BAKER COUNTY, Ore. (27 March 2026) – On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 5:28 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 325, in Baker County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Chevrolet Suburban, operated by David Patrick Carson 60, of Naples (NY), was traveling eastbound on I-84 near Durkee when it left the roadway for an unknown reason. The vehicle rolled several times and came to a stop approximately 80 yards into a field south of the highway.

The operator of the Suburban (Carson) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Baker City Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

# # #

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

Capital City Retro Fest Returns to Salem Waterfront

Award-Winning Festival Set for Three Nights of All-Ages Concerts at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater

Salem, OR – March 30, 2026 – Capital City Retro Fest returns to Salem’s Waterfront Park for its second year, August 14–16, 2026 at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater. The three-night, all-ages tribute band festival follows a successful debut in 2025, where it was recognized by the Oregon Festivals and Events Association with an Ovation Award for “Music Festival of the Year.”

The 2026 lineup spans multiple eras of popular music, with each night featuring three tribute acts. Friday, August 14, includes Red Not Chili Peppers [Red Hot Chili Peppers], Fighting Foos [Foo Fighters], and Infatuation Junkie [Alanis Morissette]. Saturday, August 15, features Hysteria [Def Leppard], Wild Boys [Duran Duran], and TribU2 [U2]. Sunday, August 16, closes the weekend with Taken By The Sky [Fleetwood Mac], Petty Fever [Tom Petty], and Hall & Bros [Hall & Oates + Doobie Brothers].

Produced by Harefest, LLC, the festival was created to offer a high-quality tribute concert experience in an all-ages setting. The event returns to the Gerry Frank Amphitheater following recent park improvements, which provide a central, accessible outdoor venue for live music in downtown Salem. New for 2026, the festival will include a dedicated “photo stage,” where attendees can step up with instruments and capture their own rock star moment.

“Last year exceeded expectations on a lot of levels,” said Jason Fellman, co-founder of Harefest, LLC. “Winning the Ovation Award was a strong indicator that this event connected with the community. Moving to a weekend ahead of the Oregon State Fair gives us more room to grow and makes it easier for people to plan around both events.”

Capital City Retro Fest will also feature food carts, misting tents, a free water refill station, family-friendly activities, and a central bar serving adult beverages for attendees 21 and over.

Festival Hours

Friday, August 14: Gates 6:00pm / Music 7:00pm

Saturday, August 15: Gates 6:00pm / Music 7:00pm

Sunday, August 16: Gates 4:00pm / Music 5:00pm

Tickets

On sale Friday, April 3 at 10:00am at aftontickets.com/capcityretro

Single-day: $30 advance ($25 early bird through April) / $35 day of show

3-day pass: $75 ($60 early bird through April 30)

Kids 12 and under: Free admission

More info available at capcityretro.com
Media assets (photos, logos): tinyurl.com/capcityretrofestmedia

About Harefest, LLC Harefest, LLC produces music festivals and events throughout the Pacific Northwest, including HAREFEST: The Mother of All Tribute Festivals, Legends Reloaded, Capital City Retro Fest, 90s Flannel Fest, and Seattle Retro Fest. The company focuses on creating accessible, high-quality live music experiences across multiple markets. More at harefest.com

EUGENE, Ore. - The many ways trees protect human health is the focus of the 2026 Oregon Urban and Community Forestry Conference to be held June 4 in Eugene at Venue 252. The full lineup of speakers – 11 in all – has now been announced. Conference theme is We Thrive When Trees Thrive.

This year’s keynote speaker is Geoffrey Donovan, a natural resource economist with the private consultancy firm Ash and Elm Consulting, LLC. When he was a researcher based at the USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station, Donovan published a ground-breaking study that found each tree planted in Portland by the non-profit Friends of Trees was associated with significant reductions in non-accidental and cardiovascular human deaths. Donovan had access to years’ worth of tree planting data from Friends of Trees. Specifically, he used the planting data from the nearly 50,000 trees that organization had planted in Portland neighborhoods since 1990. Donovan was able to rule out other possible explanations for the lower death rate like race, education, and income, by using the statistical models from the American Community Survey. The findings were published in December 2022 in the journal Environmental International.

Donovan’s work has also shown a strong correlation between sudden tree canopy loss and higher death rates using data from the Midwest where ash trees were suddenly killed by emerald ash borer, leaving residents exposed to air pollution, noise, and other stressors. He has also investigated how pregnant women in Portland who live near large shade trees are less likely to give birth prematurely.

Other presenters include:

• Jared Hanley, NatureQuant, speaking about how to measure the economic contribution of trees to public health
• Leah Fisher, Clackamas Co. Public Health, and Jairaj Singh, Oregon Dept. of Transportation, discussing cross-sector efforts to expand tree canopy using health data
• Gwynne Mhuireach, University of Oregon, exploring the hidden links between forest bathing and human health
• Alby Thoumsin, Sperry Tree Care, how to honor and care for older trees
• Sarah Gaskin, A Plus Tree, LLC, sharing lessons learned from novel wood waste solutions
• Drue Epping, American Forests, on positioning trees as integral solutions to community challenges
• A three-person panel of Mari Aviles, Kat Bethea and Jennifer Killian traces the lifecycle of urban trees from species selection through establishment with lessons for how to achieve long-term success

There will also be poster presentations for viewing throughout the conference. Poster presentation applications are being accepted through April 17 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBYG5C48Lw6OyZ8gTbF3l8-fTwiZcFYUGyXlqtE3hZfAkEDw/viewform?pli=1

Continuing education credits from the International Society of Arboriculture will be available for conference attendees.

Opportunities to be a sponsor are open until April 17. Visit www.oregoncommunitytrees.org/2026-conference for more information.

Registration at early-bird prices for the conference—We Thrive When Trees Thrive—is now open at https://www.oregoncommunitytrees.org/2026-conference. Last day to take advantage of early pricing discount is April 17.

This annual conference is put on by the non-profit organization Oregon Community Trees in partnership with the Oregon Department of Forestry and USDA Forest Service. It is open to anyone interested in urban tree issues and their impact on people and communities.

Early-bird registration pricing remains $150. Students can register for $80. Ticket includes entry, lunch, snacks, and a networking social hour following the conference. Scholarships are available for those with an expressed financial need. Deadline to apply is April 17. Scholarship applications can be found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKGaCo1wCPBiUBUxPWNMINwKgnTIU9Stke8S_1JbjI-wTa2Q/viewform

About Oregon Community Trees

The mission of this non-profit, Oregon-based organization is to promote healthy urban and community forests through leadership, education, awareness and advocacy. OCT serves as the advisory committee to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program.

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SALEM, Oregon— A new Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) will review proposed updates to the County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP) rules and provide feedback on draft rule changes.

The Rule Advisory Committee will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, April 13. The public can watch the livestream on the OPRD Director’s Office channel on YouTube. A recording will be available after the meeting.

The Rule Advisory Committee includes representatives from local governments, recreation providers and other stakeholders with experience in park and recreation planning, development and management.

Staff will incorporate the committee's feedback into the proposed draft rules and then open them for public comment. Following the public comment period and hearing, staff will present the proposed rules to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration of adoption.

The County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP), administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), provides financial assistance to counties for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation and planning of county park and recreation areas that provide camping facilities.

OPRD is proposing updates to portions of the rules to reflect modern program practices, improve administrative clarity and ensure consistency with related state and federal grant programs.

The proposed changes include updating definitions, formalizing administrative processes, clarifying grant application requirements and scoring criteria, and increasing administrative flexibility. The proposal also includes adding an emergency procedure rule and a conversion rule to establish long-term stewardship requirements that align COGP with other OPRD grant programs.

The proposed rule changes are intended to update and clarify grant program practices without altering the core purpose or structure of the program.

Interested individuals can follow updates, read the draft rules, and learn more about the rulemaking process on the OPRD rulemaking webpage found here.

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On March 29th at approximately 7:08 p.m., deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance in the 12000 block of West Stayton Rd near Aumsville. During the response, deputies were involved in a use-of-deadly-force incident.

In accordance with Marion County’s SB 111 protocols, the Salem Police Department will lead the investigation, as they were not involved in the initial response. They are assisted by Silverton, Oregon State Police, and other agencies.

No deputies were injured during the incident.

All future updates regarding this case will be released by the Salem Police Department or the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2026

Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team Concludes Methamphetamine Distribution Investigation

Douglas County, Ore. – In the late evening hours of March 27, 2026, the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) concluded an investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine throughout Douglas County.

The investigation focused on 57-year-old James Teel of Camas Valley and his alleged involvement in methamphetamine sales across the county. During the course of the investigation, detectives learned Teel conducted numerous transactions in the Ten Mile area.

On Friday, March 27, 2026, Teel was placed under surveillance by DINT detectives as he departed his residence. He was contacted in the 9,000 block of Highway 42. Upon contact, Teel initially attempted to flee after detectives identified themselves and ordered him to stop. DINT detectives quickly blocked Teel's exit, allowing Teel to be taken into custody without further incident.

A Douglas County Sheriff’s Office K-9, Trapper, was deployed and alerted to the presence of controlled substances within the vehicle.

Detectives subsequently executed a search warrant on Teel’s vehicle, which yielded evidence consistent with methamphetamine distribution. A second search warrant was served at Teel’s residence in the 12,000 block of Highway 42 in Camas Valley, where investigators located additional evidence, including significant quantities of methamphetamine and bulk cash.

In total, detectives seized approximately:

• 21.8 pounds of methamphetamine
• 12 grams of cocaine
• 18 grams of fentanyl
• 2 oxycodone pills
• Bulk U.S. currency

The following individuals were arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail in connection with the investigation:

• James Teel, 57 – Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine
• Gina Cotton, 58 – Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Cocaine, Unlawful Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
• Stephanie Wilson, 44 – Conspiracy to Possess and Deliver Methamphetamine

DINT was assisted in this investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

The Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach.  DINT is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.  DINT is composed of members from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, Oregon State Police, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Land Management.

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

Salem, OR – March 27, 2026 – Today, a Marion County Grand Jury unanimously found that Marion County Sheriff Deputy Alan Jefferson was justified in using deadly force against Juan Carlos Gomez-Valles, age 39, during an incident on March 17, 2026.

Marion County Sheriff Deputies responded to a 911 call from a residence off State Street in Marion County on the morning of March 17, 2026.  A second 911 call from the same location followed while a deputy was still on scene. The deputy cleared the scene when nobody from the residence came to the door. Shortly thereafter, a third 911 call was made from the same location, where the caller said they were being held captive in the home. Once again, deputies responded and this time entered the residence with occupants’ consent and given the additional safety concerns.  Inside, Gomez-Valles came out of a bedroom with a knife in each hand. He failed to relinquish the weapons despite commands to do so and advanced towards the deputies.  Deputy Jefferson fired his weapon striking Gomez-Valles.  He was treated on scene and transported by medics to Salem Health, where he was subsequently released on March 23, 2026.

No deputies were harmed during this encounter.  The Oregon State Police responded as an outside agency to lead the full investigation as is consistent with the Marion County District Attorney’s Office Senate Bill 111 Use of Deadly Force Protocol. 

The Grand Jury heard from ten witnesses including all 6 Marion County Deputies who responded, as well as Detectives from the Oregon State Police.  They also reviewed evidence collected at the scene including photographs, listened to 911 Calls, and considered relevant medical records from Salem Heath.[1]  The knives were also made available for the Grand Jury to view and a relative of Gomez-Valles testified.

The same Grand Jury that found Deputy Jefferson’s actions to be justified also indicted Juan Carlos Gomez-Valles for:

• Two counts of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree
• Two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Two counts of Menacing
• Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon

Gomez-Valles is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday March 30^th, 2026, at 2:30PM at the Marion County Court Annex located at 4000 Aumsville Highway in Salem.  He is currently being held at the Linn County jail.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon is a Class C Felony punishable by a maximum of 5 years in prison. Menacing and Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon are both Class A Misdemeanors punishable by a maximum of a year in jail. 

Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson stated, “I am grateful for the Grand Jury’s thorough and thoughtful review of all the circumstances in this case.  These matters are always a reminder of the professionalism of law enforcement and the real danger that they face as they respond to calls for help.  We are all thankful that everyone involved in this incident survived and is safe.”

Due to the ongoing nature of this criminal prosecution, the DA’s Office will not release any further details at this time.

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TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST, Ore. — More than 55 volunteers helped clean and restore the Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes and nearby forest roads on March 21. Volunteers removed graffiti from boulders, replaced vandalized signs, and collected enough trash to fill a 30-yard dumpster.

“We simply could not keep these shooting lanes open and maintained without this kind of support,” said Ben Burns, Recreation Facilities Manager with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). “Trash No Land has been an outstanding partner, organizing volunteers not only for this annual cleanup but throughout the year.”

Trash No Land is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting responsible recreational target shooting while protecting public lands.

“We are all public landowners,” said Bill Cogley, president and co-founder of Trash No Land. “That comes with a responsibility to follow the rules and respect others. We focus on education and hands-on efforts like this cleanup to make a positive difference.”

In addition to picking up trash several volunteers donated $740 for the dumpster before the cleanup day and raised $1,005 from a raffle of donated items from local businesses that will go to future improvements at Wolf Creek.  They also coordinated and paid for the replacement of vandalized signs at the lanes.

“We had a power washer to clean graffiti off the boulders and painted over it on the concrete barriers,” said Cogley.  “The volunteers were divided up into five crews and everyone worked so hard and fast we were done by noon.  I thank everyone who came out who cared and shared for our places to shoot on public lands.”

ODF manages two designated target shooting areas: the North Fork Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes in the Tillamook State Forest and the BC615 Shooting Lanes in the Santiam State Forest. In addition, ODF maintains 22 campgrounds and 61 trailheads, off-highway vehicle staging areas, and day-use sites with a facilities staff of just 13 people. 

“Volunteers are critical to keeping all our sites clean, safe and enjoyable and we thank them for their year-round efforts,” said Burns.

Trash is an eyesore and diminishes the outdoor experience but the top concern at the shooting ranges is safety.

“Two fires ignited at the shooting lanes last year due to irresponsible target shooting practices but were quickly contained by ODF firefighters,” said Burns.

The top fire-starting concerns are improper backstops and banned ammunition along with exploding targets.

“There are high, vegetation free backstops at the shooting lanes,” said Burns.  “The problem is from shooters who move targets outside those areas or use an improper backstop.”

Sparks into dried out vegetation and smoldering lead in an improper stop like an old stump or log can easily start a fire.  All incendiary ammunition is prohibited on all public lands as are exploding targets such as Tannerite.

Banned ammunition includes tracer rounds and any others that burn, glow or ignite.  This also includes shooting flares from flare guns.

To manage these sorts of unsafe target shooting practices, Tillamook and Washington County Sheriff’s deputies work with ODF staff to issue citations and fines to violators.

Despite these safety concerns ODF and Trash No Land are working together, for the vast majority of users who do follow the rules, to improve the shooting lanes.

“We are pursuing grants and fundraising to support upgrades,” Cogley said. “Our goal is to make the site safer and more sustainable for everyone.”

Planned improvements include expanding shooting lanes and enhancing fire prevention and safety features.

Both organizations emphasize that the future of the site depends on responsible use.

“If we want to keep these areas open, everyone needs to take that responsibility seriously,” Cogley said. “That starts with education, volunteerism, and setting a good example.”

For more information about volunteer opportunities, see the Trash No Land website.

For current regulations, closures, and updates, visit the Tillamook State Forest target shooting website or contact the ODF Forest Grove office at (503) 357-2191.

Note: The Butte Creek 615 Shooting Lane in the Santiam State Forest is temporarily closed due to nearby timber harvest operations and will reopen once work is complete.

Oregonians for Floodplain Protection (OFP) is proud to stand with Oregon Congressman

Cliff Bentz in his effort to keep the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) focused on

protecting Oregonian's property and lives from flood risk. According to Congressman

Bentz, The National Flood Insurance Program Clarification Act of 2026 “stops application of

the Endangered Species Act in a way Congress never intended. Flood insurance exists to

protect human life and property. It should not be used as a vehicle to impose sweeping

land-use mandates on local communities.”

OFP members support H. R. 7862:

“For more than a decade, Oregon communities have faced uncertainty about the future of

flood insurance and development in their communities. The National Flood Insurance

Program Clarification Act of 2026 restores the careful balance of responsible development,

land management, and flood protection that was intended by the National Flood Insurance

Program. We thank Representative Bentz for his leadership in introducing this critical

legislation.”

- Jeremy Rogers, OFP Board President

“The Oregon Farm Bureau applauds the introduction of H.R. 7862 – the National Flood

Insurance Program Clarification Act – and urges its swift adoption. This commonsense

legislation reaffirms the intent of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as a critical

safety net in response to unpredictable and uncommon flooding events. Restoring the core

mission of NFIP to protection and recovery balances important aquatic habitat protections

with responsible natural resource land management and development practices. We

appreciate the leadership of Congressman Cliff Bentz in bringing this legislation forward.”

- Angela Bailey, Oregon Farm Bureau President

"Rep. Bentz’s bill is a welcome addition to the fight for ensuring congressional intent is

followed by the courts. This bill does not strip away environmental protections already

required under the ESA, but it does return the NFIP to what it was designed to be—flood

insurance. The City of Warrenton is grateful to Rep. Bentz’s leadership in this matter and

asks all members of Congress to join in support of this important legislation."

- Warrenton Mayor Henry Balensifer

“Communities like ours rely on the National Flood Insurance Program to protect homes,

support responsible land use, and help people recover after disasters. Providing greater

clarity and consistency in how the program is applied will help local governments plan

effectively while continuing to protect people, property, and natural resources.”

-Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder

"The City of Coos Bay strongly supports H.R. 7862. The National Flood Insurance Program

(NFIP) exists to protect people and property from flood risk, and this legislation ensures it

stays focused on that mission. Layering ESA Section 7 consultation requirements onto the

NFIP creates uncertainty and burdens for coastal communities like ours. H.R. 7862

restores the program’s core purpose, alleviates the City from having to expend additional

resources on floodplain management for ESA-integration, and gives our residents the

certainty they deserve."

- City of Coos Bay

"The Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce has long been deeply concerned by

FEMA's application of the ESA to floodplain management and insurance, which will have

widespread and devastating consequences to our coastal economies and way of life. We

hold high hopes that Congressman's Bentz's proposed legislation to withdraw existing

biological opinions will provide relief and some level of predictability to floodplain

management and restore sovereignty over zoning and land use to local oversight, where it

belongs."

- Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director David Reid

Text of Congressman Bentz's bill is available here.

For immediate release: March 26, 2026

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

WorkSource Oregon Invites Job Seekers in the Portland Metro Area to Apply to Oregon Training Institute’s Paid Weatherization Training Program

BEAVERTON, Ore. — WorkSource Oregon invites job seekers to learn about and apply for Oregon Training Institute’s Energy Conservation and Weatherization Career Program. Oregon Training Institute (OTI) will host an information session about this paid training opportunity on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at WorkSource Oregon’s Beaverton/Hillsboro location. Job seekers are invited to attend at no cost and may complete the program application during the session.

Weatherization refers to home improvements that save energy and money on utility bills while improving the safety and comfort of a home. Career paths in this field include positions such as retrofit installer, crew leader, energy auditor, quality control inspector, and client services representative. OTI prepares job seekers for these roles by teaching key skills such as conducting energy audits, installing insulation, sealing air leaks, venting clothes dryers, installing roof vents, and using blower doors to assess energy loss.

“Oregon’s clean energy future depends on a skilled, local workforce, and the Oregon Energy Conservation and Weatherization Training Program is helping make that possible,” said Suzanne Gray, workforce development manager for the Community Action Partnership of Oregon, which administers the OTI program. “This recruitment event connects job seekers with a team committed to energy efficiency and strengthening local communities. We’re excited to meet candidates ready to build meaningful careers.”

The program consists of three phases, with the next cohort scheduled for June 8-Sept. 10, 2026. Participants will gain valuable in-the-field experience, including opportunities for supervised work with a contractor, job shadowing, mentoring, and more. Upon successful completion of each phase, they will earn wage increases and certificates for employment in the weatherization field. Participants begin the program earning $18.20 per hour; those who advance to the final phase conclude the program with a wage of $23 per hour.

“This is a great opportunity for people to connect directly with a paid training provider,” said Jim Pfarrer, director of Workforce Operations with the Oregon Employment Department. “This is the time to make a strong impression, and job seekers should come ready to talk about their strengths and experience.”

“WorkSource Oregon – Beaverton/Hillsboro is pleased to bring this exciting event to job seekers in the Portland metro area,” said Jeffrey Janssen, business and employment specialist. “Even if this event isn’t for you, we still encourage you to come into one of our centers. This is just one example of the many services we offer at no cost to help people find a job or get the training they need to be successful.”

The Oregon Employment Department and WorkSource Oregon are proud to partner with businesses and employers across the state in finding qualified employees. If you are interested in collaborating on a hiring event or learning more about our resources for employers, please contact Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov.

Event Information

Date:  Monday, March 30, 2026
Time:  10 a.m. to noon
Location:  WorkSource Oregon – Beaverton/Hillsboro, Room 108

241 SW Edgeway Drive, Beaverton, OR 97006

Email: ey.J.Janssen@employ.oregon.gov">Jeffrey.J.Janssen@employ.oregon.gov

Website: www.worksourceoregon.org/events/2026-03-30/energy-conservation-and-weatherization-training-program/

About Workforce Operations and WorkSource Oregon

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) is an equal opportunity agency. WSO provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1680. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. WSO proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1680. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo Services@oregon.gov.">electrónico a EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

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On March 26, 2026, at shortly after 8:00 am, agents from the Department of Homeland Security contacted front desk staff at our Administrative Office to notify the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Judicial Security Unit (JSU) they were in the Marion County Courthouse to locate and arrest two people.

DHS agents provided the JSU supervisor with a copy of a US District Court arrest warrant signed by a U.S. Magistrate Judge commanding the arrest of Daniel Lopez-Mojica, a 39-year-old male. Mr. Lopez-Mojica was scheduled for a court appearance earlier today for a felony criminal proceeding. JSU deputies independently confirmed the arrest warrant was valid and serviceable by local law enforcement.

DHS agents advised the second subject they were seeking had an administrative warrant for their arrest and did not request assistance from JSU deputies in serving the warrant. JSU deputies were advised the subject had previously been uncooperative and was likely to resist arrest.

The JSU supervisor showed Sheriff Hunter the signed federal arrest warrant and notified him DHS agents were in the courthouse. JSU was instructed to take Mr. Lopez-Mojica into custody for the confirmed federal arrest warrant, consistent with Oregon law.

JSU deputies were present when DHS agents contacted the subject with the administrative warrant in a public area outside of a courtroom. JSU deputies did not participate in the arrest, but were in the immediate vicinity where the arrest occurred to ensure the safety of patrons and staff in the courthouse. JSU deputies witnessed the suspect resist arrest as DHS agents attempted to take him into custody. DHS agents were able to restrain the subject without JSU intervention. After the subject was taken into custody by DHS agents, a JSU deputy was assigned to escort DHS agents through publicly accessible areas as they removed the disorderly arrestee from the courthouse to ensure there were no further disruptions to court operations.

After the disturbance, JSU deputies took Mr. Lopez-Mojica, who was seated nearby, into custody without incident, pursuant to the US District Court arrest warrant. JSU deputies walked Mr. Lopez-Mojica out of the courthouse where he was turned over to federal authorities.

Sheriff Hunter stated, “Our Judicial Security team acted professionally, remaining focused on their mission, providing safety and security to everyone in the courthouse consistent with state and federal law.”

Link to media kit with soundbites about colorectal cancer with Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at OHA.

SAFETY TIPS FOR RUNNERS

The Newport Marathon is just around the corner, so we can expect to see local and guest runners hitting the road on May 31st. Motorists should use extra caution, not only during special events like this, but throughout the year. Whether you are a well-seasoned runner or just beginning your running activities, there are some things you should consider to keep yourself safe while running. The time of day and weather impact not only how you feel on your run but can also be more dangerous depending on the situation. Before heading out on your next run, consider these tips.

Before the Run

• Run with another person or a group.
• Let someone know when and where you are running and when you will return.
• Carry ID and a cell phone. Consider adding a small card with an emergency contact and any allergies or known medical conditions.
• Take a whistle with you.
• Dress for the weather and running conditions. Wear layers and sturdy shoes.
• Wear reflective clothing or gear regardless of the time of day.
• Don’t wear headphones or anything that distracts you. This will help keep you aware of cars passing by and animals you may encounter on your route.
• Vary the route and the time of day that you run.
• If you must run at night, remember to wear a headlamp and a flashing red light on your back. Consider additional reflective gear.
• Remember to stretch! Stretching before running and regular flexibility and strength training help prevent future injuries.

During the Run

• Run against traffic so that you can observe the approach of automobiles.
• When possible, run on sidewalks or designated trails/pedestrian paths.
• Remember to hydrate. Runner’s belts and vests make it easier to carry water and snacks.
• Keep an eye on the temperature and how your body feels. If you start to overheat, feel dizzy, or otherwise unwell, take a break in the shade and drink water.
• Stay alert. When in doubt, follow your intuition. If something seems suspicious, do not panic, but run in a different direction.
• Do not approach a car to give directions. If you feel you must respond, do it while moving.
• Run in familiar areas. Note the location of neighbors or open businesses along the route.
• When in doubt call for help. For an emergency, call 911. Non-emergency dispatch can be reached at 541-265-0777, or call a friend and keep them on the phone until you feel safe again.

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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2026

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman were honored to be asked to be a part of the Roseburg VA Health Care System’s Third Annual Vietnam Veterans of America Welcome Home Event held today, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  A copy of the complete video presentation of the ceremony can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

The Third Annual Roseburg VA Vietnam Veterans of America Welcome Home Event included:

• A reception and luncheon for Vietnam Veterans and their families
• Memorial Veterans Wall, flag, and boot displays
• Welcome by Roseburg VA Health Care System (RVAHCS) Chief CDCE and Master of Ceremonies Traci Palmer
• Opening prayer by Acing Chief RVAHCS Chaplain Patrice Borne
• Presentation of the colors by the Umpqua Valley Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Chapter #805 Honor Guard.
• Opening remarks by RVAHCS Interim Director, Dr. Christina Hansel Cellura.
• Special Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans proclamation presentation by Douglas County Commissioner and Veteran Services Liaison Tim Freeman
• Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) presentation was presented by ODVA Appeals & Special Advocacy Director, Joe Glover
• Palmer invited VVA Chapter 805 President Bill Duncan to the podium to talk about the veteran Honor Flight program.  Southern Oregon Chapter Director for Honor Flights of Oregon, Ken Wilson was in attendance to talk about the program with veterans. 
• A beautiful patriotic musical medley including God Bless America, The Liberty Bell, Shenandoah, an Armed Forces Hymn Medley, Americana Medley and the Navy Hymn was performed by the Navy Band Northwest (NBN).  NBN also proudly played anthems for each of the United States Military branches while Vietnam Veterans were asked to stand during their respective branch anthem - Army: "The Caisson Song" (also known as "The Army Goes Rolling Along"), Marine Corps: "The Marines' Hymn", Navy: "Anchors Aweigh", Air Force: "The U.S. Air Force", Space Force: "Semper Supra", and Coast Guard: "Semper Paratus"  
• The story behind the significance of the challenge coin was shared by retired United States Marine Corps Major, Dr. Shawn Tyson.
• A special coining ceremony was held, during which each attending Vietnam Veteran received a specially designed commemorative coin in honor of their service. Coin presenters included ODVA Joe Glover, RVAHCS Interim Director Christina Hansel Cellura, Douglas County Commissioner Tom Kress, Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice, Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin, Douglas County Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, Douglas County Clerk Dan Loomis, and Dr. Shawn Tyson.
• A ceremonial 21-gun salute was presented by the Umpqua Valley Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Chapter #805 Honor Guard was followed by the playing of taps on the cornet performed by the Navy Band Northwest. 
• Palmer then invited Dennis “Ande” Anderson to the podium.  Ande, a Vietnam Veteran volunteered to provide a statement of response about the Welcome Home event from the Vietnam Veteran Community.  

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners proclamation was presented by Board Chair Commissioner Tim Freeman, on behalf of all three commissioners and proclaimed Sunday, March 29, 2026, as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in Douglas County. They continue to honor with somber reflection the United States of America’s 13-year Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War which concluded in 2025.  The proclamation encouraged all citizens to rightfully honor and thank our Vietnam Veterans and their families for their bravery, courageous military service, and sacrifice.  During the reading copies of the proclamation certificates were presented to Vietnam Veterans in attendance.    

"The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration is a vow that we as a nation will never again confuse personal disapproval of war with prejudice against those who honorably wear the uniform of our U.S. Armed Forces. With conviction, we pledge our enduring respect, our continuing care, and our everlasting commitment to all Vietnam veterans who were denied a proper welcome home upon returning to U.S. soil more than 50 years ago," stated Commissioner Freeman.

The Vietnam Veterans of America Welcome Home Event concluded with a door prize drawing and a sincere message from Palmer.  The Commissioners truly and sincerely Thank and Welcome Home our Vietnam Veterans.  The Douglas County Commissioners would like to thank the Roseburg VA for inviting them to be part of this amazing ceremony honoring our Vietnam Veterans. 

To learn more about the United States of America’s 13-year Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War visit https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached. Photos © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County. 

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfeild Fire responded to a house fire in West Eugene Wednesday Morning.  Just before 11:30AM on March 25^th, firefighters were called to a duplex in the 4400 block of Marcum Ln.  Callers reported heavy black smoke from one side of the duplex.  Engine 8 from the Danebo Station arrived in about 3-1/2 minutes after the dispatch to find a working fire and immediately went to work addressing the fire located in the kitchen.  Additional crew performed search and ventilation. One occupant was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.  The cause is under investigation and there were no other injuries reported. 

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Federal Forest Restoration Program (FFR Program) is awarding $3 million in planning assistance funding and separate grants of nearly $264,000 to forest collaboratives.

“These new investments reflect a simple strategy: invest in the people, science, and planning needed to deliver more forest restoration work on the ground,” said Kyle Sullivan-Astor, ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Program Lead.

The program also recently released a new report highlighting on-the-ground accomplishments, recent investments, and key program developments.

$3 million awarded to accelerate “A to Z” planning for large federal projects

The $3 million in “A to Z” Planning Assistance funding for the 2025–27 biennium is to help the U.S. Forest Service accelerate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning for high-priority, landscape-scale projects.   

“All landscape resiliency work on federal lands must comply with mandatory environmental laws,” said Sullivan-Astor. “That process is thorough, helps avoid and mitigate environmental harm, and often requires significant time and resources. This funding allows ODF to see projects through from A to Z, adding expertise and capacity to our federal partners and getting work done more quickly than it otherwise would.”

Awards include:

• Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest (Grayback) — $500,000
• Mt. Hood National Forest (The Dalles Watershed) — $500,000
• Malheur National Forest (Bogue Gulch) — $600,000
• Umpqua National Forest (Thunder Cat) — $650,000
• Wallowa–Whitman National Forest (Unity Point) — $750,000

One example of this funding at work is in the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest. The Grayback project proposes thinning and fuels reduction on approximately 4,000 acres to improve forest resiliency, reduce fuel loading, and improve public and firefighter access in a high-risk wildfire landscape. Treatments will include plantation thinning and fuels reduction along strategic fuel management zones, and opportunities for maintenance.

For an overview of all the funded projects and details on the associated work go here.

Planning assistance grants are a combination of state General Funds and federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds provided to ODF.

First-round Forest Collaborative Grant awards announced

ODF, working in partnership with the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), awarded $138,899 under the Forest Collaborative Grant program.

A forest collaborative is a local group of people and organizations with different perspectives on public forest management who work together to find common ground and support active management projects.

“The overarching goal of this program is to increase the number, acreage, and complexity of collaboratively planned restoration projects on federal lands in Oregon by strengthening governance, supporting zones of agreement, and supporting collective action where coordination help is needed,” said Sullivan-Astor.  

Those receiving the grants include:

• Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative—$76,709 for Rogue Forests in Transition: Building Collaborative Solutions.
• Wasco Soil and Water Conservation District—$62,190 for Mt. Hood East Zone Forest Collaborative Project supporting collaborative engagement around the South Wasco Ecosystem Restoration effort.

For an overview of the projects go here.

“These grants support the ‘people infrastructure’ that helps federal agencies and communities surface disagreements early, build shared understanding, and develop more durable restoration priorities over time,” said Sullivan-Astor.

$125,000 in Technical Assistance and Science Support awards for collaboratives

ODF also awarded $125,000 in Technical Assistance and Science Support grants to support project partnerships between forest collaboratives and external technical/science providers.

“TASS projects are designed to provide collaboratives with specialized expertise, such as scientific analysis, communications support, monitoring design, tools, and training, with a clearly defined public deliverable at project completion,” said Sullivan-Astor.

For an overview of the projects go here.

About the Federal Forest Restoration Program

The Oregon Legislature created the Federal Forest Restoration Program in 2013 to improve the resilience of Oregon’s federal forests. The FFR Program plays a role in the state’s ability to work across ownership boundaries to reduce the risk of stand-replacing wildfire, improve forest and watershed health, and create jobs in rural, forest dependent communities.

For more on the Federal Forest Restoration Program go here.

2026 Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

 and Policy Committee

Open Vacancy – Recruitments

The Board on Public Safety Standards & Training (BPSST) and established Policy Committees have open vacancies looking to be filled. The current vacancies are as follows:

BPSST: All Board applications must be submitted through Workday.com and are reviewed on a rolling basis

• One member who is a representative of corrections personnel recommended to the Governor by the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association
• One member who is a representative of the collective bargaining unit that represents the largest number of individual workers in the DOC
• One member recommended by and representing the private security industry
• Public Member

Policy Committees: All Policy Committee applications must be submitted by June 18, 2026.

Corrections Policy Committee:

• One non-management corrections officer employed by the DOC
• One public member who has never been employed or utilized as a corrections officer

Police Policy Committee:

• One person recommended by and representing the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association
• One non-management law enforcement officer

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

• One person representing the retail industry
• One person who is a private investigator licensed under ORS 703.430, and is recommended by the Oregon State Bar (will also serve on the PI Sub-Committee upon appointment)
• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a private security provider or investigator
• One person representing the manufacturing industry
• One person representing the hospitality industry

Private Investigator Subcommittee:

• Currently licensed private investigator

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• One person representing Emergency Medical Services & Trauma 

To inquire about a vacancy, please visit Department of Public Safety Standards & Training : Board on Public Safety Standards & Training and Policy Committees : Boards and Committees : State of Oregon.

If interested in applying for a Policy Committee position, please complete and submit the Policy Committee Interest Form found under the ‘Board and Committee Resources’ section of the website listed above.

If interested in applying for a BPSST position, please complete the online application at Workday Board and Commission Opportunities. (Please note that an account may need to be created if not already in Workday)

For further information regarding the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training or its respective Policy Committees, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Thank you,

DPSST Board & Committees Staff

Road Name: Old Mill Road

Location: Office Covered Bridge

Dates and Times: Saturday, April 4, 2026, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Alternate Routes: None

Reason for Closure: The Office Covered Bridge will be closed to vehicles for the annual City of Westfir Easter Egg Hunt

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