fair and Expo Center works with multiple agencies to help facilitate emergency and disaster response needs. For more information, visit oregonstatefair.org or contact us at info@oregonstatefair.org 

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will once again offer free day-use parking the day after Thanksgiving to encourage Oregonians to enjoy the outdoors.

Popularly known as “Green Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on Nov. 29 this year, has become a tradition for many families. State parks will waive day-use parking fees in the 23 parks that are open and charge for parking. (Fall Creek and Nehalem Bay charge for parking but are closed.)

“We’re excited to continue this tradition and offer everyone the opportunity to get outside and explore,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. 

Parking is free year-round at almost all of Oregon’s approximately 250 state parks; the waiver applies to the parks that charge for parking. The current $5 daily fee is going up to $10 starting Jan. 2, 2025, but the prices for 12-month and 24-month permits are staying the same at $30 and $50, respectively. Learn more about the increasing fees on our website. 

The parks that charge parking fees include popular destinations such as Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Silver Falls, Champoeg, L.L. Stub Stewart, Smith Rock and Milo McIver. A complete list of the 25 parks that require day-use parking permits is available online.

The fee waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 29, except at Shore Acres State Park where it expires at 4 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. 

Use #OregonStateParks and #GreenFriday on social media to share your adventures. 

The day after Thanksgiving is one of three days a year that Oregon State Parks waives the day-use parking fees. Other days include First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day and Oregon State Parks Day the first Saturday in June, which also includes free camping. 

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For Immediate Release
 

38 Art Exploration students and 32 2-Dimensional Art students at Lake Oswego
Middle School students were among more the 600,000 children ages 11-13
around the world who submitted entries in the Lions International Peace Poster
Contest. Lions International sponsors the program annually to emphasize the
importance of world peace to young people everywhere.
Lucy Eder, a 6th grader in the Art Exploration class who says, “Peace is a
choice, and I hope more people will make it.” and Brock Durrett, a 7
th grader in the 2-Dimensional Art class who says “Peace generates happiness, love,
and compassion and these are the 3 things we need in the world.” have
taken the first step to become an internationally recognized artist by winning a
local competition sponsored by the Lake Oswego Lions Club.
A winning poster was selected from The Art Exploration entries and one from the
2-Dimensional Art entries by members and guest who attended the November 5th
meeting of the Lake Oswego Lions Club at Lakewood Center for the Arts for its
originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Peace Without
Limits”
Lake Oswego Lions Club President, Sharon Rollins, said she was impressed
by the expression and creativity of the students at Lake Oswego Middle School.
“It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace
means to them. I’m so proud that we were able to provide these two groups of
young artists with the opportunity to share their visions.”
“Lucy’s and Brock’s posters will advance to the district level and one of them
could go on to multiple district and international levels of competition to be
declared the international grand prize winner,” said LOLC and District 36-O
Peace Poster Contest Chair, Bonnie Roeder.

One international grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be
selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of $5,000 and will be
recognized at a special Lions International awards ceremony. The 23 merit
award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.
“Our club is cheering for LOM winning posters as they advance in the
competition, and we hope their vision will ultimately be shared with others around
the world,” Rollins said.
Locally, Lucy and Brock and their Art Teacher, Mrs. Wendy Hinderhofer will be
honored for their participation by the Lake Oswego Lions Club during their annual
Holiday celebration on Tuesday, December 10th at Lakewood Center for the Arts.
For additional information about the Lions International Peace Poster Contest,
visit www.lionsclubs.org/peaceposter.
Lions International is the largest membership-based service organization in the
world. Our 1.4 million members in more than 49,000 clubs are serving in 200
countries and geographic areas. Since 1917, Lions have improved health and
well-being, strengthened communities and supported those in need, locally and
globally. At Lions Clubs International our motto is “We Serve.” Learn more about
who we are and what we do at lionsclubs.org.

New dashboard ​shows progress toward Portland’s climate goals and provides unprecedented transparency into carbon emissions and energy data 

Portland, Ore.— Last month, the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) published a Climate and Energy Dashboard. This interactive data visualization tool shares energy use and greenhouse gas emissions for the region and makes data available for download.

Portland and Multnomah County have been tracking local carbon emissions for more than 30 years using an annual sector-based emissions inventory. The new dashboard data is current through calendar year 2022, unless otherwise noted, and will be updated annually to reflect the latest data available. 

Over the coming year, additional data resources will be added and will ultimately include data on climate actions, emissions from government operations and consumption-based emissions.

Portland gathers and uses data for Multnomah County for its emissions inventory, which is compliant with the Global Protocol for Community Scale Greenhouse Gas inventories. This is done for a variety of reasons, including a long history of climate action collaboration with Multnomah County.

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About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability 

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) oversees a world-renowned waste and recycling system and leads the country in its commitment to digital equity, open data, and protecting communities in the application of technologies. Staff collaborate with partners on neighborhood, economic, historic, and environmental planning and provide research, policy, and technical services to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change. The bureau also oversees the innovative Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).

With approval by the district’s board of directors, the following administrative changes are taking place at three schools.

Daybreak Primary School
Jessica Berry has been named the school’s new assistant principal, replacing Joe Manning, who left the district to pursue other opportunities in education. Berry was previously a fifth grade teacher at Laurin Middle School and completed her administrative internship during the 2023-24 school year.

Pleasant Valley Primary School
Kirstin Kunihisa will be Pleasant Valley Primary’s new assistant principal. She was previously an associate principal at Fort Vancouver High School in Vancouver Public Schools. Kunihisa will replace Mari Schauer, who will be returning to an academic support coordinator position. In this role, she’ll support schools in meeting students’ academic needs.

Laurin Middle School
Everett Klodt is joining Laurin as its newest assistant principal, working closely with Principal Eric Sakshaug and Assistant Principal Kelsey Kai. Klodt’s role was added to support growing student enrollment and other needs at Laurin. Previously he was an instructional coach and dean of students at Cascade Middle School in Evergreen Public Schools. 

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is excited to invite the public to a special open house event commemorating its 175th anniversary. Established in 1849, CCSO was the first law enforcement agency in Washington.

The open house will occur on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, at the Clark County Historical Museum in Vancouver. 

This event will offer a unique opportunity to explore the history of the Sheriff’s Office through displays of old photographs, vintage uniforms, memorabilia, and artifacts that showcase our legacy of service. Current and retired members of CCSO, many of whom have devoted decades of service to the agency, will be on hand to share their experiences and reflect on the agency’s significant role in shaping law enforcement in Clark County.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024
• Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Location: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660

“As we mark 175 years of service to our community, we are proud to reflect on the dedicated work of those who have served with us through the years,” said Sheriff John Horch. “We are proud to be the first law enforcement agency in Washington, and we remain committed to protecting and serving the people of Clark County. This event is a chance to honor our past, celebrate our present, and look ahead to the future,” Sheriff Horch added.

For more information about the history of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, please visit our website at https://clark.wa.gov/sheriff.

We thank the Clark County Historical Museum for partnering with us for this special event. To learn more about CCHM, please visit https://cchmuseum.org.

BEND, OR — Days are shorter, and the air is colder … winter is coming! Experience the warmth of the High Desert Museum every Thursday in December during Winter Nights—a special time of extended evening hours, engaging exhibitions, discounted rates and festive activities for all.  

This year’s Winter Nights features: 

• December 5: Welcome to Winter — Ease into the first Winter Nights event of the season dressed in your ugliest sweater or wackiest hat!  Visitors can learn how to print their own wrapping paper and enjoy a festive photo booth. Local food and beverage vendors will provide tasty samples, and dinner or a treat will be available in the Rimrock Café. Silver Sage Trading will feature holiday deals and complimentary gift wrapping. And everyone’s favorites--cookie decorating and storytelling--will happen all evening long. 

• December 12: Feels Like Flannel– Flannel is the fabric of the season! Don your grungiest flannel as you scout out our new Blood, Sweat & Flannel exhibition after hours. Create your own flannel art. Regional food and beverage samplings, cookie decorating and storytelling will delight adults and children alike. Silver Sage Trading–with holiday deals and gift wrapping–and the Rimrock Café will also be open throughout the evening. 

• December 19: Paws and Paint– Attention animal lovers! Hightail it to the Museum after dark for a look at our new exhibition Neighbors: Wildlife Paintings by Hilary Baker. Visit with Hilary (in-person) to learn more about her art! Plus express yourself with watercolor painting, decorate cookies, sample food and beverages and more. Animal-themed outfits are highly encouraged. 

• December 28: By the Fireside – This is your ticket to get the entire family out of the house in their pajamas! Take family pajama portraits in our photo booth, enjoy story time with your kiddos, design your own lighted lantern, decorate holiday cookies, savor food and beverage tastings from regional craft vendors and more. 

All interior exhibitions are open for Winter Nights. This includes Sensing Sasquatch, which shares the works and stories of five Indigenous artists around this “non-human other” who is often considered a Pacific Northwest pop culture icon. Catch this exhibition in its last month—it's open through January 12, 2025. 

In Rick Bartow: Animal Kinship, from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, visitors can experience works from one of Oregon’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Bartow (Wiyot, d. 2016) created two-dimensional and sculptural works that draw from Indigenous stories as well as his interest in nature and wildlife. It’s open through February 9, 2025. 

Winter Nights visitors can also explore the new original exhibit Blood, Sweat & Flannel, which opened on November 2 and will be on display through June 29, 2025. This exhibition invites visitors to explore the stories behind flannel—a fabric that goes beyond clothing to reflect the history of work and culture in the High Desert region. From logging to grunge, the exhibit travels through time. It also includes audio.  

And on Saturday, December 7, the Museum will open the new exhibition Neighbors: Wildlife Paintings by Hilary Baker. The Los Angeles-based artist creates vibrant paintings that juxtapose wildlife in urban settings. The exhibition will be open through April 6, 2025. 

Admission for Winter Nights for adults is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. During Winter Nights, it’s always $6 for ages 3-12. Ages 2 and under—and Museum members—are free. 

Visitors who arrive earlier in the day may stay for Winter Nights without paying additional admission. The outdoor exhibits are closed during Winter Nights. Regular winter hours are 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. More information and tickets are available at highdesertmuseum.org/winter-nights.  

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: 

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

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What: Donation Celebration-Gresham Ford donates a 2023 Ford Explorer Platinum vehicle to Gresham High School’s (GHS) automotive program in a special ceremony.

Date: November 18, 2024

Time: 1:00 pm 

Where:  Gresham High School

              1200 North Main Avenue

               Gresham, OR 97030

The event will include representatives from the Gresham Ford Dealership and Ford Motor Company, GHS administrators, the GHS automotive instructor, and students currently in the program. The event will celebrate the longstanding partnership to bring Ford technology and automobile education to the students in Gresham High School’s automotive technology courses. 

Gresham Ford’s partnership with GHS

In addition to the vehicle donation, Gresham Ford sponsors GHS students' access to the new Ford Tech’s Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program. Through the program, students explore automotive careers in high school before entering the workforce and obtain valuable knowledge of Ford and Lincoln vehicle training. These courses are a subset of the same courses taken by current service technicians. The ACE program creates a funnel of high school graduates who are qualified technicians.

After high school, students can continue their automotive training at Mount Hood Community College’s (MHCC) Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) program. 

Gresham High is committed to providing students with industry-standard knowledge and skills to help them successfully transition from high school to post-secondary education, training, or directly into industry. 

Despite ten months of negotiations, nurses who went on strike in June are still working with no contract  

WHAT: Before heading into another mediation session on Tuesday, Nov. 19, frontline nurses who work at Providence Medford will host a solidarity rally to remind the community that they are still working without a contract.  

Nurses are concerned about patient care at Providence Medford and are asking Providence executives to commit to competitive pay and benefits, so they recruit and retain more nurses. Some have reported that just in the last month, Providence Medford has lost about a dozen nurses to other jobs. This is unsustainable and could lead to disastrous outcomes for people in Medford.

The nurses at Providence Medford are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). ONA represents almost 5,000 frontline nurses working in nine Providence Health System facilities from Portland to Medford. Nurses are standing together to raise standards for nurses, patients and communities within Providence--Oregon’s largest health care system and one of the state’s largest corporations.  

WHEN: November 18, 2024  
Rally from 3:30-4:30 p.m.    
Speakers: 4 p.m. 
Times are approximate

WHERE: Providence Medford Medical Center, 1111 Crater Lake Ave., Medford  

WHO: ONA frontline nurses and community supporters. A short program will feature:

• State Rep. Pam Marsh, Dist. 5
• ONA President Tamie Cline, RN
• Bargaining team nurses from Providence Medford

WHY: Since bargaining began in January of 2024, nurses have made progress on lower-priority bargaining topics, but they are frustrated with the disappointing counterproposals Providence has offered for their top issues of safe staffing and competitive pay and benefits. They have made every effort to meet Providence in a place that everyone can agree on and have already made concessions.  

ONA nurses are rallying a day before another round of negotiations to show management that they are united and demanding a fair contract. The focus is on recruitment, retention and respect. The turnover at Providence Medford is high and if a competitive offer is not supplied nurses will continue to leave the facility for hospitals with better pay and benefits.  

Nurses at Providence St. Vincent, Providence Newberg, Providence Willamette Falls, and Providence Milwaukie along with hospitalists from Providence St. Vincent and nurses and providers at Providence Women’s Clinic have already authorized strikes. Nurses at Providence Hood River and Providence Portland are in the midst of strike votes and Providence Seaside RNs will open a strike vote later this month.  

Rain or shine, the community is encouraged to attend the rally to show support for the caregivers they rely on.  

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of 20,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

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Press Log

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: November 17, 2024

Two adults, three teens arrested in assault incident, weapon seized

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police arrested four teenagers and one adult early Sunday in an assault incident in northeast Salem.

At approximately 4:30 a.m. Sunday, a police officer en route to work observed five male subjects physically assaulting a man in the area of Market ST and Hawthorne AV NE. The suspects then quickly fled the area in a vehicle. 

Salem officers responded in search of the suspect vehicle which was located about 20 minutes later by a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy near the intersection of Lancaster DR and Center ST NE. 

The occupants of the involved vehicle were apprehended without incident. A handgun was located inside the vehicle and seized. 

Horacio Chavez Soto, age 20, and Manuel Contreras Rivera, age 19, both of Salem were taken into custody. Both were lodged on the charge of riot, and each has since been released. 

Three juveniles, two age 16 and one age 17, were detained and transported to the Marion County Juvenile Department. One 16-year-old boy faces charges of riot and unlawful possession of a weapon (the firearm). The other two teens are charged with riot.

All further inquiries into this investigation should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

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Multiple patients transported to St Johns Medical Center after a rollover collision in the 9500 Block of State Route 4.

November 17, 2024

At 0454 hours Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue was dispatched for an injury accident in the 9500 Block of State Route 4. 

911 dispatchers received multiple calls about the accident advising it was a rolled over vehicle with 6 patients. The responding Battalion Chief requested additional ambulances and fire engines to assist with patient care. Mutual aid was provided by Longview Fire Department. A lifeFlight helicopter was placed on standby at the Kelso Airport for potential transport to hospitals in Vancouver and Portland. The first Cowlitz 2 unit to arrive advised of a rolled over vehicle blocking the roadway with a total of 6 occupants, two of the patients were deemed critical with one of those being ejected from the vehicle in the rollover. 4 patients were able to walk or stand and had less severe injuries. 5 patients were transported from the scene to St Johns medical center and one was taken by Washington State Patrol to St Johns Medical Center for evaluation. 

In total, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and Longview Fire Department sent 5 ALS ambulances, 3 ALS engine and ladder crews, 1 Battalion Chief and one Chief Officer. 

Battalion Chief Joe Tone 

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