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

Carsyn Woolfolk, age 5, and Abel Woolfolk, age 7, are children who went missing from Portland on Sept. 4. They were found Sept. 17.

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

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

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UPDATE: Please note the link to view the livestream and/or the post-meeting recording has been updated. 

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Douglas County Dog Control Advisory Board will hold a meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, Room 216, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, Oregon 97470.

The agenda meeting agenda can be located at: www.dcso.com/dogboard. 

To view the live stream or post-meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to submit public comment related to specific agenda items. Members of the public who wish to comment can do so: (1) In person, (2) by submitting via email at kaylee.tucker@douglascountyor.gov or (3) by virtual format via Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 231 251 615 228 (Passcode: md3oF6dW)

As part of public policy, Douglas County will attempt to provide public accessibility to services, programs, and activities. If accommodation is needed to participate at this meeting, please contact Kaylee Tucker (541) 440-4449 kaylee.tucker@douglascountyor.gov at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

September 17, 2025

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

State, local officials discuss West Coast Health Alliance vaccine recommendations, vaccine access updates for Oregon today at 5 p.m

PORTLAND, Ore.—State and local officials have scheduled a virtual media briefing for 5 p.m. today—Wednesday, Sept. 17—to discuss new vaccine recommendations from the West Coast Health Alliance, vaccine access updates, and the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season.

Members of the media can join via Zoom at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1617974314?pwd=4PbgSfKyRg7RGjAnAb0Re2NsRYfzL3.1. A livestream for the public is available via YouTube at https://youtube.com/live/2TydWPMLOVc.

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PORTLAND, Ore. — Get outside with your community while improving the natural beauty of Oregon and Washington’s public lands! On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Bureau of Land Management will be restoring hiking trails, pulling weeds at pollinator gardens, picking up trash on the beach, and enhancing natural habitats with the help of National Public Lands Day volunteers.

Held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day has helped volunteers restore America’s public lands since 1994.

Last year, the Bureau of Land Management hosted 132 events across the country. Over 9,000 volunteers got outside, contributing over 54,000 hours of service worth over $1.6 million towards the improvement of their favorite natural places.

“National Public Lands Day is one of our most important events,” said Morgan Rubanow, BLM Oregon/Washington volunteer program specialist. “Each year, volunteers leave these natural spaces healthier and more beautiful, all while getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors.”

At NPLD events, the BLM provides volunteers with tools, safety gear, and materials needed for each project.

Ready to get involved? Find a few of the events held in Oregon and Washington this year below:

• Pick up trash and remove vegetation at the Steward Pond Disc Golf Course in Eugene, Ore.
• Beautify the beaches at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport, Ore.
• Restore habitats and remove fences in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument near Ashland, Ore.
• Improve trails at the Fishtrap Recreation Area in Sprague, Wash.
• Remove weeds from the pollinator gardens in the Wood River Wetlands near Klamath Falls, Ore.
• And many more!

Learn more and find the full list of NPLD events at blm.gov/national-public-lands-day.

-BLM-

The BLM manages roughly 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.

This morning, at approximately 2:54 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash near the 10,700 block of Crosby Rd NE in Woodburn.

When first responders arrived, they located a sedan with significant damage. The male driver, identified as 37-year-old Miguel Arellano Perez of Hubbard, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two passengers were also in the vehicle; one was transported by ambulance, and the other was transported by Life Flight to area hospitals with serious injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately six hours while the investigation was conducted. Please expect traffic delays in the area. Updates will be provided as they become available.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank METCOM, Woodburn Fire and Ambulance, Aurora Fire Department, the Marion County CRASH Team, and Marion County Public Works for their assistance with this tragic incident. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families affected by the crash.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power Launches Cool Keeper

A customer incentive program to increase reliability and grid efficiency while keeping costs low

MEDFORD, Ore. (September 17, 2025) — Pacific Power is introducing Cool Keeper, a demand response program that optimizes electricity use on summer days, helping customers stay comfortable while supporting a reliable and efficient energy grid. 

Cool Keeper is a way for residential customers to benefit the environment and help keep electricity costs low during hot summer months. Through a simple device installed free of charge on air conditioners and heat pumps, Pacific Power can partner with customers to temporarily reduce energy use without compromising comfort.  

More about the program: 

• How it works: Cool Keeper devices installed on central cooling systems can be activated if there is an unexpected shift in electricity supply. The devices cycle the unit off for a brief period - typically just 5 minutes. When hundreds of devices are activated together, this brief reduction in energy use gives the grid the flexibility it needs to rebalance.  Even when the device is activated, the indoor fan keeps running, circulating cool air to keep the home comfortable. 
• Free installation: Outdoor-only installation is quick, easy and requires no appointment. Pacific Power’s trained technicians will provide and install the device free of charge.
• Annual incentive: Participants sign up just once, and then receive a $30 bill credit every year, distributed in monthly increments from May through September. 
• Benefits: Through Cool Keeper, Pacific Power and customers can work together to make our existing energy grid smarter and more efficient – reducing the need to invest in additional generation or make expensive energy purchases.     

“Cool Keeper is a win-win for our customers and the community,” said Shawn Grant, director of customer innovations at Pacific Power. “It’s an easy way to stay comfortable while contributing to energy reliability and sustainability.” 

Each customer who participates in Cool Keeper gives the existing infrastructure a little more flexibility to support the integration of renewable energy supply and the increasing demand for power, reducing the need for energy grid upgrades.

To participate, customers must have an eligible cooling system. Most central air conditioning units and central heat pumps qualify; however, eligibility will be confirmed during an on-site visit.  

The program will initially be available in select areas for Pacific Power customers in Oregon. As the program expands in 2026, more customers will be able to enroll. 

To learn more or sign up, visit PacificPower.net/CoolKeeper or call 1-800-357-9214. 

Digital Press Kit

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About Pacific Power

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

Salem, Ore. – If you missed the April 15 tax filing deadline you can still file your 2024 taxes. Thanks to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Tax Infrastructure Grant Program free tax filing help is available through October 15. There is no penalty for filing now if you are due refund money.  In fact, now is an excellent time to get free tax filing help because there are many open appointments for free help.

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds community organizations throughout the state to offer free tax filing help for people who qualify. See below to pick the best location for free tax help.

Some taxpayers choose not to file a return because they don't earn enough to be required to file. But if you don’t file, you may miss out on receiving money back due to possible refundable tax credits. Examples include the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Oregon Kids Credit.

Free help is also available to anyone who may have received a letter from the Department of Revenue or the Internal Revenue Service about their tax filing. Taxpayers may also receive letters about a change to their return or an amount owed. Free tax filing organizations can help with the appropriate response to these letters, including translating them if necessary.

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds culturally relevant or culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments and rural community organizations to help educate and provide free tax filing help for people with low incomes. Help is available in multiple languages. The grant money is also used to increase the number of certified tax preparers in Oregon.

Where to get free help filing taxes:

• 211Info: Call 2-1-1 or email help@211info.org for a list of all the free tax    filing help.

• Oregon State University (OSU); vita@oregonstate.edu; 541-737-3371; Corvallis, Bend, Eugene OSU VITA website:
• CASH Oregon; info@Cashoregon.org; 503-243-7765; Portland, Beaverton, Gresham
•  Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO); TAX@irco.org; 971- 427-3993; Portland, Ontario
•  Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos; debbiec@Centrodspc.org; 503-982- 0243; Woodburn
•  Latino Community Association; info@latinocommunityassociation.org; 541-382-4366; Bend, Redmond
• United Way Jackson County; unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org; 541-864-5092; Medford

•  Moneywise Oregon; dan@moneywiseoregon.org; 541-670-5054; Coos Bay, Roseburg

For more information, visit the Help Filing Taxes webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/tax-help.aspx#help.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 17, 2025

CONTACT INFORMATION:
umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist

(971) 301-3771

Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT

David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Adds 6,900 Jobs in August

In August, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 6,900 jobs, following a revised gain of 100 jobs in July. August’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+2,500 jobs); leisure and hospitality (+1,500); government (+1,100); and other services (+1,000). Losses were largest in wholesale trade (-1,100 jobs).

Health care and social assistance continued its rapid expansion of the past several years, adding 11,600 jobs, or 3.8%, during the past 12 months. Nursing and residential care facilities added 400 jobs in August and 3,900 jobs, or 6.8%, since August 2024. Hospitals, which added no jobs in August, grew the second fastest of health care’s component industries in the past 12 months (+2,900 jobs, or 4.6%). Social assistance (+2,400 jobs, or 3.0%) and ambulatory health care services (+2,300 jobs, or 2.2%) had slower growth over the year.

Leisure and hospitality grew 2.0% in the past 12 months, gaining 4,100 jobs, following little change the prior two years. Since last August, most of its published component industries added between 2% and 4%. Amusement, gambling, and recreation grew the fastest, adding 1,500 jobs, or 6.7%. In contrast, full-service restaurants cut 1,200 jobs, or 1.8%. 

Wholesale trade declined rapidly in the past 12 months (-4,300 jobs, or -5.5%). All three wholesale component industries shrank substantially in that time: merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods (-1,500 jobs, or -4.9%); merchant wholesalers, durable goods (-1,000 jobs, or -2.5%); and wholesale trade agents and brokers (-900 jobs, or -13.0%).

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.0% in August and 4.9%, as revised, in July, after rising gradually over the past year from 4.2% in August 2024. Oregon’s 5.0% unemployment rate was 1.4 percentage points higher than the recent low of 3.6% during spring 2023. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in July and 4.3% in August.

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the August county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, Sept. 23, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for September on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

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Embargoed until Friday, September 19, 2025, 9 a.m. 

Embargoed until Friday, September 19, 2025 at 9:45 a.m. 

Embargoed until Friday, September 19, 2025 at 9:50 a.m. 

Lane County’s Stormdrain Cleaning Assistance Program (SCAP) is back this fall—and businesses have until October 31 to sign up.

This voluntary program, offered in partnership with Stormwater Protection Systems (SPS), helps businesses keep their stormdrains clean and working for a flat fee of just $70 per drain. Since launching in 2023, more than 580 stormdrains representing 182 businesses have already been cleaned.

Why It Matters

Stormwater often flows directly into rivers and streams, carrying pollutants from parking lots and roads—like heavy metals, oil, pesticides, and fertilizers. Regular stormdrain maintenance keeps waterways clean, reduces flooding, and helps protect the local environment.

Program Details

• $70 per drain covers debris removal, power washing, and disposal of contaminated sediment.
• Businesses are responsible for their privately owned stormdrains.
• The program does not cover repairs, jetting, or oversized drains.

Lane County does not reimburse for this service; it is the responsibility of the business to pay for the service after the cleaning.

Act Now—Deadline October 31!

Lane County businesses must register this fall to lock in service before heavy rains arrive.

Register at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/SCAP or email SCAP@LaneCountyOR.gov.

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CLATSOP COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 16, 2025) – On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 10:21 a.m., Oregon State Parks notified the Oregon State Police of a suspicious backpack in a public bathroom at Sunset Beach State Recreation Site in Clatsop County.
 

Oregon State Police located the backpack and requested explosives experts respond and investigate the incident. Bomb technicians from the Oregon State Police and Salem Police Department responded to the scene and rendered the device safe. No injuries were associated with this incident.
 

State Parks and Oregon State Police checked multiple locations throughout the day and did not locate any additional suspicious devices. While this is believed to be an isolated incident, the public should remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects to local law enforcement by calling 911 and remaining at a safe distance from the object.
 

Oregon State Police is asking any person with information related to the incident to contact investigators at OSP (677) or 1 (800) 442-0776 and reference case number SP25406805.

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

Oregon State Police were assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department, Oregon Parks Department, Warrenton Fire Department, and Astoria Fire Department.

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About the Oregon State Police

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

PORTLAND, Ore.— Two Honduran nationals were extradited from Honduras to the United States to face charges for their roles in conspiring to distribute fentanyl in Oregon.

Teodoro Rodas Dubon, 32, and Erick Yojan Lopez Miralda, 38, made their initial appearances in federal court in Portland today.

According to court documents, special agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) learned that beginning in 2022, Rodas Dubon directed and controlled the distribution of bulk quantities of fentanyl throughout the Portland area. Following law enforcement actions against Rodas Dubon’s drug trafficking organization, Rodas Dubon returned to Honduras where he resumed coordinating the distribution of fentanyl throughout the Portland area. On February 22, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Rodas Dubon with conspiring to distribute fentanyl.

Additional court documents revealed Lopez-Miralda separately ran a fentanyl distribution cell operating in the Portland area in 2023. Following a multi-kilogram seizure of fentanyl, Lopez Miralda returned to Honduras. On April 3, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Lopez Miralda with conspiring to distribute fentanyl.

Rodas Dubon and Lopez Miralda were both arrested by Honduran authorities pursuant to provisional arrest warrants in January 2025. On September 15, 2025, both defendants were extradited to the United States to face federal charges in the District of Oregon. Both defendants made their initial appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. They were each arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin in November 2025.

“Rodas Dubon and Lopez Miralda’s extraditions to the District of Oregon send a critical message: the United States will relentlessly pursue and hold accountable those involved in trafficking fentanyl,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “These cases reinforce our commitment to holding all individuals involved in illicit drug operations accountable for the devastating impact they’ve had in Oregon. I extend my gratitude to our federal and state partners and the Honduran authorities for their dedicated efforts in investigating, interdicting, and apprehending those involved, especially for the arrests and extraditions of Rodas Dubon and Lopez Miralda.”

“The Drug Enforcement Administration and our partners will aggressively pursue threats like these no matter where they come from,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Mr. Rodas Dubon and Mr. Lopez Miralda are accused of serious crimes in the United States and we look forward to seeking justice in Oregon.”

These cases were investigated by the DEA with assistance from the DEA Tegucigalpa, Honduras Country Office, the Tigard Police Department, the Sherwood Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team. It is being prosecuted by Paul T. Maloney, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Honduran authorities to secure the defendants’ arrests and extraditions from Honduras.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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North Bend School District Public Meetings – September 2025

Below are North Bend School District public meetings currently scheduled for September:
 

September 4, 2025

Executive Session (Amended)

North Bend School District at 5:00 p.m.

1913 Meade Ave., North Bend, OR

To consider the dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent who does not request an open hearing. ORS 192.660(2)(b).

To consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection. ORS 192.660(2)(f) 

Representatives of the news media and designated staff shall/shall not be allowed to attend. All other members of the audience are asked to leave the room. Representatives of the news media are specifically directed to not report on any of the deliberations during the executive session, except to state the general subject of the session as previously announced. No decision may be made in executive session, except for a student expulsion. At the end of the executive session, we will return to open session.

"Shall not" refers to the four exceptions: student expulsions, consultation with labor negotiators, discussing student medical or educational records, and cases in which they or their media organization are involved in litigation with the district that will be discussed during the executive session.

September 4, 2025 

 Regular Board Meeting

North Bend City Hall Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m.

835 California Ave., North Bend, OR

September 18, 2025 (Amended)

Special Meeting

North Bend High School Library at 5:00 p.m.

2323 Pacific Ave., North Bend, OR

The schedule is subject to change.

Please email rix@nbend.k12.or.us">mbrix@nbend.k12.or.us or visit the NBSD Website: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1573 for agenda information.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is placing homes on Highway 242 from where it begins at Highway 126 to the county line on a Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notice due to the Foley Ridge Fire.

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

Level 2 (Be Set) means you must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, and this may be the only notice you receive.

If you have a disability, children or large animals, we urge you to consider leaving now.

Responders cannot guarantee they will be able to notify you if conditions worsen. Continue to closely monitor your phone, local news, and www.LaneCountyOR.gov/2025Fires for information.

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

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PHOTO GALLERY |  | NAIA RELEASE
VIDEO REVEAL | CHAPEL SERVICE VIDEO

NEWS COVERAGE: LIVE COVERAGE

EUGENE, Ore. – During a special Champions of Character Celebratory Chapel on Tuesday, Bushnell University was announced as the 2024-2025 NAIA School of Character, announced by representatives of the NAIA.

Bushnell was honoring other 2024-2025 award recipients, and were also honored by Cascade Collegiate Conference Commissioner Rob Cashell as the 2024-2025 CCC School of Character, an award which was originally announced in May. 

Bushnell becomes just the second NAIA School of Character, joining CCC associate member Carroll College who was named the 2023-2024 winners of the award. 
 
"Bushnell's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes and engaged graduates truly sets them apart," said Jim Carr, NAIA president & CEO. "The university truly exemplifies the NAIA's core values, and we are proud to recognize Bushnell as this year's winner."

Presenting Bushnell with the award was NAIA Vice President of Membership Value and Governance, Chesney Sallee. Sallee said, "The NAIA established the School of Character Award to recognize institutions that embody the Champions of Character values in every aspect of their athletics programs and across their campuses. Out of nearly 250 NAIA schools nationwide, only one is selected each year for this distinction. This recognition is unlike any other in the NAIA. It is the only award that honors an entire institution. It doesn't honor a single team's victories or the achievements of one individual. Instead, it honors a culture, one defined by character, leadership, and service, woven into the fabric of the whole university. By earning this distinction, Bushnell University has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the values that make athletics such a powerful force for personal development and community impact."

Bushnell was selected for its deep and consistent commitment to shaping student-athletes into well-rounded leaders through its Tri-Athlete Model, which integrates excellence in competition, academics, and character formation. Bushnell's approach to character is the foundation to how it recruits, educates, and mentors student-athletes. Programs such as the Chaplain Captain initiative empower athletes to lead spiritual development within their teams, while peer-led groups and campus partnerships ensure that character-building is integrated into the day-to-day experience of all student-athletes.

During the 2024-25 academic year, Bushnell student-athletes contributed over 6,600 hours of community service. Through annual campus-wide events and team-led projects, Bushnell has created a culture of servant leadership that extends far beyond the athletic arena. Student-athletes regularly engage in impactful service to the local community and participate in mission trips that foster empathy and global citizenship. These efforts are not sporadic, but a part of a structured and intentional system that reinforces Bushnell's commitment to service as a way of life.

Bushnell's academic record further reflects its culture of responsibility. All 16 NAIA programs earned Scholar-Team honors, with more than 60 percent of athletes earning a GPA of 3.2 or higher. The department maintained a 3.30 cumulative GPA and extended its streak to ten consecutive years as the recipient of the CCC President's Cup for Academic Excellence. The Beacons also continue to prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of its student-athletes. Its wellness program, led by alumna and former Dr. Leroy Walker Award winner Samantha Silver, includes a dedicated mental health coordinator, counseling partnerships, and access to nutrition and health professionals, demonstrating a holistic approach to student development.

Bushnell's long-standing reputation for sportsmanship and integrity is supported by a consistent record of awards and peer recognition. The Beacons have been named a Five-Star Champions of Character Institution by the NAIA for eleven consecutive years, with seven of those at the gold level. In recent years, Bushnell teams and coaches have regularly earned CCC Character honors. This culture of integrity is also evident in how Bushnell student-athletes conduct themselves in competition, in the classroom, and within the community.

Bushnell President, Dr. Joe Womack said, "This is not only a recognition of the athletic department, it's not only a recognition of our coaches and our athletic administrators and staff and student athletes. It is a recognition of the entire university. It recognizes something that has been very true at Bushnell University for a long time. All of our activity in and out of the classroom is an excuse to exercise the mission of the university in the lives of students. It is a testimony to the wonderful leadership of the athletic association we are in and we are very proud to be associated with it and honored and humbled to receive this today."

"To even get selected at the conference level was very humbling and rewarding," added Bushnell Athletic Director Corey Anderson. "We don't do things for awards, we do things because we are Beacons, because we are trying to put the right foot forward in representing Jesus and trying to lead the right way. 20 years later to know that we are continuing to take the right steps together and we will continue to do this moving forward, I am thankful and have so much gratitude and hope that we continue to do things the right way but even better, not for recognition but because it's the right thing to do."

LINN COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 16, 2025) - On July 24, 1976, skeletal remains of a young woman were found in the area of Wolf Creek near Swamp Mountain in Linn County. For 49 years, her identity was not known. Today, thanks to advances in forensic genetic genealogy, she has a name. In June of this year, the remains were positively identified as Marion Vinetta Nagle McWhorter. McWhorter had last been seen at a Tigard shopping mall in 1974. She was just 21 years old at the time and was never heard from again.

In 1976, a moss hunter initially found a skull with several teeth and notified local law enforcement immediately. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office accompanied the moss hunter back to the site and recovered additional skeletal remains. Along with the remains, investigators located a clog-style shoe, a fraying fringed leather coat, a leather belt with Native American-style beadwork, two metal rings, and a pair of degraded Levi’s jeans, which were retained as evidence.

The skeletal remains were transferred to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, where they were examined by a pathologist and odontologist. The findings of the examination were undetermined due to the limited number of elements recovered. The dental examination noted several restorations.

In 2010, the Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History completed an anthropology report. A biological profile provided a probable estimation of a white female under 35 years of age at the time of her death. However, she remained unidentified.

Later that year, a bone sample was submitted to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, and a NamUs profile was created. From 2011 through 2025, the case received consistent attention from the State Medical Examiner’s Office. DNA results were uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS); however, no genetic associations were discovered.

The NamUs system was regularly checked for new cases that might match the decedent. While the DNA results confirmed the remains were female, no ancestry or phenotype could be determined due to the limitations of the STR DNA (short segments of DNA) profile.

In 2011, a forensic artist with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office assisted in creating a potential forensic rendering of the decedent’s face based on cranial features. A clay model featuring several different hairstyles and colors was created to help establish a recognizable image.

By 2020, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office had been awarded a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) grant to perform advanced DNA techniques on unsolved unidentified skeletal remains cases. This case was recognized as one that could potentially be resolved through DNA phenotyping and investigative genetic genealogy, provided by OSP’s vendor lab, Parabon NanoLabs. An additional bone sample was submitted for DNA extraction, and in November 2020, a SNP DNA (a unique genetic marker) profile was successfully produced and analyzed.

A Parabon NanoLabs DNA Snapshot Report, which utilizes genetic material to determine eye color, hair color, skin tone, and ancestry, was completed. The report predicted the individual was of European and Indigenous North American descent, with unfreckled fair skin, brown eyes, and brown hair. A rendering of her facial characteristics was created and used as her NamUs profile picture. A subsequent genetic genealogy report was completed in 2023, but did not produce any promising leads.

A breakthrough in the case occurred in April 2025, when someone spontaneously uploaded their genetic profile to the Family Tree DNA database, providing genealogists with a much closer look into the unidentified woman’s family tree. Forensic scientists followed genetic and other leads and ultimately determined that McWhorter was likely the unidentified young woman.

Genealogists found that McWhorter had one surviving family member, a younger sister living in the Seattle area. A detective with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office contacted the sister, who provided an oral swab for DNA comparison and shared the story of her long-lost older sister.

Genetic evidence confirmed that the decedent was Marion Vinetta Nagle McWhorter, born on January 7, 1953, and who had been unaccounted for since 1974. Based on the totality of the evidence, Oregon Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Sean Hurst positively identified the remains and confirmed the findings with McWhorter’s remaining family.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the case and is working to determine, if possible, the circumstances of Marion McWhorter’s death.

Discovering Marion McWhorter’s identity was a remarkable collaboration among detectives, medical examiner staff, and forensic genetic genealogists at Parabon NanoLabs.

State Forensic Anthropologist Hailey Collord-Stalder said, “This case was cold for 49 years. That means that family members lived and died without ever knowing what happened to their missing loved one.” She continued, “Forensic genetic genealogy allowed us not only to assist Oregon law enforcement and medicolegal personnel in identifying a woman who likely did not go missing voluntarily, but it also helped provide her family with answers and help relieve the uncertainty of what happened to Marion McWhorter.”

About the Oregon State Police

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

WASCO COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 16, 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division, Madras office, is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying individuals caught on camera committing criminal trespass and unlawfully taking an elk near Antelope.

On Sept. 6, 2025, at 4:42 a.m., before legal hunting hours, a photo of a cow elk was taken by a trail camera on private property. At 4:45 a.m., two unknown individuals were captured on camera standing over the carcass of the dead elk. The individuals entered the private property in a vehicle, gutted the elk, and left. The suspect vehicle is believed to be a light-colored 2001–2004 Nissan Frontier with an older canopy and a roof rack.

Information leading to the identification and citation, or arrest, of these individuals could yield a reward of $1,000 or four preference points.

Anyone with information about the identity of the individuals or the location of the vehicle is asked to submit tips to TIP@osp.oregon.gov, or contact OSP’s Northern Command Center at 800-442-0776 or by calling OSP (677) on a mobile device. Please reference Oregon State Police case number SP25-396292.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining an Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for game fish and shellfish, as well as snagging and attempting to snag, are sponsored, in part, by the Northwest Steelheaders Association and the Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

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About the Oregon State Police

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

Portland, OR — The America 250 Oregon Commission, in partnership with Oregon Heritage and the Oregon Historical Society, is excited to announce the Oregon 250 Grant Program, supporting projects that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This grant program helps organizations create inclusive, community-focused projects that highlight Oregon’s diverse histories, traditions, and cultures.

Eligible organizations — including nonprofits, local governments, public schools, universities, colleges, and federally recognized tribes in Oregon — may apply for grants of up to $5,000. Funding can support events, exhibitions, educational programming, collections development, research, and interpretation. Projects must align with the mission of America 250 Oregon and one or more of its seven guideposts, which are:

• To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
• To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
• To highlight the work of Oregon’s many history and heritage organizations.
• To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
• To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
• To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon’s veterans.
• To celebrate the power of place through Oregon’s remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.

A total of $100,000 in funding is available, with 50% dedicated to rural communities. This funding was provided by the Oregon State Legislature to the Oregon Historical Society for the purpose of supporting the work of the America 250 Oregon Commission.

“We are grateful to the Oregon State Legislature for providing funds that will encourage Oregonians across the state to create opportunities to commemorate this once-in-a-generation moment in our nation’s history,” said Kerry Tymchuk, Chair of the America 250 Oregon Commission and Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society.

Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible projects, with two funding cycles:

• Cycle 1: September 15–November 1, 2025
• Cycle 2: January 1–March 1, 2026

The grant period runs through June 30, 2027, and applications are now being accepted.

More information about the Oregon 250 Grant Program can be found at oregon250.org, including the grant guidelines and grant application.

Submit Your Event to the America 250 Oregon Community Calendar

The America 250 Oregon Commission invites individuals, organizations, and communities across the state to participate in our state’s official 250th commemoration by hosting events that reflect the diversity, creativity, and history of Oregon. Whether you’re planning a lecture, festival, exhibition, performance, community conversation, or something entirely unique — the commission wants to hear from you!

To be featured on the America 250 Oregon community calendar, your event must align with at least one of the commission guideposts — the foundational values guiding our semiquincentennial commemoration effort in Oregon.

Fill out the Event Submission Form if you would like your event included on the America 250 Oregon community calendar. All submissions will be reviewed and could take up to 3 weeks for response. Please submit a separate form for each program, project, or event you plan to host. Approved events will receive the “America 250 Oregon Official Event” logo for inclusion on promotional materials.

America 250 Oregon Traveling Exhibitions

The America 250 Oregon Commission is currently offering two traveling exhibitions that are available to rent at no cost!

The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries.

The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state. 

Both exhibitions are also available to view for free online here.

Get Involved

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

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

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

Oregon has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to extend the 10-day time period allowed to request replacement of food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that were lost or destroyed due to the Flat Fire that started Aug. 21, 2025, in Deschutes and Jefferson counties.

New deadline for SNAP replacement benefits
Households in these two counties now have until Sept. 22, 2025, to report food losses and request replacement benefits.

What about other counties?
For individuals who live in any other county, the standard 10-day rule remains in effect. Replacement requests must be made within 10 days of the incident, and verification may be required.

How to request SNAP replacement benefits
People who experienced food losses due to the fires can submit a request for replacement benefits using one of the following methods:

• By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome
• In person: Visit a local office (find one online)
• By Mail: (Requests must be received by the deadline)
  ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• By email: Send requests to egon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Oregon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Online: Submit requests through a ONE Online account

The information necessary to make a request is available in the form 349D.

When does the waiver end?

People have until Sept. 22, 2025, to report food lost due to the fire. After this date, the standard 10-day reporting rule will apply.

This press release was sent on behalf of the Rivers to Ridges partners. Any resulting news coverage should reflect that and not Lane County Government.

This fall, Rivers to Ridges partners plan to conduct ecological burns on properties in the Eugene-Springfield area where habitat stewardship work is underway. Rivers to Ridges has been coordinating ecological burns in the southern Willamette Valley for more than 30 years.

Ecological – or prescribed – burning is different from wildfire. Ecological burns use low intensity fire and are only conducted under strict weather and safety conditions. The fire helps restore native prairie, savanna and oak woodland habitats while reducing the risk of high-intensity wildfire.

“Regular, recurring wildfires have historically been used by indigenous peoples in order to help a number of plant and animal species thrive,” said Ed Alverson, Lane County Parks natural areas coordinator. “Ecological burns mimic that historical land management practice to support important habitats in the Willamette Valley.”

While the partners hope to conduct several burns before the end of the year, they are dependent upon weather conditions for each burn and must have approved permits from Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) and the local fire district or fire authority. Experienced and highly trained fire crews will be managing these controlled burns using detailed burn plans, which include extensive prescriptions for conducting the burns to provide maximum protection for the community.

A map of proposed burn areas, organized by responsible Rivers to Ridges partners, is available online.

“When the Rivers to Ridges team predicts conditions will be right for an ecological fire we monitor the weather, humidity and wind in the days leading up to the burn and if conditions aren’t exactly right on the morning of the burn we don’t proceed,” said Alverson. “If we are able to conduct the burn then fire personnel are on-site and burned areas are patrolled until there is no danger of the fire reigniting.”

Learn more about the benefits of ecological burning from The Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/oregon/controlled-burns/.

About Rivers to Ridges:

The Rivers to Ridges Partnership is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in the upper Willamette Valley by working together to protect and enhance the region’s land and water resources and their ecosystem functions and values. Partner agencies include Lane County Parks, Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, City of Eugene, Bureau of Land Management, Long Tom Watershed Council, Oregon State University Extension Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, McKenzie River Trust, The Nature Conservancy and more. www.rivers2ridges.org.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Warm Springs, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and prohibited possession of a firearm.

Antoine Scott, 28, was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in June 2023, Scott approached a truck on the Warm Springs reservation and began punching the passenger through the window. The passenger suffered a head injury as well as a hand injury requiring stitches.

After being released from custody, Scott absconded from pretrial supervision. When arrested in June 2024, police recovered two firearms from Scott’s residence. Jefferson County deputies also recovered methamphetamine from Scott’s sock.

On May 21, 2025, Scott pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and prohibited possession of a firearm.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Warm Springs Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pam Paaso.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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Kaiser Permanente Northwest has been recognized as the highest rated commercial health plan in Oregon and SW Washington by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in 2025. The Northwest is proud of its leadership position when it comes to providing expert, coordinated care and exceptional service.

The NCQA annual report, released September 2025, rates Kaiser Permanente Northwest’s private (commercial) health plans as the highest among competitors’ plans. The Northwest’s Medicare health plans tied for the highest rated in the region.

More 5-star and 4.5-star plans than any organization

NCQA rated nearly 1,000 commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid plans in the United States.

• Only 11 health plans across the country received 5 out of 5 stars. Five of those 5-star plans were Kaiser Permanente’s: Both our commercial and Medicare plans in Northern California and Southern California, and our commercial plan available in the mid-Atlantic states area (Baltimore, suburban Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C.).
• All Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare plans received 4.5 stars or higher.
• Our commercial plans in 4 areas, including the Northwest region of Oregon and Southwest Washington, received 4.5 stars (Colorado, Georgia and Hawaii also received 4.5 stars.)

“The latest NCQA ratings reflect Kaiser Permanente’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care and coverage for our patients and members,” said Nicole Kveton, vice president of quality and safety at Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Year after year, our dedication to care excellence continues to make a meaningful impact for the more than 600,000 members we serve throughout our region.”

Kaiser Permanente’s high ratings are remarkable, given that only 6.5% of the nation’s plans rated 4.5 stars or higher. And we have more 5-star and 4.5-star plans combined than any other health care organization for the 10^th ratings cycle in a row.

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization that measures and accredits health care plans. NCQA ratings are based on dozens of measures that assess how each plan performs when it comes to prevention and population health, treatment, and the patient experience.

Learn more about NCQA’s ratings and methodology and the other awards and recognition Kaiser Permanente repeatedly earns for being a great place to get care.

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org. 

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Jordan Cushing, age 15, a child in foster care who went missing from Portland on Sept. 14. She is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Jordan and to contact the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) if they believe they see her.

Jordan is known to frequent North Portland, Gresham and Vancouver.

Name: Jordan Cushing
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Sept. 14, 2010
Height: 5-foot-3
Weight: 115 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Hazel
Portland Police Bureau Case #PP253581
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2061296

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

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

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WALLOWA COUNTY, Ore (Sept. 16, 2025) - On Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 10:53 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on State Route 3, near milepost 2, in Wallowa County.

The preliminary investigation indicated Dodge 2500, operated by Ryan Jeffrey Bonivert (42) of Clarkston (WA), left the roadway and rolled nearly 500 feet down an embankment. The operator was ejected from the vehicle when the vehicle rolled. The crash is believed to have occurred during the early hours of the morning.

The operator of the vehicle (Bonivert) was declared deceased at the scene. 

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Wallowa County Sheriff's Office, Enterprise Fire, Joseph Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.

# # #

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

Each year Lane County auctions vehicles because of age or mileage. Lane County Fleet Services will conduct a public, open-bid (with proxy bidding) auction from Thursday, September 25, to Saturday, September 27.

Vehicles may be previewed before the sale by visiting http://fleetauction.lanecounty.org. In-person viewing is available during the auction from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Lane County Fleet Services is located at 3040 North Delta Highway in Eugene.

Highlights from this year’s auction:

• 90 pieces of equipment, including cars, hybrids, trucks, sport utility vehicles, vans
• Caterpillar excavator, various heavy equipment, dump trucks and a bucket truck
• Large generator, various smaller equipment

Proceeds go to a replacement fund that helps offset the cost to buy replacement vehicles.

Bids must be submitted online and will be received until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27. All bids start with a minimum set amount.   No faxed, voice or paper bids will be accepted. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard or Discover) cashier's checks, money order or certified check made payable to Lane County Public Works. Personal checks for $50 or less are also accepted. Full payment is due within 48 hours of notification.  

This is the twenty-sixth year Lane County Fleet Services and other municipalities have combined their auctions to reduce the cost of disposing of surplus equipment. This auction is in partnership with Lane County, Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB), Lane Transit District, and others.

For more information, call 541-682-8587, 541-682-8580, or email lcfleet@lanecountyor.gov.

Lane County makes no warranties or guarantees and will not be held responsible for advertising errors or omissions. All equipment is offered to other municipalities before the public and therefore is subject to prior sale.

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SALEM, Oregon— The Recreational Trails Program is accepting grant applications through Nov. 15 for the approximately $1.6 million in grant funds available for the 2025 grant cycle.

Grants are available for constructing new trails, restoring or improving existing trails, trailhead facilities, trail building and maintenance equipment, land or easement acquisitions, safety and education, accessibility assessments of trails, and water trails.

The federally funded reimbursement grant program provides matching grants to construct, expand or improve public trails for motorized and non-motorized use. Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent via https://oprdgrants.org by October 15. Applications are due Nov. 15. New applicants must create an account online.

The grant program is open to local governments, park districts, state and federal agencies, tribal governments, other public land managers and nonprofits.

The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Since 1993, the program has funded over 550 projects across Oregon.

Information about the program, including the grant manual, application instructions, program schedule, and a webinar recording is on the Recreational Trails Program web page: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Pages/GRA-rtp.aspx

Questions can be directed to Jodi Bellefeuille, Recreational Trails Program coordinator, at ellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov">jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-856-6316.

Español a continuación

CORVALLIS, OREGON— Concerns about rising COVID-19 cases and recent changes to federal vaccine guidelines have created uncertainty and questions about the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. Benton County Health Services (BCHS) is sharing the most current information on vaccine guidance and access.

On August 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, limiting eligibility to adults age 65 and older and individuals with high-risk health conditions. Several national medical professional organizations have issued their own eligibility recommendations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics for children, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology for pregnant people, and the American Academy for Family Physicians for adults under 65. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) supports these recommendations published by medical organizations and is awaiting further guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the West Coast Health Alliance.

At this time, there are two ways to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon: through your health care provider's office or at a pharmacy with a provider’s prescription. Vaccine manufacturers have begun shipping the vaccines, and supplies are gradually arriving in the state. Pharmacies may receive COVID-19 vaccine shipments before local clinics. BCHS recommends contacting your health care provider or pharmacy to check the current availability and determine your eligibility. Many health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines, including COVID-19. If you have health insurance, we encourage you to call your insurance company to see if the COVID-19 vaccine is covered by your plan.

Benton County Health Services does not currently have any COVID-19 vaccines in stock. BCHS receives its vaccine supplies from the OHA, which is still awaiting details from the CDC. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet September 18–19 and BCHS should know more after that date.

In the meantime, community members are encouraged to:

• Follow proven prevention methods: Wash your hands regularly, clean frequently touched surfaces, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay home when you’re sick, and test for COVID-19, seeking prompt treatment if you’re at higher risk. Consider wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor settings, especially when community levels are high or when you’re around older adults, young children, or individuals with chronic conditions.

• Stay informed: Oregon recently joined Washington, California, and Hawaii to form the West Coast Health Alliance, which aims to provide clear, science-based vaccine guidance and ensure access to recommended vaccines during the upcoming respiratory virus season. OHA will keep both the public and providers updated as more information becomes available through the OHA immunization website.

• Consult health care providers: If you believe you may be eligible for a COVID-19 booster or have questions about vaccine availability, contact your health care provider or pharmacist and consult your individual insurance plan.

For updates about COVID-19 vaccine availability in Benton County, please visit our website.

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

On Sunday, September 14th, 2025, three individuals were found deceased in an RV at the Shady Point RV park, which is located just south of Roseburg at 2703 Hwy 99S.  Another individual was found in medical distress, but still alive.  

At approximately 11:00 AM, an officer with the Roseburg Police Department and deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office attempted to contact the occupants of an RV regarding an unrelated investigation.  The deputy and officer became concerned about the safety of the individuals inside based on what they could see and hear.  They entered the RV and found 4 people inside.  Three of the individuals were determined to be deceased.  One individual was still alive, but in medical distress.  Medical aid was immediately dispatched for the one survivor, and she was transported to Mercy Medical Center via ambulance.  Deputies and officers on scene suspected this to be a drug overdose incident and contacted detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT).

Detectives responded to the scene and found it likely the individuals had been using fentanyl and/or methamphetamine at the time of their deaths based on evidence collected from the scene. Investigators found evidence of drug use, as well as scales, packaging, records, and other paraphernalia.  Detectives believe these idividuals had recently returned from an unknown location north of Douglas County, possibly even out of state, where they went to purchase fentanyl and methamphetamine.  Detectives recovered approximately one ounce of fentanyl, and almost two ounces of methamphetamine at the scene.  There is nothing to indicate these individuals had shared these specific substances with any others upon their return to Douglas County.

The following individuals were declared deceased at the scene:

• 46 year old Paul James Mohlsick of Roseburg
• 55 year old Kimberly Noel McCabe of Roseburg
• 41 year old Bryan Charles Jarvis of Roseburg

Transported to Mercy Medical Center was 55 year old Shawna Renee Walker, of Roseburg.

Use of street drugs is an inherently dangerous activity, and it has become exponentially more dangerous in recent years since fentanyl has become the predominant opiate of choice among drug users.  Fentanyl is extremely potent, and even experienced drug users routinely overdose.  Adding to the danger is the fact the purity, or potency can vary widely, and other substances can also be mixed in to alter or enhance the effects of the drug.  The type or volume of these additives, or even their very presence can be difficult or impossible to quantify.  Occassionally, unusually potent batches of fentanyl can arrive in an area and filter into the user community causing widespread overdoses.  There has been no indication to this point that this "batch" of substances has spread anywhere outside this one event.  However, the danger is always present.

This investigation is ongoing.  

MORROW COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 15, 2025) - On Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:43 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Interstate 84, on the milepost 159 on-ramp, in Morrow County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Volkswagen Jetta, operated by Austin Scott Yager (38) of Bend, suffered a mechanical failure on the on-ramp and stopped in the roadway. The failure resulted in no visible lights operating on the Volkswagen. An eastbound Freightliner, operated by Adonis Marcial (33) of Miami (FL), entered the on-ramp and struck the stationary Volkswagen. The Volkswagen operator was outside of the vehicle at the time of the collision.

The operator of the Volkswagen (Yager) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Freightliner (Marcial) was not injured.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Boardman Police Department, Morrow County Sheriff's Office, Boardman Fire, and ODOT.

# # #

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

ROSEBURG, Ore. – A Roseburg man has been arrested for illegal dumping following a brief investigation.

A deputy funded by and assigned to the Douglas County Solid Waste Department located evidence of illegal dumping in the 2000-block of Roberts Mountain Road and launched an investigation. The evidence led to the identification of 80-year-old Kenneth Myers as the suspect. On Thursday, September 11, 2025, Myers was contacted at his residence, taken into custody, and transported to the Douglas County Jail, where he was booked and later released. He faces charges of Offensive Littering, a class C misdemeanor, and Depositing Trash Within 100’ of a Waterway, a class B misdemeanor.

This is not the first complaint of illegal dumping on Roberts Mountain Road or at other locations throughout the county. The deputy assigned to these cases actively monitors problem areas, investigates reports, and takes enforcement action against offenders.

Several years ago, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners funded a dedicated deputy assigned to the Solid Waste Department with the intent of using active enforcement as a strategy to prevent and deter illegal dumping throughout the county.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who has information about illegal dumping to call (541) 440-4471. Tips and reports can remain anonymous if desired.

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) and Canine Companions will host a Puppy Matriculation Ceremony

Media invite

What:

Please join us as Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) and Canine Companions host a Puppy Matriculation Ceremony to celebrate the service dogs raised by incarcerated women through the facilities unique training program. The event will include a heartfelt reunion with the graduated service dogs, the individuals they now assist, and the women who helped raise and train them. This is a unique opportunity for the women at CCCF to see the dogs thriving in their new roles – a powerful testament to the programs positive impact on everyone involved.

When:

Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Where:

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility 24499 SW Grahams Ferry Road Wilsonville, OR 97070

RSVP to: 

Amber Knight via email no later than 5:00 PM on September 19, 2025

Amber.N.Knight@doc.oregon.gov

Public Information Officer 503-507-3567 

Additional Information:

To learn more about Canine Companions, visit https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcanine.org%2Fabout%2Fwho-we-are%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_name=%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101994ee0fa36-22222425-69a7-47a0-942d-bfd997f1b192-000000/6c9pL6fbpy5PoFa79uZbE4qaLyptjl8KH5gN2TuuYno=422. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Who We Are - Canine Companions 

Background:

The dogs being celebrated spent their first 18 months at CCCF being cared for and trained by incarcerated women known as Puppy Handlers. During their time at the facility, the puppies learn their first 30 foundational skills. They then continue to a regional training center in California that teaches them advanced instruction and prepares them to become fully certified service dogs. This program offers incarcerated women the opportunity to contribute to society in a meaningful, purpose driven way.

Media wishing to attend will be required to complete a criminal background check. We ask that you arrive 30 minutes early to be processed through security.

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Updated from yesterday's crash. At approximately 3:15 a.m. on September 14th, deputies responded to reports of a motorcycle versus vehicle crash near the 6400 block of Ganon St SE.

Upon arrival, deputies determined that the rider, Zachariah Brown, 44, of Salem, had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the involved vehicle remained on scene and is cooperating with investigators.

The Marion County CRASH Team is continuing to investigate.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office extends our condolences to the family and loved ones of those involved during this difficult time.

We would also like to thank the Marion County CRASH Team, Marion County Fire Department, and Marion County Public Works for their assistance during the investigation.

MEDIA RELEASE

Contact:          Sgt Torin Liden

Phone:            541-994-3636

Date:               9-15-2025

RE:                  Threat to Lincoln City Cultural Center

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the Lincoln City Police Department received a threat of a mass shooting at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.  At the time of the call LCPD Officers responded to the Cultural Center, secured the area, and evacuated the building for the safety of the participants.

On further investigation, it was determined there was no current danger to the public. The Lincoln City Police Department is still investigating the caller and will release further information when the investigation concludes.

Oregon has criminal statutes which address these incidents such as Initiating a False Report, or Disorderly Conduct in the First Degree.

LCPD would like to thank the Lincoln City Cultural Center, the Oregon State Police, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this case.

Submitted By:

Sergeant Torin Liden

Under Authority Of:

Chief David Broderick

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Monday, September 15, 2025

BEND, OR — Bend’s biggest little art show is returning to the High Desert Museum, and this year promises to be the most impressive yet. The 20-Dollar Art Show, presented by Bright Place Gallery, will feature more than 8,000 miniature masterpieces created by 350-plus artists.

Celebrating original artwork created by established and emerging artists, The 20-Dollar Art Show opens Saturday, October 4. For two weeks, visitors, art enthusiasts and fans can explore the exhibition, find their favorites and plan their shopping wish lists. Walls throughout the Museum will showcase rows of creative, colorful miniature art.

Then, an Extravaganza Kickoff event takes place on Friday, October 17 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm with music, food and drinks. For the low, low price of $20, each of the thousands of artworks will be available for sale. It will be the first time visitors can purchase their mini masterpieces, with all proceeds going to the artist. As in previous years, timed ticket entries will be available for 5:30 pm entry, 6:30 pm entry and 7:30 pm entry.

On Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, special Extravaganza events will keep rolling from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm! At least a thousand new works will go out each morning while artists create one-of-a-kind artwork on site. Tickets will be required for the morning sessions for non-Museum members. Those exclusively visiting The 20-Dollar Art Show to browse and buy Saturday and Sunday afternoons may do so without paying admission, as well as on Monday, October 20.

Tickets for the Friday evening, Saturday morning and Sunday morning events go on sale at 12:00 pm Wednesday, September 24 at highdesertmuseum.org/20-art-show-info. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for ages 16 and younger. Timed entry tickets are first come, first served. Last year, all tickets sold within minutes.

“The 20-Dollar Art Show continues to grow every year with an awe-inspiring array of miniature art,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “This is a favorite exhibit, and it is an honor to host this beloved community event that supports local and emerging artists.”

The brainchild of Stuart Breidenstein and Abby Dubief of the former Bright Place Gallery, The 20-Dollar Art Show began in 2013 to help local artists sell their art while also making it affordable and accessible to the public. When the gallery closed in December 2019, the show had already grown beyond its walls. After a break during the pandemic, the show found a new home at the Museum. Since 2021, the Museum’s walls are packed with miniature artworks every fall.

“We are excited that so many artists are participating this year,” said Breidenstein. “We’re not only overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of work, but also by the quality. As the show grows, we’re continually inspired by the one-off gems these mostly unknown artists can create.”

Breidenstein and Dubief produce the show each year, helping to hang the art at the Museum, which can take days to complete. As artists themselves, both contribute pieces to the show. Other popular local artists featured in the 2025 exhibition include Sondra Holtzman, Janet Kilgore, Carrie Erickson, Jessie Zenor and Mike Wise. Participating artists range from age 8 to 80.

Each piece of art is a maximum of 36 square inches, making them truly miniature. The art ranges from watercolors and macrame to oil portraits and acrylic landscapes. Some include a touch of humor while others tell a story or carry a message. When all the art is on the Museum’s walls, the mini artworks do not seem so small anymore, said Dustin Cockerham, Senior Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at the Museum.

“We build temporary walls to help display all of these amazing miniatures,” said Cockerham. “This year, the exhibition will be on view for two weeks before the sale begins. It’s worth visiting and exploring all the art, not just so you can pick your favorites beforehand but to see the scale of the exhibition and the breadth of creativity.”

Window shopping in the days prior to the extravaganza is one of the best ways to view the exhibition and prepare for the sale. Browse the walls of art, experience all the inspiring styles, colors and themes, and find your favorite mini masterpieces. Viewing the exhibition before the October 17 Extravaganza is included with the price of admission.

The 20-Dollar Art Show is open through Monday, October 20 and is made possible by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and The Clabough Foundation.

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, Instagram and TikTok.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, James Daniel Gardner, died September 14, 2025. Gardner was incarcerated at Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) in Salem and passed away at the facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Gardner entered DOC custody on June 2, 2022, from Josephine County with an earliest release date of December 24, 2025. Gardner was 32 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women 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.

OSCI is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 870 adults in custody. It provides a range of correctional services and programs including education, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health treatment, religious services, work crews, and transition planning. OSCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises, including a print shop and a contact center. OSCI was established by action of the 1955 Legislature and became fully operational on June 1, 1959.

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PORTLAND, OR – September 15, 2025. The Lemelson Foundation today announced its relocation to a new office space at 2035 NW Front Avenue, Suite 501, Portland, OR 97209, in Portland’s Pearl District. The move reflects the Foundation's growth and commitment to fostering groundbreaking invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Oregon, across the U.S., and worldwide.

The environmentally-friendly and human-centered space represents a new chapter for the Foundation, offering an environment that will enhance collaboration, efficiency, and impact. The purpose-built space enables the Foundation's team to connect and innovate in new ways, and fosters a more open, fluid exchange of ideas among team members. 

“Our new office marks an exciting milestone in The Lemelson Foundation's evolution. This thoughtfully designed space is a reflection of our philanthropic commitment to the organizations and programs that support inventors and entrepreneurs,” shares Rob Schneider, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “We built this collaborative and dynamic environment to not only inspire our team and partners, but also to ignite the kind of innovative thinking that leads to a better world. We look forward to welcoming our partners, grantees, and community members to our new space."

The WELL- and LEED Platinum-certified building offers EV charging stations, a smoke-free campus, and a green roof, while the new office space is thoughtfully designed with sustainability at its core. Additionally, it features expansive collaborative zones, state-of-the-art technology for seamless global connectivity and virtual engagement, adaptable meeting spaces to accommodate diverse partnerships, and a focus on natural light and ergonomic design to boost creativity and well-being.

The Lemelson Foundation is fully operational at its new Portland location. Contact information, including phone number and email addresses, remains unchanged.  For more information on The Lemelson Foundation's philanthropic mission and initiatives, please visit www.lemleson.org.

ABOUT THE LEMELSON FOUNDATION: The Lemelson Foundation uses the power of invention to improve lives. Established in 1992 by prolific U.S. inventor Jerome “Jerry” Lemelson and his wife Dorothy, and guided today by the Lemelson family, the Foundation believes invention can solve many of the biggest economic, social, and environmental challenges of our time. A private philanthropy located in Portland, Oregon, and operating globally, The Lemelson Foundation has provided over $350 million in grants and other investments to hundreds of organizations around the world.

Roads have been reopened following last nights vehicle vs motorcycle crash.Due to the ongoing investigation no further information is being provided at this time. 

Marion County Sherriff"s Office deputies and the Marion County CRASH team are currently investigating a vehicle vs motorcycle crash that occured at 6401 Gannon St,SE. 

Due to the ongoing investigation roads will be closed from 62nd Ave. to Culver Dr.

Judith has been been located and is being connected with family members.

Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies are currently searching the southeast Salem area for a missing woman,84 year old Judith Anne Giggy.

Judith was last seen at 1:00 pm when she left 3741 Bayonne Dr SE, Salem driving a red 2015 Toyota Yaris. Judith is 5ft 4, approximately 115 lbs with grey hair and blue eyes.

If you see Judith please call 911.

On September 5, 2025, Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge Amanda Benjamin sentenced Joshua Rebic (51-year-old) to 12.5 years in prison for repeated work-place sexual abuse of a 20-year-old employee Rebic was directly supervising in 2021 and 2022.

Judge Benjamin sentenced Rebic to a total of 150 months at the Department of Corrections for 15 counts of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, 4 counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, 1 count of physical Harassment, and 1 count of sexual Harassment.

On June 6, 2025, after a two-day trial, Rebic was found guilty by a 12-person Lincoln County jury of 21 counts from 12 separate incidents between December 2021 and September 2022. This work-place sexual abuse was disclosed to the Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) after Rebic left his supervisory position for a new job in September 2022.

In March 2023, Rebic was indicted by the Lincoln County Grand Jury and arraigned on a 23-count indictment. At the time of Rebic’s arraignment, he was participating in a domestic violence deferred sentencing program for two counts of domestic menacing for conduct that occurred in July 2022 towards two members of his immediate family.

Rebic was initially denied release, which was ultimately upheld after a contested hearing by Judge Benjamin in April 2023. However, in May 2023, this decision was reversed and bail security was set at $100,000. Rebic subsequently posted bail and was released from custody with a GPS monitoring device. In August 2023, Rebic cut off his GPS monitoring device and fled the state. Judge Benjamin subsequently issued a warrant for Rebic’s arrest.

This case remained in warrant status until Rebic was located by Lincoln County District Attorney’s detectives in July 2024. Through several different investigative tools, DA detectives were able to track Rebic’s movements to Melrose, MN and then back to Salem, OR. With the assistance of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, DA detectives arrested Rebic on the outstanding warrant and he was transported back to Lincoln County in August 2024.

At sentencing, DA Jenna Wallace recommended the Court impose consecutive sentences on the four most serious counts given the frequency of the conduct, the severity of the charges, the impact on the victim, Rebic’s supervisory power over the victim, and his attempt to avoid responsibility by absconding prior to trial. However, after careful consideration, Judge Benjamin ultimately imposed consecutive sentences on two of the four counts for a total of 150 months (12.5 years). Judge Benjamin indicated that this sentence in no way diminished the obvious harm the victim went through but was appropriate based upon the totality of the sentencing factors.

This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jenna Wallace and investigated by Sergeant Erik Anderson, LCPD. The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank Lincoln City Police Department and Sergeant Anderson for their commitment to investigating crimes of this nature to ensure accountability and community safety. This case was also investigated by DA Detective Martin Bennett. DA Detective Bennett was instrumental in locating and arresting Rebic after Rebic absconded. With DA detectives actively seeking Rebic’s whereabouts, this case may very well still be in warrant status.

When a defendant fails to appear for court, the criminal case is paused until the defendant is located. In practice, this means a case can sit in warrant status for months or years until the defendant is located. This can be especially frustrating and impactful for crime victims awaiting justice. It is largely the responsibility of DA detectives to locate absconded individuals and coordinate their arrest throughout the United States. Unfortunately, the DA detective position has been vacant and unfilled since Detective Bennett’s retirement in January 2025. This is the first time in 20 years that the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office has been unable to provide detective services to crime victims. This vacancy has prevented the District Attorney’s Office from being able to perform basic functions such as locating absconded individuals, conducting follow-up criminal investigations, transporting victims or witnesses to court hearings or trial, and assisting the Cold Case Homicide Unit (currently focusing their efforts on solving the Kelly Disney homicide).

The impact of the detective vacancy has had a substantial impact on the District Attorney’s ability to swiftly prosecute crime in Lincoln County. It has also added additional burdens on our local law enforcement agencies, who have been forced to use their own resources to assist in follow-up investigations and locating/transporting victims and witnesses to assist prosecution. Most recently, Lincoln City Police Department devoted three detectives and one command staff to the District Attorney's Office to assist in transporting five separate witnesses for trial - a task that ordinarily would have been done by the DA detective. 

The District Attorney’s Office has repeatedly made requests to fill the detective position, along with other vacant positions, through an application process, however, Lincoln County Human Resources and Commissioner Claire Hall, as acting County Administrator, made the unilateral decision to freeze hiring of the detective position and two deputy district attorney positions in May 2025 for an undetermined amount of time. Although the District Attorney’s Office has repeatedly made requests for a public safety exception to these positions, like exceptions given to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, County Administration, Health and Human Services, Transit, and Public Works, those requests have been denied by Human Resources and Commissioner Hall, as Human Resources liaison and acting County Administrator. 

Currently, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department is holding a hiring event on October 11, 2025, to fill, at minimum, seven positions within their department. The District Attorney’s Office is thrilled to see the County using resources to fill vacant positions in the Sheriff’s Office. However, unless and until the County is willing to use resources to fill vacant positions in the District Attorney’s Office, this is an exercise in futility. Increasing employees in the Sheriff’s Office, while simultaneously preventing the hiring of employees in the District Attorney’s Office (including three prosecutor positions) is counter intuitive.

When a crime is committed, law enforcement agencies, like the Sheriff’s Office, initiate the criminal investigation. However, those investigations are then forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for formal prosecution in circuit court. Without the District Attorney’s Office, individuals would be arrested on crimes with no later criminal case or consequences. Continued staffing shortages in the District Attorney’s Office will have a direct impact on the amount and type of criminal cases being prosecuted in Lincoln County. The criminal justice system is only successful when all parts are sufficiently staffed and work together. Adding more employees to the Sheriff’s Office, while freezing or cutting positions within the District Attorney’s Office, will delay justice and adversely impact community safety.  

The District Attorney’s Office needs to fill vacant positions immediately to provide our community with essential law enforcement services at the prosecution level. The Lincoln County District Attorney is asking citizens to contact the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and express the importance of filling all previously budgeted for positions, including three deputy district attorney positions, as well as the DA detective position. The District Attorney’s Office also urges citizens to request Commissioner Chair, Claire Hall, add an agenda item to the next Board of Commissioner meeting to discuss current County hiring freezes to allow community input and ensure all public safety positions are prioritized.

(Salem) – Carsyn Woolfolk, age 5, and Abel Woolfolk, age 7, went missing with their mother Josee Marie Pyshny and father Daniel Scott Woolfolk from Portland on Sept. 4. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that they may be at risk and is searching for them to assess their safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Carsyn and Abel. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Abel, Carsyn, or their parents Josee Marie Pyshny and Daniel Scott Woolfolk should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

They are believed to be in the Portland Metro area or Vancouver, Washington.

Name: Carsyn Lee Woolfolk
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: March 31, 2020
Height: 42 inches
Weight: 40 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: Carsyn is on the autism spectrum and is non-verbal.
Gresham Police Department Case # 25-37531
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2061078

Name: Abel Cole Woolfolk 
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Aug. 27, 2018
Height: 48 inches
Weight: 55 pounds
Hair: Brownish blond
Eye color: Blue
Other identifying information: Abel has eczema and visible tooth decay.
Gresham Police Department Case # 25-37531
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2061078

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

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

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Portland, OR — All are welcome to attend the next America 250 Oregon Commission meeting, which will be held virtually at 3:30pm on Monday, September 15. Register here if you would like to join the live conversation. If you are unable to attend, the meeting recording and minutes will be posted online at oregon250.org in the following weeks.

The meeting agenda is available online, with topics including a recap of the recent America 250 Washington, D.C., convening and the commission’s participation in the Oregon State Fair as well as details on the Oregon 250 Grant Program.

All are encouraged to visit the America 250 Oregon website to discover local community events and browse two digital photographic exhibits.

Submit Your Event to the America 250 Oregon Community Calendar

The America 250 Oregon Commission invites individuals, organizations, and communities across the state to participate in our state’s official 250th commemoration by hosting events that reflect the diversity, creativity, and history of Oregon. Whether you’re planning a lecture, festival, exhibition, performance, community conversation, or something entirely unique — the commission wants to hear from you!

To be featured on the America 250 Oregon community calendar, your event must align with at least one of the commission guideposts — the foundational values guiding our semiquincentennial commemoration effort in Oregon.

Fill out the Event Submission Form if you would like your event included on the America 250 Oregon community calendar. All submissions will be reviewed and could take up to 3 weeks for response. Please submit a separate form for each program, project, or event you plan to host. Approved events will receive the “America 250 Oregon Official Event” logo for inclusion on promotional materials.

America 250 Oregon Traveling Exhibitions

The America 250 Oregon Commission is currently offering two traveling exhibitions that are available to rent at no cost!

The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries.

The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state. 

Both exhibitions are also available to view for free online here.

Get Involved

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

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

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

The safety and well-being of Pleasant Hill students, staff, and visitors are our highest priority.

We are aware of social media posts made by a Pleasant Hill School District employee following the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Due to the significant disruption these posts have caused in Pleasant Hill schools, the employee has been placed on paid administrative leave while we conduct a thorough review of the situation.

We are in close contact with local law enforcement. There have been no threats made against Pleasant Hill schools, and law enforcement has confirmed there are no known credible threats at this time. Out of an abundance of caution, we have coordinated with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office for increased patrols on and around Pleasant Hill school campuses to provide additional reassurance for students, staff, and visitors.

We recognize that this situation has caused concern, frustration, and strong emotions within the Pleasant Hill community. Our focus remains on supporting Pleasant Hill students, keeping Pleasant Hill schools safe, and working together to maintain a respectful and caring school environment. We are deeply grateful for the support our community has shown for our students, staff, and visitors during this time.

We will continue to communicate with our community and take appropriate steps as we work through this process.

Jim Crist, Superintendent
Pleasant Hill School District

Portland, Ore., September 2, 2025 – As the air turns crisp and the season shifts, SOLVE invites community members across Oregon and Southwest Washington to Fall into Action with SOLVE. At the heart of the season is the Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 20–28, one of the largest volunteer events of the year. Registration is now open.

“Fall with SOLVE is about restoring and protecting the places we’ve spent the summer exploring,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “It’s about coming together to care for the places that matter most, from keeping school routes safe to preparing green spaces for the months ahead. It’s important to take action before rains wash litter into our waterways, and our local actions have lasting and far-reaching impacts. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup is the centerpiece of this season, connecting local efforts to global movements that protect our rivers, beaches, and public lands.”

Connecting Local Action to Global Movements
The 2025 Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, spans ten days of statewide volunteer opportunities, from the Oregon Coast to urban neighborhoods in Oregon and SW Washington, and is tied to three days of global significance:

• International Coastal Cleanup Day (September 20): Uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect waterways from harmful trash and debris.
• National Public Lands Day (September 27): The nation’s largest single-day volunteer event focused on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting.
• World Rivers Day (September 28): Celebrating rivers and emphasizing the need to protect them.

For nearly four decades, the Beach & Riverside Cleanup has brought communities together to protect beaches, rivers, parks, and public lands. Over 60 projects are already open for registration, with opportunities for families, neighbors, community groups, and businesses to take part. From source to sea, volunteers will remove litter, restore natural areas, and create a visible difference across the region.

2025 Sponsors

SOLVE's Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2025, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, is proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Knife River, KOIN, Malibu Rum, Metro, National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Oregon Parks and Recreation, Tillamook, and Wells Fargo.

What You’ll See This Fall

With cooler weather and the energy of back-to-school season, SOLVE volunteers will:

• Clean up litter from neighborhoods, trails, parks, and waterways
• Restore habitats by removing invasive ivy and weeds
• Prepare green spaces for winter with mulch and maintenance
• Join forces with schools and community groups to inspire youth action 

Key Fall Events:

While the Beach & Riverside Cleanup is the centerpiece, Fall with SOLVE also offers a variety of ways for communities to get involved:

• Pick It Up!: Large-scale community cleanups in Milwaukie (September 6), Bend (September 20), and Vancouver (October 10) bring together residents, businesses, and volunteers to give city centers a fresh start this fall.
• Waterway Cleanup Series Wrap-Up (October 15): The summer-long effort in partnership with Clackamas Water Environment Services concludes with a cleanup at High Rocks Park, Gladstone.
• Monthly Detrash Portland Events: Ongoing cleanups in Portland’s business districts, focused on revitalizing key gathering areas.
• Neighborhood & School Route Cleanups: Supporting cleaner, safer pathways for students and families as the school year begins.
• Restoration Projects: Removing invasive species, mulching, and preparing natural areas for the winter months.

Get Involved
SOLVE invites individuals, families, schools, and businesses to take part in Fall with SOLVE by signing up for a project, hosting a cleanup, or supporting restoration efforts. Whether joining solo or with friends, family, or coworkers, every action helps protect waterways, restore habitats, and strengthen communities.

Looking ahead, there are even more ways to celebrate the season with purpose, from Giving Tuesday contributions to corporate volunteer projects and sponsorship opportunities. Support during this time helps sustain SOLVE’s year-round work and expand its impact across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

For more information and to sign up, visit solveoregon.org/seasons.

About SOLVE 

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

September 12, 2024

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

Nye Beach health advisory lifted

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with ocean water at Nye Beach, located in Lincoln County.

The health authority issued the advisory Sept. 11, after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

Results from follow-up tests taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the ocean water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk.

Officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

Oregon agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and  the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

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PORTLAND, Ore.— Defendant Julie Winters, 46, of Portland, made a first appearance in
federal court yesterday after being charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer
and resisting arrest.

According to court documents, on August 20, 2025, Winters became hostile when deputies from
the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) attempted to place Winters under arrest for violating the
conditions of her pretrial release for an earlier charge of assaulting a federal law enforcement
officer. Winters began to fight and resisted arrest. After several minutes, the deputies were able
to handcuff and escort Winters to a holding cell. A short time later in the holding cell, Winters
had a medical incident, and the Deputy U.S. Marshals provided immediate care. The Deputy
U.S. Marshals removed the restraints as they waited for additional medical personnel to respond.
As soon as the restraints were removed, Winters began fighting with the Deputy U.S. Marshals.
Winters grabbed a Deputy U.S. Marshal by the hair at the base of the scalp and began to whip
the Deputy U.S. Marshal around by the hair.

Winters was on pretrial release for a separate incident on June 24, 2025, for which she was
indicted on two counts of attempted assault on an officer and intimidation of a federal officer
with a dangerous weapon.

According to court documents, on June 24, 2025, officers observed Winters attempting to light
an incendiary device next to the guard shack of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
office. As Federal Protective Service officers engaged with Winters, she pulled a large knife
from her backpack and began waiving the blade toward the officers. Winters threw the knife at
an officer, but it did not strike the officer. Winters began to flee but an officer deployed a taser,
bringing Winters to the ground. As officers attempted to secure Winters, she pulled a second
large knife from her waistband. Officers finally disarmed Winters and arrested her.

The case is being investigated by the United States Marshal Service and the FBI and is being
prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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

SANTIAM STATE FOREST, Ore.—A group of Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) experts shared management insights, challenges and lessons learned from the recovery efforts in the Santiam State Forest after the 2020 wildfires with a team of South Korean researchers and graduate students from Oregon State University recently. 

“Oregon is known all over the world as one of the best, if not the best, in forest management both in the private and public sectors,” said Dr. Heesung Woo, Assistant Professor of Advanced Forestry Systems, Forest Engineering, Resources and Management at Oregon State University. “These researchers will be key to developing better forest management policy in South Korea and for them to see in person the forest and impact of large fires on the forest, then get to discuss how to recover from large fires with the ODF staff is invaluable.”

The day-long field tour in the Santiam included stops and discussions at burned areas, completed salvage logging areas, and places that had been replanted with trees.

“One big takeaway I’ve learned from this visit is the importance of good access to forests through a basic road system,” said Dr. Sanghoon Chung, from the South Korean National Institute of Forest Sciences.  “In Oregon, I was struck by how forest roads played a vital role not only in enabling the deployment of ground-based equipment for building firebreaks and controlling wildfires, but also in supporting post-fire recovery by transporting seedlings and facilitating salvage logging. It was a powerful example for us to learn from.”

While the historical and social context of Korea’s forests differs from that of Oregon, the commitment to post-wildfire restoration remains equally strong. Forest recovery and restoration are entangled with complex social, policy, and economic interests.

“Conflicts among stakeholders are inevitable during the forest restoration process, and relying on one-sided claims rarely leads to reasonable outcomes. What is essential, however, is our collective commitment to ensuring that forests can once again deliver their full range of vital functions,” said Chung.

The group plans to apply the lessons and information ODF provided to shape their forests. 

 “These researchers and the students in this group who choose to go back will be key in developing forest policy now and in the future,” said Dr. Woo. “ODF has given us great insights and many things to consider.”

Even with all the challenges, Dr. Woo is optimistic about the future forests of South Korea.

“Many people here don’t realize how small South Korea is,” said Dr. Woo. “It’s only about 40 percent the size of Oregon, yet nearly 64 percent of the country is covered by forests. So, with the small size, we have a better chance of making changes quicker to promote healthy forests.  We also see how Oregon has a cooperative social license with many groups to work together to improve forests, and we hope to gain interest from our people to value and care about the forest in the same way.”

Although there is no formal agreement between South Korea and Oregon on sharing forest research and management, the relationship has been strong for years

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“One of the first tours I ever gave working for ODF was to a South Korean delegation in 2015,” said Kyle Kaupp, ODF’s Santiam Unit Forester.  “It’s been amazing now to share more than 10 years of great work and lessons learned the hard way in the same forest with this group.  They understand the challenges of forest management, and hopefully, we gave them some perspective and practical lessons on how to do that better back home.”

For more on the Santiam recovery efforts, visit: Oregon Department of Forestry : Restoring the Santiam State Forest : Recreation, education & interpretation : State of Oregon

For more on the South Korean Forest Service, visit: Korea Forest Service - Forest In Korea > Korean Forests at a Glance

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve July 23, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Juan Rios, DPSST No. 66172; ODOC/Oregon State Penitentiary

    Presented by Cindy Park

4. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only

    Presented by Cindy Park

5. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – October 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

JCSO Case 25-4814

SHADY COVE, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to a fatal motor vehicle crash Tuesday, September 9 on Highway 62 in Shady Cove. ECSO Dispatch received a call for a head-on collision at 2:18 PM involving multiple vehicles in the 20000 block of Highway 62.

JCSO deputies arrived along with Jackson County Fire District 4 and Mercy Flights to find one driver deceased and another in serious condition. A Mercy Flights helicopter transported the injured patient to a local hospital where they remain in stable condition. The decedent is John Steven Renfro, 72, of Shady Cove. Next-of-kin has been notified. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

The Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team and JCSO Medical Examiners responded to investigate. The preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota Tundra, operated by Renfro, was traveling northbound on Highway 62 near Cindy Way in Shady Cove. He crossed over the centerline for unknown reasons, and struck a southbound Dodge Durango head on. Oregon Department of Transportation closed the highway for approximately four hours during the investigation.

The STAR Team consists of investigators from JCSO, Medford Police Department, Ashland Police Department, Central Point Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. This case is open and ongoing. There is no further information available for release at this time.

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A meeting of the Board of Directors of Central Douglas Fire & Rescue Authority will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday September 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.  To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday September 15, 2025, for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

1. Monthly Financials

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

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Douglas County Fire District No. 2 will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday September 15, 2025, at 5:30 pm. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 pm on Monday September 15, 2025, for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1.  Monthly Financials

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to DCFD #2 at 541-673-5503.

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Winston Dillard Fire District will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St., Winston, OR on Monday, September 15, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-679-8721 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday September 15, 2025, for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1. Monthly Financials

The meeting location is accessible to person with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to Winston-Dillard Fire District No. 5 at 541-679-8721

A Eugene area millwright is the latest winner of Oregon's Game Megabucks, after claiming an $8.1 million jackpot in the August 16 drawing.

The ticket was sold at the Alvadore Gas & Store, located in the unincorporated community in Lane County, Ore. It’s the first jackpot win for store owners Hukam and Chandni Sharma, who earn a bonus check of $81,000 for selling the winning ticket.

“It’s something I never expected because nothing like this happens here,” said Chandni Sharma. “Our community is so excited for us.”

Sharma said the couple plans to reinvest the bonus money into their family business by adding a kitchen and deli to the store to serve meals. It’s something their customers, many of whom work on nearby farms, have been asking for.  

“It’s exciting to see a locally owned business continue to invest in their future,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “The impact of a bonus like this can really have a ripple effect in the community.”

Oregon’s Game Megabucks has some of the most favorable big prize jackpot game odds in the world. In 2024, a Milwaukie man was the winner of an $8.4 million Megabucks jackpot. The jackpot resets to $1 million after someone wins. 

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

Media members can find photos from today’s event here.

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public schools, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

JCSO Case 25-3487

SHADY COVE, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Patrol deputies arrested a serial burglar in Shady Cove yesterday, August 10, at 12:02 PM. After a months-long investigation, JCSO Shady Cove deputies identified a suspect wanted for committing 18 burglaries to three businesses in the Shady Cove area. The suspect, Justin David Teixeira, 38, of Shady Cove, is charged with 18 counts of second-degree burglary, 18 counts of second-degree criminal trespass, third-degree theft, first-degree criminal mischief, and possession of a burglary tool or theft device.

During the investigation, JCSO Shady Cove deputies identified Teixeira as the suspect in numerous burglaries, trespasses, thefts, and criminal mischief at multiple Shady Cove businesses since April. Deputies arrested Teixeira yesterday afternoon while serving a search warrant at his residence in Shady Cove.

Teixeira was lodged in the Jackson County Jail for several hours yesterday until he was force released due to Oregon’s Senate Bill 48 guidelines. Oregon’s legislature passed SB48 in 2021 as a pretrial bail reform bill. The law went into effect in July of 2022. SB48 makes pre-trial release automatic for most “low-level” nonviolent charges, while people facing serious “person crime” charges may still be held before trial. These charges include more serious offenses including violent felonies, sex crimes, and domestic violence felonies or misdemeanors. SB48 also establishes release conditions for the suspected offenders. For more information on SB48 go to https://www.courts.oregon.gov/programs/pretrial/pages/default.aspx

This case is open and ongoing with deputies following additional leads. There is no further information available for release.

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PRIVATE TIMBER LANDS
 

Those who enjoy traveling the back roads of our private timber lands may have found locked gates or restricted access. This leaves some people to believe private timber companies deny access to their lands simply because they don’t want private citizens on their property. This is not the case.

With the exception of active commercial use such as logging or harvest of other forest products, the closures are in reaction to the ever-increasing incidents of offensive littering, abandonment of vehicles, theft of forest products, and acts of criminal mischief. Some common acts of criminal mischief include destruction of property caused by 4X4s and ATVs riding in unapproved areas, destruction of road access gates, and more.

Damage and theft detract from the natural beauty of our forests and incurs costs for cleaning, repairing, and removal of vehicles and garbage. These costs are passed onto private timber companies as well as taxpayers in the county.

What can each of us do to stop the defacing of our forests and waterways? During your visit and when you leave forest lands and waterways:

• Read signs posted at entry points into private & public lands – signs include important information including log truck activity.
• Report criminal acts to law enforcement.
• Report located dump sites or abandoned vehicles.
• Stay informed of possible land use restrictions. This information is usually posted at each access.
• When in doubt about access, contact the landowner or your Lincoln County Sheriff’s office Forest Patrol at (541)-265-4277.
• Do not discard glass, cans, rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or litter other than in receptacles provided for these items.
• Report anyone observed hauling trash or debris into our forests.
• Consider bringing a trash bag or two to pick up trash you observe.
• Do not discard any glass, cans, rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or litter in any waters of the state.
• Do not drain, cause, or permit to be drained, sewage or the drainage from a cesspool, septic tank, recreational or camping vehicle waste holding tank or other contaminated source, upon the land of another without permission of the owner, or upon any public way.
• When target shooting, be sure to pick up brass, targets, and anything else used during your visit.
• Do not permit any rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or other refuse to be thrown from a vehicle you are operating.

Our forestlands, public and private, should be treasured and protected by everyone. Through our efforts, we can strive to regain the trust of the private timber owners. The challenge for each of us is to take pride in where we live and work and clean up our county.

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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BEND, Ore. – The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) has selected a buyer for the Stevens Road Tract, a more than 260-acre property in southeast Bend. Hayden Homes, a privately owned homebuilder based in Redmond, Oregon, will develop a new neighborhood based on the requirements of House Bill 3318 (2021). 

The Stevens Road Tract, located near 27th Street and Reed Market Road, is poised to become an unprecedented new community that will help meet the growing demand for housing in Bend. This planned development will include approximately 2,500 residential units. Guided by state legislation and in partnership with the City of Bend, the neighborhood will guarantee long-term housing affordability through 20 acres of deed-restricted affordable and workforce units for rent and homeownership. A significant portion of these deed-restricted homes will be prioritized for local educators and school district workforce. Stevens Road Tract will also include market-rate housing, parks, and transportation options that support walking, biking, and transit.

Once finalized, the land sale proceeds will be added to Oregon’s Common School Fund. The Fund generates earnings that are distributed to public school districts across the state each year.

“The Stevens Road Tract reflects what is possible when state lands are managed with both purpose and vision,” said Kaitlin Lovell, director of the Oregon Department of State Lands. “This sale will support Oregon’s public schools through the Common School Fund and help address a critical need for affordable housing in one of our state’s fastest-growing communities. It is especially meaningful that educators, those who dedicate their lives to our children’s futures, will be among those who benefit most.”

Hayden Homes is known for its track record in building homes that working families can afford. The company’s nonprofit organization, First Story, provides zero-down, zero-interest home loans to qualifying buyers, including educators and first-time homeowners.

“Hayden Homes is honored to be selected for this innovative housing project,” said Steve Klingman, president of Hayden Homes. “Stevens Road Tract will impact generations of Oregonians not only by providing attainable homeownership and long-term housing affordability in Bend, but also through an investment in public schools statewide. Our local educators are hometown heroes who are instrumental in building a strong community. Hayden Homes is proud of our longstanding commitment to building homes priced for educators and other hardworking Oregonians.” 

The sale is being managed by Cushman & Wakefield, which also represented the state in the successful sale of the adjacent Stevens Ranch property in 2020. Together, the two developments will add more than 600 acres of planned housing and community infrastructure to southeast Bend.

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www.oregon.gov/dsl