KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. (20 March 2026) – On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:49 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 97 near milepost 236 in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Dodge Ram pulling a trailer, operated by Sue Anne Evans (76) of Grants Pass, was traveling northbound on Hwy. 97 near Chiloquin when it crossed into the southbound lane for an unknown reason. The Dodge Ram collided head-on with a southbound gray Ford F550 towing a trailer and forklift, operated by Chad Everett Hayes (44) of Walla Walla (WA).

The operator of the Dodge (Evans) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Ford (Hayes) had reported minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

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

Asante accused of manipulating workers’ paychecks and stealing healthcare workers' wages.  

(MEDFORD, Ore.) –  On March 18, an Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) member leader filed a class action lawsuit against Asante for wage theft and violating Oregon law. Asante is accused of multiple illegal accounting practices including manipulating workers’ timecards, making unauthorized wage deductions, time rounding, refusing to pay workers’ earned differentials, refusing to pay missed meals and breaks, and failure to pay workers’ wages on time.

Nurses are suing to stop Asante’s illegal accounting practices, recover lost wages owed to healthcare workers, and ensure a fair and accurate accounting of all workers’ hours and pay.

“Nurses and healthcare workers show up every day to care for our community and we expect to be paid fairly for our work. When we clock in, we trust that Asante is paying us properly. That trust has been broken,” said Fred Katz, RN, an ONA bargaining unit chair at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center and ONA board member. “This isn’t an honest mistake. Asante is systematically manipulating timecards as a structure of fiscal policy and enforced work rules. It’s just wrong."

We know many workers are afraid to speak up. That’s why nurses are taking the lead. We are standing up for every hourly worker who relies on fair pay to pay their rent, cover their bills and feed their families. It’s time for Asante to take accountability for its actions. It needs to stop breaking the law and start paying frontline healthcare workers every dollar they’ve earned," Katz said. 

Class counsel estimates 6,000 hourly workers have been victims of Asante’s wage theft since 2020—including nearly 5,000 current employees. Plaintiffs estimate Asante owes workers $500,000 in unpaid wages. Asante is facing an additional $2 million in statutory penalties and damages plus interest and court costs.

“As a nurse with Asante for over nine years, the work we do matters deeply to me and my colleagues. We’re very proud of the care and attention we provide to our patients and our community. We’re asking Asante to bring that same level of care and attention to its payroll practices to ensure workers are paid accurately,” said Juniper Arthurs, RN, an ONA bargaining unit leader at Asante Rogue Regional, and a named plaintiff in the suit. “This case will provide a full and fair review of payroll practices and address any wages owed. All workers should feel confident they are being paid what they’ve earned.”

Wage theft is the failure to pay workers the full wages they are legally entitled to. It is the largest form of theft in the United States costing workers billions of dollars each year. Wage theft can take many forms, including requiring employees to work off the clock, denying workers their legal meal breaks or payment for missed breaks, illegal deductions and overtime violations among others.

Asante is accused of illegally “rounding” workers timesheets among other unlawful accounting practices. Rounding workers’ timesheets is illegal in Oregon. It can lead to providers working for free off the clock and working more hours for less pay. Oregon law requires companies to pay workers for all hours worked to ensure accurate timekeeping and fair compensation.

How rounding works:

Examples: A nurse clocks in at 5:53 a.m. and begins caring for patients. Asante rounds the time so it only pays the nurse starting at 6 a.m. regardless of the amount of work the nurse performed before 6. Alternatively, if a nurse clocks out of a shift at 7:07 p.m. due to work demands, Asante only pays them for work until 7 p.m.—refusing to pay the nurse for all hours worked.

While the individual daily impact can be small, illegal accounting practices like rounding compound and multiply—affecting every hourly worker on every shift every day. Asante’s illegal accounting has been going on for years, preventing thousands of workers from being paid fairly and costing them potential overtime payments, premium and differentials, and earned sick time and leave benefits.

One nurse alone already won more than $5,000 in earned backpay after successfully challenging Asante’s illegal accounting practices through union grievances.

In addition to rounding, Asante is accused of illegally modifying workers’ timecards to prevent workers from receiving earned premium and differential pay. In these cases, Asante would allegedly alter workers’ timecards after the worker and their supervisor reviewed and approved them.

Asante has also refused to correct workers’ timesheet when workers’ reported having to skip meals and breaks due to short staffing or other issues; preventing workers from receiving the full pay they earned.

The lawsuit is filed in Jackson County Circuit Court.

• Click here for a copy of the lawsuit.

Asante is a multimillion-dollar healthcare system that is the largest healthcare provider in 9 counties across Southern Oregon and Northern California. It has more than 6,000 workers in hospitals, clinics and offices throughout the region. Asante executives are already under fire for closing maternity and inpatient services at Ashland’s only hospital and racking up more than $684,000 in state fines for violating Oregon’s safe staffing law. Asante executives also face six unfair labor practice charges (ULPs) including for refusing to meet and bargain with frontline healthcare workers and mounting questions about their decision to outsource local healthcare providers.

The ONA represents more than 1450 registered nurses and technical workers at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford.

Roseburg, OR — The H.O.P.E. Adult Drug Court will celebrate its 112th graduation ceremony on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds – Cascade Hall, beginning at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be presided over by the Honorable Robert B. Johnson, who leads the adult drug court program.

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduation is a time of transformation, reflection, and community celebration. Attendees will hear directly from graduates as they share their personal journeys, stories of perseverance, healing, accountability, and hope. These moments highlight not only the strength and determination of each participant but also the commitment of the entire Drug Court team and the many community partners who support them along the way.

“These ceremonies remind us what recovery looks like in real life,” said Judge Johnson. “It takes hard work, accountability, and support. Drug court is built on the belief that people can change when they are given the structure, treatment, and encouragement needed to transform their lives.”

The Role of Treatment Courts

Treatment courts such as the H.O.P.E. Drug Court represent a shift in how communities address substance use and the criminal justice system. Rather than relying solely on incarceration, treatment courts recognize substance-use disorder as a complex health issue that requires treatment, supervision, and long-term support.

Participants in Drug Court follow a structured program that includes intensive treatment, frequent court appearances, regular drug testing, and close supervision. The program also provides access to counseling, peer support, employment assistance, and family resources. This comprehensive approach not only addresses addiction but also helps individuals rebuild stability in their lives.  For many participants, Drug Court becomes a turning point and an opportunity to break the cycle of addiction, rebuild relationships, and restore hope for the future.

A Proven Investment in the Community

Drug courts have demonstrated measurable success both locally and nationwide. By focusing on treatment and accountability, these programs significantly reduce repeat offenses and strengthen public safety. In 2024, the H.O.P.E. Drug Court celebrated 21 graduates, saving taxpayers an estimated $4.56 million in prison costs by keeping participants in a structured treatment program within the community. In 2025, four graduation ceremonies produced 20 graduates, resulting in over $4.22 million in additional taxpayer savings.

Beyond the financial savings, the program’s true impact can be seen in restored families, stable employment, improved health outcomes, and individuals who return to the community as productive and engaged citizens.  The success of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program reflects the collaboration of the judge, treatment providers, probation officers, peer mentors, community organizations, and local supporters who believe in second chances and long-term recovery.

This graduation group community projects helped:

• Brockway School
• CASA
• Chadwick Clubhouse
• Deer Creek Adolescent Treatment Center
• FISH Food Pantry
• Oxford Housing/TrueNorth Star Ministries Munson House
• Roseburg Dream Center
• Saving Grace Humane Society
• WIC

From these projects, 1,820 pounds of food was collected, 83 laundry baskets filled with fresh start items for new residents of Oxford and transitional housing, 203 cans of wet pet food, 11 bags of dry pet food, 10 weighted blankets for youth housed at the Deer Creek Adolescent Treatment Center, 4 large boxes of art supplies, $100 gift card to use at a local art store, 33 bags of clothes to Roseburg Dream Center, 23 pairs of shoes, 8 boxes of hygiene, 184 books for WIC and 57 jackets, 11 bags of trash from Thrive Umpqua’s section of the bike path cleanup, Gateway Community Garden at the Roseburg Senior Center restored and Fremont Middle School Woodshop class made a sign for the garden entrance, 109 monkey backpacks for kids with CASA and 96 duffel bags, and 100 pairs of pants for children at Brockway School.  In addition to the multitude of donated items from our generous community, the total money raised from these projects totaled $ 10,290.77.

Guest Speaker

This graduation’s guest speaker is Jason Cornutt, a graduate of the 105^th H.O.P.E. Dug Court program and a dedicated peer mentor with ADAPT. Through determination and growth, he has turned his life around and now helps others navigate their own recovery journeys. As the speaker for the 112th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation, Jason represents the strength and possibility of lasting change.

Event Details

• What: 112th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation
• When: March 31, 2026, at 5:15 p.m.
• Where: Cascade Hall, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg, OR
• Who: Open to the community; presided over by the Honorable Robert B. Johnson

As the program celebrates its 112th graduation, the message remains clear: recovery is possible, accountability matters, and communities grow stronger when individuals are given the opportunity and support to change. Community members are encouraged to attend the graduation ceremony and witness firsthand the power of transformation and recovery.

Learn more and view graduation project flyers:
https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and Search & Rescue (SAR) personnel are looking for an 80-year-old man with dementia in the Rogue River area. He was last seen two hours ago in the 1600 block of Wards Creek Road and is likely walking towards the town of Rogue River.

He is described as an 80-year-old white male, 6’1” tall, weighing 150 lbs, with grey hair. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket and blue pants.

If you have any information on his whereabouts call Deputy McLennan at 541-613-9078.

March 19, 2026

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

2 Salem health settings become latest measles exposure locations

Health officials urge people who were at locations during exposure period to talk to a health care provider

PORTLAND, Ore.—Two new measles exposure locations have been identified, and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Marion County public health officials are urging people to talk to a health care provider about their risks if they believe they were exposed.

People might have been exposed if they were at the following location at this date and time: 

• Salem Health Hospital, emergency department waiting room, 890 Oak St. S.E., Salem, between 6:10 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Monday, March 16.
• Kaiser Permanente Skyline Medical Office, upper level (second floor), 5125 Skyline Road S., Salem, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Friday March 13.

People who were at this location during these dates and time period should immediately contact your health care provider and let them know they may have been exposed to someone who has measles. The health care provider can determine whether you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence of prior infection.

Facts about measles

Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus particles also can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area.

Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication.

Measles can be dangerous, especially among children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. In developed countries in recent years, one to three of every 1,000 measles cases has been fatal.  The measles vaccine is highly effective at providing protection, as two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the virus. The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are up to date on their vaccines is very low.

What to do if you suspect measles in your household 

Public health officials urge people experiencing symptoms of measles not to arrive unannounced at a medical office if they: 

1. Have a measles-like rash, or
2. Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, AND have any other symptom of measles (such as fever, cough or red eyes).

Whenever possible, individuals planning to seek medical care should first call your health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.

Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Woodburn, Oregon, man made his initial appearance today after threatening to kill a United States Senator.

Donald Leroy Smith, Jr., 51, has been charged by information with threatening a federal official with the intent to intimidate that official for the performance of official duties.

According to court documents, on November 12, 2025, Smith left a voicemail for a U.S. Senator stating he was “coming to kill you,” that “you need to be dead,” and that he was going to “put a bullet in your head.”

Smith made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from United States Capitol Police, United States Secret Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Oregon State Police, and the Woodburn Police Department. First Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Narus and Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. Kilcup are prosecuting the case.

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

Community members, local leaders and housing advocates gathered Thursday, March 19 to break ground on Third Street Commons, a 47-unit permanent supportive housing development aimed at helping people experiencing chronic homelessness in Benton County.

The project, led by Corvallis Housing First, will provide housing paired with services such as health care, behavioral health support and case management. When complete, it will be the first development of its kind in Corvallis. The facility will include fully furnished studio and one-bedroom apartments, on-site services and community spaces.

All three Benton County commissioners attended the event, underscoring the County’s commitment to expanding housing options and supporting coordinated efforts to address homelessness.

Board Chair Pat Malone shared remarks during the ceremony before joining partners and other local and state leaders to turn over the first shovel of dirt.

“On behalf of Benton County, we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this project possible and look forward to seeing residents move into Third Street Commons and begin new chapters in their lives,” Benton County Commissioner Pat Malone said.

Permanent supportive housing combines stable housing with services designed to help people maintain housing and improve their overall well-being. Project partners said the development will help fill a critical gap in the community’s continuum of care.

“This project has been years in the making and reflects the hard work of many partners who believe everyone deserves a safe and dignified place to live,” said Andrea Myhre, executive director of Corvallis Housing First.

For people who have experienced homelessness, the project represents more than a new building. It also represents stability, affordability and a path forward.

Dominic Marchese, a local who has benefitted from supportive services, said Corvallis Housing First has already had a life-changing impact.

“I’m forever indebted to this place because they saved my life,” Marchese said. “I’m hoping to have an apartment here.”

He said the support provided goes beyond housing.

“It makes me feel great that there are organizations out here to help people who are struggling,” Marchese said. “They’re life-saving.”

Jason Sutherland,  another local who has received housing support through Corvallis Housing First, said stable housing has been critical during ongoing health challenges.

“Everybody with Housing First has just been phenomenal,” Sutherland said. “They’ve been there for me through everything.”

Sutherland said the organization helped him secure housing and has continued to support him as his health has declined.

“They’re looking out for people, not just those with addiction, but people with serious health conditions,” he said.

Project leaders said the effort reflects years of planning and collaboration among Corvallis Housing First, the City of Corvallis, Benton County, Oregon Housing and Community Services and other public and private partners.

Construction is expected to be completed in September 2027, with residents moving in shortly afterward.

Organizers said the groundbreaking marks an important step toward expanding supportive housing and helping more people in Benton County stabilize and rebuild their lives.

Photos from the event are available at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/196115871@N03/albums/72177720332612970

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2026

AOCC Leaders Convene in Cottage Grove as Federal Actions Signal New Era for O&C Timberlands

(Douglas County, Ore) – Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, who serves as President of the Association of O&C Counties (AOCC), recently gathered with fellow AOCC board members, comprised of county commissioners representing member counties for the quarterly AOCC meeting at Starfire Lumber in Cottage Grove.  The meeting featured special guest, Kim Prill, Acting State Director for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Oregon/Washington, as well as a tour of the stunning new Starfire Lumber timber-built administration building, along with the log yard, planning facilities, and longtime thriving lumber mill. 

The quarterly meeting and tour come following significant federal actions regarding O&C timberlands.

• In January, U.S. Congress passed the FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill, which corrects revisions made four decades ago and returns O&C counties to their historic share of timber receipts from federally managed O&C timberlands.  This ‘Act of Congress’ is expected to increase annual O&C shared timber receipts revenue to O&C counties by approximately 50 percent. 
• In February, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) issued a “Notice of Intent” to initiate the development of a revised Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Management Plan (RMP) governing the 2.5 million acres of O&C timberlands (Oregon and California Revested Grant Lands) in western Oregon. 
• In March, the BLM invited Douglas County to be a cooperating agency for the upcoming revision to the Resource Management Plan which governs O&C timberlands.  Douglas County has historically been invited to be a cooperating agency.  In fact, Douglas County was the first county to be granted cooperating agency status by the BLM for the revision process.  Additionally, in its role as a cooperating agency, AOCC will represent its member counties.  The first RMP revision cooperators meeting took place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. 

The discussion of these major federal actions at the quarterly AOCC meeting alongside the attendance of the new Acting State Director for the BLM marks an important milestone for AOCC. It reflects ongoing efforts to increase timber receipts, strengthens collaboration with the BLM, and advances a more balanced and reasonable management plan for the O&C timberlands.

“These three actions are some of the most exciting achievements the Association of O&C Counties has had in many decades.  For the last ten years, working with the Board of Directors of the AOCC and our amazing staff, with these series of actions we have accomplished the opportunity for a solution that will save the western Oregon O&C counties facing insolvency.  At the same time, recovering the local economy, creating family wage jobs, and putting Douglas County and the other O&C Counties back in the position of being the ‘Timber Capital’ of the world!” stated Douglas County Commissioner and AOCC President, Tim Freeman.

For Douglas County, the trifecta of actions - restoring historic timber receipts, the revision to the BLM’s Resource Management Plan and being granted cooperating agency status represents an important step toward strengthening the financial stability of county departments that rely on O&C timber receipts to support critical services for residents such as Public Safety, Veteran Services, Senior Services and Infrastructure.  The additional revenue created by these federal actions could not come at a more critical time for counties as they face continuing strains on their budgets with inflation, rising costs, and the reduction of other revenue streams.  These actions will help all of the 18 O&C counties to maintain the critical services they provide day in and day out for their residents.

The term “O&C” originates from federal land grants made between 1866 and 1870 to the Oregon and California Railroad Company to support construction of a rail line from Portland to the Ashland, Oregon. After the railroad failed to meet the terms of the grant, the checkerboard-patterned lands were later revested to the federal government and became known as the O&C timberlands.  Members of AOCC advocate for sustained yield management of O&C timberlands, as required by federal law under the 1937 O&C Act,, to protect and support jobs, local economies, county services, and healthy timberlands.  The 1937 O&C Act is widely regarded as the first Congressional Conservation Act and was enacted to solely regulate the management of the Federal timber resources in western Oregon.

AOCC, now more than a century old, represents the unique O&C timberlands in 18 western Oregon counties that host the O&C timberlands managed by BLM. The AOCC advocates for sustained yield management of O&C timberlands, as required by federal law under the 1937 O&C Act, to protect and support jobs and local economies, county services, and healthy timberlands.  The 1937 O&C Act is widely regarded as the first Congressional Conservation Act.  It was enacted to regulate the management of the Federal timber resources. The O&C Act signaled an end to the cut-and-run policies in the early years of the 20th century. By requiring management under the principle of Sustained Yield, timber harvest cannot outpace the annual growth of the forest, resulting in a perpetual supply of timber while concurrently providing quality habitat for wildlife, watershed protection, and recreational opportunities for the public. For more information on AOCC click here: http://www.oandc.org/.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Photos:

1. AOCC President, Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman discusses new federal actions with Kim Prill, Acting State Director for the BLM in Oregon & Washington. 
2. AOCC members gather for quarterly meeting at Starfire Lumber in Cottage Grove.

Roseburg, OR — The H.O.P.E. Adult Drug Court will celebrate its 112th graduation ceremony on Tuesday, March 30, 2026, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds – Cascade Hall, beginning at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be presided over by the Honorable Robert B. Johnson, who leads the adult drug court program.

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduation is a time of transformation, reflection, and community celebration. Attendees will hear directly from graduates as they share their personal journeys, stories of perseverance, healing, accountability, and hope. These moments highlight not only the strength and determination of each participant but also the commitment of the entire Drug Court team and the many community partners who support them along the way.

“These ceremonies remind us what recovery looks like in real life,” said Judge Johnson. “It takes hard work, accountability, and support. Drug court is built on the belief that people can change when they are given the structure, treatment, and encouragement needed to transform their lives.”

The Role of Treatment Courts

Treatment courts such as the H.O.P.E. Drug Court represent a shift in how communities address substance use and the criminal justice system. Rather than relying solely on incarceration, treatment courts recognize substance-use disorder as a complex health issue that requires treatment, supervision, and long-term support.

Participants in Drug Court follow a structured program that includes intensive treatment, frequent court appearances, regular drug testing, and close supervision. The program also provides access to counseling, peer support, employment assistance, and family resources. This comprehensive approach not only addresses addiction but also helps individuals rebuild stability in their lives.  For many participants, Drug Court becomes a turning point and an opportunity to break the cycle of addiction, rebuild relationships, and restore hope for the future.

A Proven Investment in the Community

Drug courts have demonstrated measurable success both locally and nationwide. By focusing on treatment and accountability, these programs significantly reduce repeat offenses and strengthen public safety. In 2024, the H.O.P.E. Drug Court celebrated 21 graduates, saving taxpayers an estimated $4.56 million in prison costs by keeping participants in a structured treatment program within the community. In 2025, four graduation ceremonies produced 20 graduates, resulting in over $4.22 million in additional taxpayer savings.

Beyond the financial savings, the program’s true impact can be seen in restored families, stable employment, improved health outcomes, and individuals who return to the community as productive and engaged citizens.  The success of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program reflects the collaboration of the judge, treatment providers, probation officers, peer mentors, community organizations, and local supporters who believe in second chances and long-term recovery.

This graduation group community projects helped:

• Brockway School
• CASA
• Chadwick Clubhouse
• Deer Creek Adolescent Treatment Center
• FISH Food Pantry
• Oxford Housing/TrueNorth Star Ministries Munson House
• Roseburg Dream Center
• Saving Grace Humane Society
• WIC

From these projects, 1,820 pounds of food was collected, 83 laundry baskets filled with fresh start items for new residents of Oxford and transitional housing, 203 cans of wet pet food, 11 bags of dry pet food, 10 weighted blankets for youth housed at the Deer Creek Adolescent Treatment Center, 4 large boxes of art supplies, $100 gift card to use at a local art store, 33 bags of clothes to Roseburg Dream Center, 23 pairs of shoes, 8 boxes of hygiene, 184 books for WIC and 57 jackets, 11 bags of trash from Thrive Umpqua’s section of the bike path cleanup, Gateway Community Garden at the Roseburg Senior Center restored and Fremont Middle School Woodshop class made a sign for the garden entrance, 109 monkey backpacks for kids with CASA and 96 duffel bags, and 100 pairs of pants for children at Brockway School.  In addition to the multitude of donated items from our generous community, the total money raised from these projects totaled $ 10,290.77.

Guest Speaker

This graduation’s guest speaker is Jason Cornutt, a graduate of the 105^th H.O.P.E. Dug Court program and a dedicated peer mentor with ADAPT. Through determination and growth, he has turned his life around and now helps others navigate their own recovery journeys. As the speaker for the 112th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation, Jason represents the strength and possibility of lasting change.

Event Details

• What: 112th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation
• When: March 30, 2026, at 5:15 p.m.
• Where: Cascade Hall, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg, OR
• Who: Open to the community; presided over by the Honorable Robert B. Johnson

As the program celebrates its 112th graduation, the message remains clear: recovery is possible, accountability matters, and communities grow stronger when individuals are given the opportunity and support to change. Community members are encouraged to attend the graduation ceremony and witness firsthand the power of transformation and recovery.

Learn more and view graduation project flyers:
https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. (19 March 2026) – In September 1982, Hillsboro Police began an investigation into the disappearance of Vicky McGuire (33) and her daughter Christal McGuire (10), both of whom hadn’t been seen for about a week.

Vicky and Christal lived in an apartment in Hillsboro, Oregon, after recently moving from Cornelius. Christal attended W.L. Henry Elementary School in Hillsboro.

Almost a year after their disappearance, Vicky’s remains were found in the Forest Park area of Gales Creek, Oregon (near the Gales Creek campground). The next day, Christal’s remains were found nearby.  Both deaths were determined to be homicides.

The investigation was conducted by the Oregon State Police, assisted by detectives from the Hillsboro Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators identified a Cornelius resident, Lester Crider (32), as a person of interest in the murders, and established that Lester was known to Vicky.

The circumstances of the McGuires’ disappearance and murders have never been established. In addition, any connection to the recovery location regarding the McGuires or Lester Crider is not known.

The murders of Vicky and Christal remain unsolved, and public assistance is being sought to help solve these crimes.

Anyone with helpful information about Vicky and Christal McGuire, Lester Crider, or this case is asked to contact the Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit at OSP.CCU@osp.oregon.gov. This email is checked daily. Please reference case number SP83-807847.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit

The Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit is dedicated to reviewing, researching, and investigating unsolved cases, including homicides, missing persons, and unidentified human remains. Cases are prioritized based on solvability criteria such as actionable leads, availability of forensic evidence, surviving witnesses, and completeness of historical documentation. The unit represents a specialized effort to bring resolution to long-standing unsolved cases, combining investigative expertise with advanced forensic technology to serve justice and provide closure to families.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Spring Celebration Rolls into Portland with Easter Bunny Express at Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Portland, OR — On April 4 and 5, families and train enthusiasts are invited to hop aboard the Easter Bunny Express at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center for a festive 45-minute steam train ride pulled by the legendary Polson No. 2 steam locomotive. The round-trip journey departs from and returns to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, offering a scenic ride along the Willamette River.
 

Guests can look forward to a memorable seasonal adventure combining fun and a touch of railway history. The Easter Bunny will be hopping onboard each ride to spread joy and cheer, providing plenty of opportunities for photos and selfies. Along the way, passengers can enjoy kid-friendly activities, a festive scavenger hunt, and the beauty of spring along the river.

Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase on board, with options for both kids and adults, making this the perfect outing for families celebrating the season together.

Admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center is included with every train ticket, allowing guests to explore exhibits and view additional historic locomotives before or after their ride to explore exhibits and view additional historic locomotives before or after their ride.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, April 4 & Sunday, April 5
• Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
• Train Departure Times: 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm
• Tickets Prices:
  • Adults (14+) – $24
  • Seniors (65+) – $21.50
  • Military (with ID) – $21.50
  • Children (3-13) – $17
  • Infants (Under 3) – Free
  • Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) – $74
• Tickets & Registration: https://orhf.org/

Tickets are expected to sell quickly for this popular springtime tradition. Don’t miss out on this egg-cellent adventure—reserve your seats today and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

About Oregon Rail Heritage Center:

The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) provides for the preservation, operation and public enjoyment of Portland’s historic locomotives, railroad equipment, and artifacts, and educates the public about Oregon’s rich and diverse railroad history. ORHC is open to the public on Thursdays-Sundays from 1:00pm-5:00pm. Seasonal train excursions are offered most weekends. For additional information, visit https://orhf.org/. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact:

Renee Devereux, Executive Director

Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Phone: (503) 233-1156
Email: devereux@orhf.org">rdevereux@orhf.org

Website: https://orhf.org/

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DISTRACTED DRIVING

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving is any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving. Cell phone use including texting, talking on the phone, or using social media are some of the activities that are the most dangerous. This is because cell phone use takes your visual, manual, cognitive, and auditory attention away from driving.

While cell phones are some of the most dangerous distractions, other activities such as eating, talking with passengers, grooming, and reading can be dangerous and deadly. According to the NHTSA, 3,522 people were killed by distracted driving in 2021. You can learn more about the dangers of distracted driving by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month” webpage.

Use these tips to help keep your car distraction free:

• Don’t call or text while driving. Instead, pull over in a safe place to read and send texts or make a phone call.
• Establish a “co-pilot” passenger to manage your cell phone, GPS, and other distractions.
• Look up your destination ahead of time and become familiar with the area. This will help prevent the need to look at GPS while driving.
• Enjoy your meal at home, in the restaurant, or while parked safely. Eating while driving increases your risk of traffic collisions and the likelihood of choking.
• Keep pets crated or otherwise secured for safety. This will help keep your furry friend safer in the event of a crash and prevents them from crawling onto your lap or other distracting activities.
• Recruit the whole family for distraction-free driving. Teach your children the importance of keeping your attention on the road even before they can drive.
• If your children need help, pull over to help address their needs instead of reaching to the backseat while driving. 
• Encourage friends and family to drive distraction-free. By speaking up, you may save their life and others on the road.

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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In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, Oregon Department of Human Services wants everyone to know about the brain injury hotline that helps people navigate resources.
 

This month shines a spotlight on the growing impact of brain injuries in Oregon and the increased demand for the hotline. Since launching in January 2025, the Brain Injury Program’s tollfree phone line has supported more than 1,900 callers seeking help navigating the complex network of brain injury services and resources.
 

Incoming call volume has climbed steadily over time—from about 15 calls in the earliest months to approximately 250 calls each month today—demonstrating the significant and increasing demand for guidance, information and support.
 

“The steady increase in calls shows how vital this support is for Oregonians,” said Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, PhD, who is director of the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities within the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). “By improving access to services and reducing the burden on families, this program is helping build a stronger, more connected system of care across our state.”
 

The phone line is available to anyone in Oregon affected by a brain injury as well as family members, caregivers and others needing information.

ODHS resource navigators are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provide:

• One-on-one, free and confidential support. 

• Personalized referrals to resources specific to brain injury recovery and management. 

• Comprehensive resource information to help navigate available services and options.
• Advocating on behalf of people with brain injuries and supporting them in self-advocacy.

To date, program navigators spent a total of 3,900 hours on calls, and one to two hours per caller. Many people call back more than once.
 

“The hours we spend with callers reflects the complexity and uniqueness of navigating brain injury resources,” Knight-Coyle said. “We spend as much time as each person needs to get connected to critical resources.”

Brain injuries are occurring at more frequent rates in Oregon, according to data published on the Oregon Traumatic Brain Injury Safety Dashboard. In 2023 alone, there were 38,718 brain injuries that required hospital or emergency department intervention and 1,177 fatal brain injuries in Oregon. 
 

Oregon’s Brain Injury Program is one of many along a continuum to meet the needs of people with disabilities and older adults. It was developed as a result of Senate Bill 420 (2023). Oregon's Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) at the University of Oregon was among many organizations and advocates behind the development and adoption of Senate Bill 420.
 

“Consistent with our expectations, the ODHS Brain Injury Program is now an indispensable program for Oregon's brain injury survivors," said David Kracke, Oregon's Brain Injury Advocate Coordinator at CBIRT.  "The first 14 months of operation has demonstrated not only the incredible planning and implementation of the program by the ODHS team, but more importantly, the future promise that it holds for Oregon's brain injury survivors, their loved ones, and caregivers struggling to access necessary supports and services.  We are excited for the program's continued development as it serves many more Oregonians in the coming years.”

More information: 

• Brain Injury Program phone number: 1-833-685-0848 (toll-free). Interpreting services are available at no cost for people who need help in a language other than English. The Brain Injury Program accepts TTY calls by dialing 711. 

• Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

• Learn more on the Brain Injury Program webpage.   

2025–2027 ORCA Capacity Building Grants support Tribal nations, rural communities, and community-based organizations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

PacifiCorp to sell distribution assets to Oregon electric cooperatives

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 19, 2026) — PacifiCorp announced today that it has executed nonbinding term sheets outlining transactions with three separate Oregon electric cooperatives to sell its distribution assets in Wallowa County, Monroe and Lakeview, Oregon.

Under the agreements, PacifiCorp plans to transfer its distribution assets serving 5,514 residential, commercial and irrigation customers in Wallowa County to Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative; assets serving 1,162 residential, commercial and irrigation customers in the Monroe area to Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative; and assets serving 2,228 customers in the Lakeview area to Surprise Valley Electrification Corporation.

“These agreements represent the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial position and simplify operations to ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable electricity to our customers,” said Ryan Flynn, president, Pacific Power. “Each of the utilities involved in these transactions are experienced operators committed to the communities they serve, and we are confident this transition will be seamless for our customers in these areas.”

Once definitive agreements are negotiated and executed, these transactions are subject to regulatory approval and could take up to 12 months to complete. During this period, PacifiCorp will continue to provide quality service and customer care to these communities.

For more information, visit PacificPower.net/OregonNews.

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About PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electrical providers in the United States, serving two million customers. The company operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming and as Pacific Power in California, Oregon and Washington. PacifiCorp provides safe and reliable service through a vast, integrated system of generation and transmission that connects communities as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit PacifiCorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to the proposed transactions and the potential for the signing and closing thereof, the synergies and other benefits to be realized if the proposed transactions are consummated, including the impact of the transactions on PacifiCorp's financial position and operations. Forward looking statements can typically be identified by the use of forward-looking words, such as "will," "may," "could," "project," "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," "continue," "intend," "potential," "plan," "forecast" and similar terms. These statements are based upon PacifiCorp's current intentions, estimates, assumptions, expectations and beliefs and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors. Many of these factors are outside the control of PacifiCorp and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in PacifiCorp's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or in other publicly disseminated written documents. PacifiCorp undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law. Specifically, there is no assurance that any term sheet will result in a definitive agreement providing for a transaction and PacifiCorp does not intend to provide additional updates on the proposed transactions unless and until it determines that further disclosure is appropriate or necessary. The foregoing factors should not be construed as exclusive.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 9:00 am PDT

$40M Expansion Will Add a New Wing, Strengthening the Museum’s Role as a Civic and Cultural Anchor for the Region by Creating New Spaces for Art, Education, and Community Gathering

Bend, Oregon – March 19, 2026 – The High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon today broke ground on its $40 million campus expansion, which will add a new wing to the museum, transforming the arts and cultural landscape of central and eastern Oregon.

The new 24,000-square-foot wing will increase the interdisciplinary Museum’s capacity for exhibitions, education, and engagement, and will feature new classrooms, expanded gallery space, and new event and gathering spaces for the community. In addition, the expansion includes the reinstallation of the Museum’s permanent Doris Swayze Bounds collection dedicated to the communities of the Indigenous Plateau region, the first such update in more than 25 years. Opening to the public in winter 2027, the project will expand access to the Museum for visitors and allow it to better serve one of the nation’s most geographically vast and culturally diverse areas.

Designed by Portland-based architecture firm Hacker, which also designed the Museum’s first new building when it expanded in 1989, the new wing responds directly to the evolving needs of the fast-growing region. Since opening in 1982, the High Desert Museum has grown into the largest cultural institution east of the Cascades in Oregon, bringing together art, history, cultures, and natural science to explore the diverse landscapes and people of the High Desert region. It houses a collection encompassing over 28,000 objects from the intermountain West ranging from historic objects to contemporary artwork, including the Doris Swayze Bounds collection of 7,000 Indigenous plateau objects. The only institution of its kind in central and eastern Oregon, the Museum has doubled its programming over the last 15 years as attendance has grown by 40%, underscoring both its growing impact and the need for expanded facilities.

"The High Desert Museum exists to inspire curiosity, foster understanding, and celebrate the unique cultures and landscapes of our region and the ways in which people and landscape thrive together. This expansion allows us to share our mission with broader audiences, creating spaces where people can gather, learn, and engage with the stories that shape our communities,” said Dana Whitelaw, Executive Director of the High Desert Museum. “The transformed campus will deepen our ability to evolve alongside the diverse audiences we serve and to reinforce the Museum’s integral role in our community as a leading cultural, educational, and civic institution.”

Connected to the Museum’s main building, the new wing will include a dedicated entrance and commons, and will allow for a holistic visitor experience with a seamless flow across the campus. The expansion encompasses an art gallery; the Gathering, an intimate community space; the Learning Center, featuring four new classrooms and an outdoor learning space; and the High Desert Hall and outdoor Event Terrace, offering the ability to accommodate large public events. The architecture draws inspiration from the surrounding sagebrush steppe landscape, with floor-to-ceiling windows, open gathering areas, and a nature-based color palette that visually connects interior spaces with the surrounding environment and reinforces the Museum’s commitment to place-based storytelling.

“This project reflects the extraordinary generosity and shared commitment of the many donors, foundations, and community partners who believe deeply in the High Desert Museum’s mission, and the Museum's role as a space where art, history, science, and nature come together to tell the story of this singular region, ” said Sharon Gueck, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. "The expansion will allow the Museum to deepen its impact and increase its capacity as a vital community hub while continuing to celebrate the cultures that define the High Desert.”

About the Museum Expansion

Conceived as a continuation of the High Desert itself and envisioned to blend seamlessly with the original building, the new wing’s design reflects the local landscape’s rimrock formations, volcanic geology, and the nearby Steens Mountain escarpment, with an intentionally restrained material palette that incorporates weathered steel, stone walls, and glass. In an acknowledgement of the Museum’s deep connection to place and its interconnectedness with nature, the new wing is fully electric and features solar-ready infrastructure, and is designed for potential net-zero energy and net-zero water expenditure.

A new 3,225-square-foot gallery will be the only art space of its kind in Oregon east of the Cascades, with flexible exhibition space featuring high ceilings and integrated audiovisual technology, allowing the Museum to expand its presentation of modern and contemporary art and to organize more impactful exhibitions featuring notable loans alongside collection highlights. Exhibition programming will continue to spotlight artists whose perspectives broaden understandings of the American West, and to emphasize underrepresented voices, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the region through a diverse cultural lens. The gallery will connect to the main building via a light-filled, 2,775-square-foot Gallery Walk, where visitors will encounter works of art in a beautiful setting inspired by nature.

Reflecting this renewed commitment to engaging exhibition programming, the expansion project includes the renovation and reinstallation of the Museum’s permanent exhibition dedicated to sharing the Doris Swayze Bounds collection of objects from the Indigenous Plateau region, one of the most significant Plateau collections in the nation. Developed in close collaboration with an advisory committee comprised of Indigenous members, the reimagined galleries will foreground contemporary Native voices and perspectives, emphasizing the continuity of Plateau cultures and their enduring relationships to the High Desert landscape.

The heart of the new wing will be the Gathering, the Museum’s “living room” that offers a welcoming environment featuring a wood-burning fireplace and comfortable spaces for rest and reflection. The space provides opportunities for intimate and informal gathering alongside facilitated dialogue, workshops, and community-driven programs that invite participation across generations and perspectives to explore issues important to the community. Positioned at the intersection of exhibition, education, and event areas, the Gathering will encourage visitors to linger, exchange ideas, and engage more deeply with the themes explored throughout the Museum.

The wing will also be home to the Learning Center, which will feature four classrooms with flexible education space totaling 4,500 square feet and an outdoor area. This more than doubles the museum’s current education facilities, which provide an essential resource for preK-12 teachers and students in the Museum’s rural region with over 14,000 students and 100 teachers reached annually. The new spaces will significantly expand the High Desert’s capacity to offer interdisciplinary field experiences, artist residencies, and teacher trainings. The classrooms are designed to open directly onto an outdoor “learning porch” featuring a stepped outdoor amphitheater space that lets learning experiences flow between indoor and outdoor environments and reinforces connections between cultural understanding and the natural landscape.

The High Desert Hall will be a 5,000-square-foot, flexible event center with a 300-person capacity that establishes a civic gathering space capable of hosting lectures, performances, film screenings, conferences, and community conversations. Featuring adaptable seating and a raised stage, the venue will accommodate significantly larger audiences than the Museum’s current facilities, while the ability to host multifaceted events that flow seamlessly between the Hall, the Art Gallery, and the Gathering will allow for a more diverse range of programming. The Hall opens directly onto a terrace, welcoming visitors into the ponderosa pine forest and seamlessly transitioning to the surrounding meadow and the Museum’s outdoor trails. Together, these spaces are designed to function as an integrated environment where art, the natural landscape, scholarship, and community dialogue intersect.

The Museum is currently fundraising towards the $40 million project, which encompasses the capital expansion and the renovation of the Indigenous Plateau permanent exhibition. To date, the Museum has raised 87% of its goal through a combination of government grants, private foundations, and individual giving, including a $6 million grant awarded from the Roundhouse Foundation.

About the High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum is the only institution in the nation dedicated to the study of the High Desert region and the largest cultural institution in central and eastern Oregon. Since opening in 1982, the Museum has evolved into a place that annually serves almost 225,000 visitors from across the nation and cares for a collection of over 28,000 objects and 170 animals. Located in Bend, Oregon, the Museum encompasses 135 forested acres, two permanent cultural exhibitions, three changing exhibition galleries, a bird of prey center, otter exhibit, and the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill, and offers learning experiences uniquely rooted in the surrounding landscape.

The Museum was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. In 2025, it was awarded the 2025 Autry Public History Prize for its original exhibition, Sensing Sasquatch.

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Salem, OR— Whether it’s where to find free tax help, how to track the status of your refund, or what refundable tax credits you’re eligible to claim, the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to make sure you have the information you need to file tax year 2025 tax returns before the April 15 deadline.

Through March 15, DOR has processed 937,000 electronically filed returns with more than half of the expected 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns yet to be filed. The department urges taxpayers not to wait until the last minute to file. If you have questions about filing you can find the information you need on the department’s website with guidance addressing the most common issues included below.

File electronically

“The best advice we can give taxpayers is to be certain their return is complete and accurate, and to file their return electronically,” said Megan Denison, administrator of DOR’s Personal Tax and Compliance Division. “If they need help, free assistance is available at sites across the state, along with a variety of options to e-file for free.”

On average, taxpayers who file electronically and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Distribution of refunds for e-filed returns began in mid-February. Due to the late receipt of tax form information from the IRS in late 2025, processing of paper-filed returns has been delayed until late March and refunds for paper filed returns will not start being issued until early April.

Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund for e-filed returns can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

Mailing your return? Mail it early

Taxpayers who choose to file a paper return, should mail it early. The federal and state tax deadline is April 15, but due to changes at the U.S. Postal Service, returns mailed in after April 9 may not receive a postmark on time. Taxpayers who still want to mail their paper returns can take them to a local USPS office and request a postmark no later than April 15, 2026. 

Paper returns can also be physically deposited in drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box at DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.

Claim your “kicker”

The Oregon surplus revenue kicker is a refundable credit that will either increase a taxpayer's Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.

Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

Free electronic filing options are available

Direct File Oregon: Taxpayers can use Free Fillable Forms to file their federal return and then use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return directly with the state.

Now in its third year, Direct File Oregon is a free interview-based program and allows taxpayers the convenience and security of filing their Oregon Personal Income Tax return directly with the state of Oregon through Revenue Online. Nearly 4,700 taxpayers have already used Direct File Oregon this year.

Other free electronic filing options: Free guided tax preparation is available for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free. These free services work much like the popular pay to file programs.

Find free tax filing assistance

From IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or AARP Foundation TaxAide locations, Oregon taxpayers needing free assistance have over 107 different places across the state where they can get free in-person help filing their taxes.

Free tax help is also available online through the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.

Make an appointment at a free tax help site by using the links for each organization on the Department of Revenue's webpage, or consult the department’s interactive map.

Check your eligibility and claim your refundable tax credits

Taxpayers should check their eligibility for a series of refundable tax credits for low-income workers and families. A refundable credit not only reduces the amount of tax a taxpayer owes, any leftover credit results in a cash refund that can be deposited directly into their bank account.

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The EITC is a fully refundable federal tax credit for people making up to $68,675 in 2025. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $8,046 on their federal tax return.
• Oregon Earned Income Credit: This refundable state tax credit is a percentage of an eligible taxpayer’s federal EITC. The maximum benefit for tax year 2025 is $966. The Oregon EIC is also available to taxpayers who have Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN) rather than Social Security numbers.
• Oregon Kids Credit: This is a refundable state credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $26,550 or less, the full credit is $1,050 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $31,550.
• Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC): Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the refundable WFHDC, which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they're working, looking for work, or attending school.

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of Umpqua Community College, Douglas County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, will be held at the Lang Teaching, Learning & Event Center, 1140 Umpqua College Rd, Roseburg, OR 97470. The meeting will take place on April 2, 2026, at 6:00pm.

The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee.

A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after March 23, 2026, at the Umpqua Community College Library between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm or on the College website. https://umpqua.edu/about/governance-operations/business-services/budget-department/budget-documents-presentations/

Instructions for virtual access to the meeting and other meeting information can be found at https://umpqua.edu/about/governance-operations/governance/board-of-education/board-meetings/

For additional information, please contact the President’s Office, 541-440-4622.

MEDFORD, Ore.— The owner and operator of Tienda Santa Maria II LLC has been charged with money laundering after using his money service businesses to launder narcotics trafficking proceeds and structure financial transactions to avoid suspicion of law enforcement.

Jose Alonso Paramo Arguello, 45, a citizen of Mexico and unlawfully residing in the United States, has been charged by criminal complaint with money laundering.

According to court documents, Arguello is the owner and operator of Tienda Santa Maria II in Phoenix, Oregon, along with two other businesses, Tienda Santa Maria in Medford, Oregon, and Paramos Barber Shop in Central Point, Oregon. Arguello uses his three businesses to transfer narcotics trafficking proceeds to Mexico by breaking down transactions into smaller amounts and using fake names and addresses for the money senders to conceal the true nature and source of the funds.

From January 2, 2024, through December 3, 2025, Arguello’s three money service businesses transferred more than $13 million in wire transfers of $500 or more to Mexico, an amount often indicative of narcotics trafficking. Of that, over $7 million was sent to locations in Mexico associated with narcotics trafficking.   

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) provided an informant with cash to attempt to wire money to Mexico. The informant told Arguello he was a drug dealer to which Arguello responded, “You sell whatever you want, you’re a merchant, period.” From November 2025 through January 2026, Arguello laundered over $45,000 in what the informant represented as drug trafficking proceeds through 22 wire transfers. While doing so, Arguello received a 10% commission to launder the funds. Arguello referred to this commission as a bribe.

Arguello made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate judge. He was ordered detained pending a further court proceeding scheduled for March 23, 2026, in Medford.

IRS-CI is investigating the case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET), and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Cardani and Julia Jarrett are prosecuting the case.

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

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Salem – Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen will take part in an AARP-sponsored Tele Town Hall on Thursday, March 19, at 11 a.m.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has partnered with AARP the past several years on Scam Jam events throughout the state to inform consumers on the most common scams taking place in Oregon and nationwide. This year, the focus is on Fraud Fighter events and several such events are planned throughout Oregon. The Tele Town Hall is a different format, however, as people can attend from anywhere by calling 855-408-1333 (toll-free).

This comes on the heels of National Consumer Protection Week earlier this month, as well as numerous educational outreach events and press releases DFR has done on everything from romance scams to health insurance-related scams

“We hear about people every day who are hit by scammers and have hard-earned money taken from them,” said Keen, who is also DFR’s administrator. “We want to continue to get the word out, to get in front of as many people as possible about all the ways scammers are trying to reach people.”

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Oregonians lost more than $133 million to fraud in 2025. Along with this Tele Town Hall, DFR and AARP are coordinating several in-person Fraud Fighter events in April on the following dates:

• April 11 in Springfield at the Riverbend Hospital
• April 17 in Medford at Rogue Community College
• April 28 in Portland at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Each of those events will begin at 8:30 a.m. with check-in, followed by a 9 a.m. to noon town hall with presentations, question and answer time, and panel discussions.

If you ever believe you are or have been a victim of fraud, you can call one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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

03/18/2026 9:45 a.m.

Media Contact:

Lieutenant Ben Harvey, Corvallis Police Department

(541) 766-6556 / cpdpio@corvallisoregon.gov

Corvallis Police Arrest Suspect in Assault at Pioneer Park

Corvallis, OR – On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at approximately 12:01 p.m., officers with the Corvallis Police Department responded to a report of an assault involving a baseball bat at Pioneer Park, near the public restrooms located at 1300 SW Philomath Blvd.

Upon arrival, officers contacted the victim, a 35-year-old male with no fixed address, who reported that he had been assaulted by 45-year-old James Allen Burke, also with no fixed address. The victim stated the assault stemmed from a dispute over money involving the suspect’s girlfriend. During the incident, Burke allegedly struck the victim multiple times in the head with a metal baseball bat. The victim was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel for his injuries.

Burke and a 27-year-old female associated with him fled the area on foot prior to officers’ arrival. Officers conducted an area search and, at approximately 5:45 p.m., located Burke near the First Christian Church at 602 SW Madison Ave. Burke was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Benton County Jail.

Burke, a convicted felon, has been arrested 17 times in Corvallis since 2023 and has prior arrests for Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Weapon, and Disorderly Conduct. He had also previously been trespassed from City parks through 2027 due to his behavior.

Burke was lodged at the Benton County Jail on the following charges:

ORS 163.175 – Assault in the Second Degree

ORS 166.220 – Unlawful Use of a Weapon

ORS 163.190 – Menacing

ORS 166.025 – Disorderly Conduct

ORS 164.245 – Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Officer Souza at the Corvallis Police Department.

March 18, 2026

CORVALLIS POLICE DEPARTMENT ACHIEVES 30 CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF ACCREDITATION

For the tenth time since becoming accredited in March of 1995, the Corvallis Police Department has once again been awarded CALEA reaccreditation, marking an incredible milestone of 30 consecutive years of accredited status. Founded in 1979, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) law enforcement accreditation process focuses on standards that provide best practices related to life, health, and safety procedures, and is considered the gold standard in police accreditation.

“While this milestone is worth celebrating, it also reinforces our responsibility to continue striving for excellence in everything we do,” says Police Chief Jason Harvey. “I am honored to serve alongside such a dedicated group of professionals.”

The reaccreditation cycle, which takes place over a four-year period, includes yearly status reports, annual web-based assessments, statistical reporting, a site-based assessment, and a commission review. The site-based assessment was completed in December of 2025, and agency leaders presented to the Board of CALEA Commissioners last week. There are over 450 best practice standards that must be met to achieve reaccreditation.

The Corvallis Police Department is proud to be one of just three agencies with CALEA Accreditation in the state of Oregon. The Meritorious Accreditation was awarded during the CALEA Spring Conference.

Howard Buford Recreation Area (Mt. Pisgah) welcomes more than 600,000 visitors each year and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.  The safety of park visitors and wildlife is a top priority for Lane County Parks.

Over the past two months, the frequency of coyote sightings in the park has increased dramatically with more than 30 sightings reported in January alone. The nature of the sightings has also changed. Coyotes are reported to follow people and dogs, to not show fear when people attempt to chase them off, and to approach people and vehicles in a way that suggests begging for food.

Lane County Parks compared coyote sighting locations over the past 10 years with the reports made in early 2026 and found a clear change in the areas coyotes are observed. Between 2015 and 2025 coyote sightings were spread throughout the park with most occurring away from parking lots and the busiest areas. In 2026 the sightings have been almost exclusively around parking lots and the areas most frequented by people. 

Multiple consultations with wildlife biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) have helped assess coyote behavior and safety risks. Coyote scat examined by wildlife biologists appeared to include pet food. This observation supported claims from park visitors that people were feeding the coyotes, which is against the law, and creates a safety risk for people and animals. Coyotes have also been observed taking food that is not properly disposed of in garbage cans, which reinforces their association of people with food.

“The removal of one and possibly more coyotes from the park was a difficult and heart-breaking decision to make,” said Parks Manager Brett Henry. “But we have to consider the safety of park visitors and, unfortunately, the choice some visitors have made to feed these wild animals and encourage them to see people as a source of food created a dangerous and untenable situation.”

The frequency and nature of the coyote sightings, observed coyote behavior, and the likelihood of increasingly aggressive encounters prompted Lane County Parks – in consultation with ODFW – to coordinate with wildlife management professionals to euthanize habituated coyotes found to frequent the park’s parking lots and trailheads. One coyote has been euthanized and Lane County Parks is working closely with ODFW to evaluate continued habituated behavior in other coyotes. Euthanization of more coyotes is possible if the animals continue to approach people and a risk of injury to park visitors persists.

Non-lethal options were considered; however, habituated coyotes do not respond to hazing. Instead, they may learn to ignore hazing or return to their concerning behavior once the active hazing stops. Guidance from ODFW prohibits the relocation of coyotes in Oregon and makes it clear relocation of coyotes does not have good outcomes and is generally considered inhumane. Coyotes are territorial and when a coyote is relocated, it is often killed by the existing coyotes in an area. Relocated animals are also more likely to die of diseases, starvation, or be struck by a vehicle in the place they are released.

Feeding coyotes and some other wildlife is prohibited by state law. Park visitors are encouraged to document and report anyone spotted feeding wildlife, leaving food for wildlife, or encouraging wildlife to approach people or pets to Lane County Parks at 541-682-2000 or to Oregon State Police.

Learn more about living with coyotes from ODFW.

A security camera video is available for use as b-roll. The video was pulled from a security camera after visitors reported seeing a person feeding a coyote on the main road of the park. The feeding took place off camera, but the video shows the coyote remaining alongside the road and approaching a vehicle and the vehicle stopping to encourage the coyote to approach. There is no indication the people in this video were the same people seen feeding the coyote. The video can be downloaded at https://vimeo.com/1174813270/7ae9be4a31?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci.

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Salem, OR (17 March 2026) – On the morning of March 17, 2026, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to two separate 911 calls received from 4758 State Street SE, in Salem. The first call occurred at approximately 6:13 a.m.; however, it was cleared after there was no response at the residence and there was no answer when deputies attempted to call back.  

The second call occurred at approximately 6:54 a.m., and the caller indicated that they were being held hostage in a bathroom and disconnected the call.
 

Several deputies responded and entered the residence to conduct a welfare check. Shortly after entering, they contacted Juan Carlos Gomez-Valles (39) who was in possession of two knives. An altercation ensued, and at least one deputy fired, and Gomez-Valles was struck by a bullet. Deputies rendered immediate aid and Gomez-Valles was transported to Salem Hospital. He received medical care and is expected to recover from his injuries. 
 

The involved deputies are Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies Alan Jefferson and Tyson Gardner. Both are recruit deputies and have been on the job for less than one year. Neither was injured in this incident.
 

Pursuant to Marion County protocol for deadly force incidents (Senate Bill 111 protocol) the Oregon State Police are investigating the incident with the assistance of the Salem and Keizer Police Departments. A judicial search warrant was obtained to search the residence and process the scene. The search warrant was signed by Marion County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Hart.
 

At the time of the incident Juan Carlos Gomez-Valles was on parole. He is currently in custody on a parole violation detainer.
 

The investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released to preserve a grand jury’s objective review of the incident pursuant to standard procedure. 

Any future release will be issued by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

# # #

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 17, 2026

Douglas County Solid Waste Hosting Free to the Public Household Electronics E-Cycle Event

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Solid Waste Department, a division of Douglas County Government, is teaming up with St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County and Oregon E-Cycles to host a free to the public household electronic e-cycling event in Roseburg on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The free to the public household electronic e-cycling event will take place at Douglas County’s Roseburg Transfer Station located at 165 West McLain Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon.  The event is free and open to all Douglas County residents and small businesses.   If you have more than 7 devices that you plan to e-Cycle at this event, please contact St. Vincent de Paul prior to the event at (541) 513-4288.

E-CYCLING is the recycling of old electronics.  The following devices will be accepted at this event - computers, laptops, tablets, TVs, printers, monitors, keyboards, mice, networking devices, scanners, fax machines, VCRs + DVD players, cable & satellite equipment, stereo + audio components, servers & switches, routers + hubs + modems, cell phones, cameras + photo equipment, av equipment, video game systems, power tools, cords + chargers, loose + scrap wires, Christmas lights, hard drives, and miscellaneous computer parts.  They ask that you leave the following items at home - loose batteries, hazardous waste, vacuum cleaners, gas-powered tools, large kitchen appliances, glass-containing items (e.g. microwaves), light bulbs, and lighting ballasts.  Please dispose of these in a proper manner. 

E-Waste is a serious problem.  Electronic waste, or e-waste, is any electronic product that has reached the final phase of its life cycle and cannot be used anymore. The world produces 50 million tons of electronic waste a year, becoming the world’s most quickly growing waste source.  Sadly, no more than 20% of e-waste is properly recycled, with the other 80% being dumped in landfills or being unproperly recycled.  If it is not properly recycled, e-waste can have a negative impact on our environment by releasing toxins, heavy metals, and pollution into the air, soil and water.  It is also one of the leading causes of landfill fires.  Questions Contact: Daven Stetson at St. Vincent de Paul at (541) 513-4288 or by email at daven.stetson@svdp.us.  E-you there on April 25!

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

Josephine County, Ore. (March 17, 2026)- On Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 9:21 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 238, near milepost 12, in Josephine County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Ford F-150, operated by Jacob David Bailey (33) of Grants Pass, failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway, and rolled multiple times.

The operator of the Ford (Bailey) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by Applegate Fire.

# # #

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.

March 17, 2026

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

WIC boosts shopping budgets for Oregon families, increases access to healthy foods statewide

Annual report highlights expanded food options, newly opened clinics and the impact of WIC dollars in local communities

March is National Nutrition Month. One of Oregon’s largest nutrition programs, Oregon Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), is marking the occasion by sharing its 2025 annual report. It highlights the program’s role in building healthy families and strong communities.

Key information in the report includes:

• In 2025, nearly $68 million in WIC benefits were spent at 483 authorized grocery stores and pharmacies across the state, an increase of almost 5% from 2024, when close to $65 million in WIC funds were distributed in Oregon. WIC-authorized stores must stock a minimum amount of specific healthy foods, improving access to nutritious options for the entire community. Oregon WIC also sets nutrition standards for food items sold statewide.
• The new WIC food package reflects the latest nutrition science and aligns with dietary patterns recognized globally. The changes bring increased variety, flexibility and choice, allowing families to honor cultural traditions and access healthy food options, including gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-free foods.
• WIC increases health access in rural communities. Nearly 37% of pregnant women in Oregon’s rural and remote areas participate in the program, and WIC has improved access by opening clinics in Gilliam County, Wallowa County and Grand Ronde, bringing services closer to home for more families.

The report comes at a time when some Oregon families are struggling to make ends meet with rising food costs. The 2026 Oregon Financial Score Card shows that three quarters of Oregon households have cut down on spending due to higher housing and food costs.

WIC plays a vital role in providing nutritious foods that support healthy pregnancies and the growth and development of babies and young children. The program helps families maintain their buying power because the WIC food packages supply a set amount of healthy foods each month, offering stability when grocery prices are high.

“WIC dollars go directly into Oregon communities. Families use their WIC benefits at grocery stores, pharmacies, farmers markets and farm stands, supporting local jobs, retailers, and farmers while providing nutritious foods,” said Oregon WIC Director Tiare Sanna, M.S., RDN.

The Farm Direct Nutrition Program is just one of the innovative programs highlighted in this year’s report, published March 1. The state-administered federal nutrition program allows participants to purchase fresh, locally grown fruit, vegetables and herbs directly from farmers at farmers markets and farm stands. In 2025, 40,600 WIC participants and 53,000 low-income seniors used benefits to buy produce through the WIC and Senior Farm Direct programs.

“It brightens my day when WIC participants shop at my farmers market booth with their Farm Direct dollars,” said Nicki Passarella of Storybrook Farm in Sandy. “Seeing a child’s eyes light up when they get to choose a vegetable is so heartwarming and encouraging. The impact of WIC Farm Direct is invaluable to me, to my farm business, and to Oregon's farming community.”

WIC’s modern approaches to nutrition education and breastfeeding support are making a difference for families. Marion County resident Diane Smith shared how WIC supported her breastfeeding journey and her children’s nutrition.

“The information I have gotten from WIC has tremendously helped me. It’s amazing, and I recommend it to anybody—young moms and families that need assistance with nutrition or anything,” Smith said. “I’m so proud of myself for being able to breastfeed through my last two pregnancies because of the WIC program and nutrition program. It’s made me a stronger mom and my kids stronger, and I’m all around a better person because of it.”

• Hear Smith discuss how WIC has helped her family in this video.

About WIC

Last year, Oregon WIC served 119,464 participants across 36 counties, including 86,461 infants and children received nutrition support that helps boost early learning and kindergarten readiness. WIC serves income-eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals, and infants and kids under age 5. WIC also provides families with nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health screenings, wholesome foods, and connections to community resources. For more information, call 211 or go to healthoregon.org/wic.

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For immediate release: March 17, 2026

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

WorkSource Oregon Invites Job Seekers to AT&T Hiring Event in Tigard

TIGARD, Ore. — WorkSource Oregon invites job seekers to attend a hiring event with AT&T at its Tigard location on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon. AT&T staff will be on site to conduct interviews for field sales representative positions. Participants are encouraged to bring their resume.

“We’re excited to partner with WorkSource Oregon to connect talented job seekers with meaningful opportunities at AT&T,” said Joshua Glover, AT&T associate director of In-Home Solutions Northwest States. “Events like this help us meet people where they are, highlight the wide range of careers available in technology and telecommunications, and continue building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.”

“This is a great opportunity for folks to connect directly with a hiring employer,” 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. Our staff will be on hand to offer resume guidance and help applicants prepare for their interview.”

Successful applicants must have one year of commissions sales experience, a driver’s license, and a clean driving record. The positions are full-time and pay a base salary, plus an uncapped commission. New hires will receive eight days of paid training.

“WorkSource Oregon - Tigard 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 employers. 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.

Date:  Thursday, March 19
Time:  10 a.m. to noon
Location:  WorkSource Oregon - Tigard

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

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

Website: https://www.worksourceoregon.org/events/2026-03-19/att-hiring-event/

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 electrónico a Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

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SALEM, Ore. – The State Forests Advisory Committee will meet at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 20, at the ODF Tillamook District office, 5005 3rd Street in Tillamook. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please contact Nick Palazzotto at 971-375-6344.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Organizational changes
• Financial overview
• Fiscal year 2026 (FY26) current operational status
• Forest Management Plan (FMP)/Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) updates
• FMP overview
• Implementation planning
• Recreation, education & interpretation planning
• Draft FY27 Annual Operation Plan (AOP) overview

The public may attend in-person or online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting Nick Palazzotto at 971-375-6344. 

The State Forests Advisory Committee (SFAC) is comprised of citizens and representatives of timber, environmental and recreation groups as well as a representative from Oregon’s Native American tribes. The SFAC provides a forum to discuss issues, opportunities and concerns, and offer advice and guidance to ODF on the implementation of the Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan. The plan provides guidance for managing 616,000 acres within the Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam State Forests, and several scattered state-owned forest tracts in Benton, Polk, Lincoln and Lane counties through a balanced approach to generate revenue while prioritizing environmental and social benefits.

This morning, at 6:54 a.m., deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 hang-up call in the 4700 block of State Street. The caller reported they were being held hostage. During the response, deputies were involved in a use of deadly force incident. The suspect was transported to a local hospital.

Pursuant to SB 111 protocols, the Oregon State Police will lead the investigation. No deputies were injured during the incident.

All future releases regarding this incident will come from the Oregon State Police or the Marion County District Attorney's Office pursuant to SB 111 protocols.

Salem, Ore.—A mild winter with spring-like weather has helped the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) replanting of state forest timber harvest areas stay ahead of schedule this year with approximately two million seedlings already in the ground.

“This has been a great planting season with no shutdowns due to weather,” said John Walter, ODF’s State Forests Silviculturist.  “All our districts are done or will be this month.  The only exception being Klamath Lake—they typically plant into May and have about 60,000 to get in.”

Like most Western Oregon’s forests, Douglas Fir is the dominant species, but ODF tries to add diversity to its reforestation plan to promote resilience and provide additional types of timber products.

“This year we planted about 74 percent Doug(las) Fir, 17 percent Hemlock, two percent each of Western Red Cedar and Noble Fir, one percent each of Grand Fir and Sitka Spruce with the remaining three percent Pondarosa Pine,” said Walter.  “Later, hardwoods naturally seed in with mainly alder and bigleaf maple.  So, we end up with a species mix that is fairly typical western Oregon forests.”

The seedlings are grown by nine contracted northwest nurseries and this year they supplied ODF with 2.3 million of them.

“The successful bidders that purchase timber sales, have three years to complete harvest so it makes it a little tricky on the planning side to project a year in advance how many seedlings we need each year,” said Walter.  “However, we never want to run short so we typically order a little more than what we will plant in state forests.”

This year ODF has nearly 300,000 of those “extra” seedlings, all of which are destined for Oregon’s forests—just not state forests.  ODF typically sells, or sometimes donates, seedlings to watershed groups, other non-profits, and Oregon tribes. 

All those 2.3 million seedlings that were grown in controlled environments at the nurseries are then shipped to ODF and held in large coolers until planting season.  

The planting is done mostly by private contractors working for ODF.  Some planting and replanting the next year, mainly in the Tillamook State Forest, is also done by Adults In Custody from the South Fork Forest Camp, a facility jointly run by the Department of Corrections and ODF.

“This is not easy work,” said Bill Sayers, Reforestation Forester for ODF’s Forest Grove District who along with two of his coworkers were monitoring contractors working in Tillamook State Forest. “The terrain can be steep and slippery especially with a pack of 200 or so trees on your back and a shovel in your hand.  Also, the contracts emphasize both speed and efficiency.  They have to plant fast and plant correctly to get the maximum pay out specified in the contract.  Most of these guys do amazing work.”

To determine if the work is done correctly ODF staff measures out a 1/100^th of an acre circle and counts the number of seedlings planted in the circle.

“To get to our goal of usually 400 trees per acre there needs to be four seedlings in that circle,” said Sayers.  “If there are too few or too many, we alert the foreman and they correct the issue right there.  We then dig up the seedings in the circle to make sure they are planted correctly. If they are too deep or too shallow or the roots are bent over, we call those planting errors.  We identify those issues and again get it corrected in real time.  And yes, we replant the ones we checked ourselves.”

Once in the ground correctly and at the right time, the number one determining factor for their survival is whether they get the right amount of moisture at the right time.

“Obviously weather is the top determining factor—if it is an unusually dry spring and hot dry summer mortality goes up,” said Walter.  “We can’t do anything about the weather.  The second major factor is competing vegetation.  Even if it is a “normal” participation year, seedlings can struggle if other plants are sucking up all the moisture.  We evaluate each unit individually and then where deemed necessary use herbicide to limit that competing vegetation to increase the survival rate.”

Other factors impacting seedlings survival are deer and elk browse, root damage (mainly from mountain beavers that live underground), insects, tree diseases and wildfire. 

 “However, these stressors are usually limited to certain units and not as much of a threat when compared to the overall impact lack of water or drought region wide,” said Walter.

Looking to the future, ODF has several cooperative agreements and is a partner in research projects in Oregon and the Northwest to improve the genetics to increase the survivability of future trees.

“It’s difficult and a long-term effort to improve our trees,” said Walter. “Ideally, we want disease resistance, climate adaptation and growth all in the same tree.  Realistically it is hard to get one of those traits without dropping one or two of the others.”

Meanwhile, ODF continues to manage state forests to yield a sustainable balance of economic, environmental and social benefits over time and for all Oregonians. 

To learn more on how your state forests are managed see: Oregon Department of Forestry : State forests : Forest resources : State of Oregon

SALEM, Ore.—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will host “Yozakura,” night viewing of the Akebono cherry blossoms, March 21 through April 4 in the North Mall at State Capitol State Park.

The cherry blossoms will be illuminated with Japanese lanterns and lights nightly from 6-10 p.m. Visitors may bring blankets, camping chairs, or an evening picnic to enjoy under the canopy of the illuminated trees.

The lanterns and lights create a striking and beautiful scene inside the park at night.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will livestream the cherry blossoms on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OregonParks beginning March 21 during the day and evening through April 4.

Park staff ask that tree limbs and blossoms are left as is so everyone can view them throughout the bloom. Alcohol is not allowed in State Capitol State Park (without permits) and the park closes at 10 p.m.

For more information on events at the Capitol, call Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 or visit the events page.

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Salem, Ore. –  Are you holding a $1 million ticket? Oregon’s annual Raffle numbers have been drawn.

Winning $1 Million Top Prize Number: 061889

Prizes for the Raffle include:

• $1 million top prize
• 300 prizes of $500
• 1,500 prizes of $100

To check the winning Raffle numbers for all 1,801 prizes, players can use the Lottery’s phone app, go to www.oregonlottery.org, or visit a participating Oregon Lottery retail location.

The $500 and $100 prize winners can claim their prizes at any Oregon Lottery retail location. In addition, players can claim their prize by mail – visit https://www.oregonlottery.org/claim-a-prize/ for instructions. The $1 million Raffle prize winner will need to make an appointment with the Oregon Lottery office in Salem or Wilsonville. Please call 1-800-766-6789 for assistance.

The Raffle offers the best odds of any Oregon Lottery game of winning $1 million – 1 in 250,000. Overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 138.8. The Oregon Lottery’s Raffle game went on sale January 4 with 250,000 tickets available, and all tickets were sold out by the evening of Friday, March 13, 2026.

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.

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

PORTLAND, Ore.— A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment last Tuesday charging a Portland man with threatening an elected official and a minor victim online.

Travis William Juhr, 41, has been charged with transmitting interstate threats.

According to court documents, Juhr threatened an elected official in Nevada when he left a threatening voicemail and posted on his X account, “I hope you have your doors and windows locked. Because I love a challenge when hunting my PREY…” along with a photograph of the victim.

Additionally, Juhr threatened a minor victim because the victim attended a counter-protest to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The minor victim received several threatening messages from Juhr from different X accounts after the victim’s personal identifying information was posted online.

Juhr made his first appearance in federal court Friday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned and pleaded not guilty.

If convicted, Juhr faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The FBI is investigating the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan G. Bodell is prosecuting the case.

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

# # #

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on March 14, 2026, at approximately 3:47 a.m., the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call of a motor vehicle versus train crash at the intersection of Powerline Rd and Hwy 99 near Harrisburg, Linn County, Oregon.

The initial deputy observed the driver inside the vehicle was unresponsive but breathing.  Emergency personnel from Harrisburg Fire District and Central Lane Paramedics from Eugene/Springfield arrived and rendered medical aid. The driver, later identified as, Jon McKibben (age 72) from Terrebonne, Oregon, was transported to Riverbend Hospital for further treatment and remains in critical condition.

The investigation revealed McKibben turned onto Powerline Rd from Hwy 99, then proceeded to drive northbound onto the train tracks, traveling about fifty feet before getting stuck on the tracks.  McKibben’s vehicle was facing west (perpendicular to the tracks), and the train collided with the right rear quarter panel and passenger area, causing the vehicle to spin, and come to final rest blocking the north bound lane of Hwy 99.  The Union Pacific cargo train was traveling south when it collided with Mc Kibben’s vehicle. 

Deputies continued to work on the investigation, which included serving a search warrant to obtain McKibben’s blood for testing for the presence of alcohol, as evidence indicated alcohol was a contributing factor. At this time, it is unknown why McKibben drove down the tracks.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by Harrisburg Fire District, Central Lane Paramedics, Union Pacific, and Oregon Department of Transportation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office (541) 967-3950.

UPDATED. The spelling of the victim's name has been corrected to reflect his legal name and spelling. No other updates at this time. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – A Roseburg man is in custody tonight charged with the murder of his 11-month-old son.

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was placed by 27-year-old Jared Scott Jeremy Stoller of Roseburg. Stoller reported to dispatchers that his 11-month-old son, Jackson James Stoller, was missing from his hotel room at the Relax Inn in Sutherlin, Oregon. Sutherlin Police Officers responded to the call and determined there to be suspicious circumstances involved. The Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated to assist in the investigation.

Stoller was interviewed by detectives from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and eventually confessed that he had murdered Jackson days earlier at a location in Roseburg. Stoller told detectives that he had disposed of the child’s body in the South Umpqua River.

Divers from the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, assisted by boats from the Oregon State Police and Douglas County, located Jackson's body just before 6:00 p.m. in the river near the 3500-block of Old Melrose Road. His body was turned over to the care of the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy is expected to take place in the coming days.

Detectives arrested Stoller and lodged him in the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

• Murder in the First Degree
• Abuse of a Corpse in the First Degree

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is continuing to investigate the homicide. The Sheriff’s Office has been assigned as the lead investigating agency. The Major Crimes Team consists of investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney's Office.

Additional assistance was received from Douglas County Search and Rescue, Sutherlin Police Department, Winston Police Department, Myrtle Creek Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Welfare Division.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details are expected to be released at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at 541-440-4471 referencing Case #26-0836.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2026

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

WorkSource Oregon Invites Job Seekers to Job Fair for Autistic Community Activity Program

OREGON CITY, Ore. – WorkSource Oregon invites job seekers to a job fair with the Autistic Community Activity Program (ACAP) on Wednesday, March 18,10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the WorkSource center in Oregon City. This is an opportunity to learn about summer jobs in the Portland-Metro area to help people with autism build lasting life skills. ACAP staff will be on site to share more information and conduct interviews for one-on-one assistants with their summer program. There is no cost to attend, and participants are encouraged to bring their resumes.

“Are you looking for the most fun you’ve ever had in a summer job? Come work with ACAP in an active and engaging environment where you get to meet new people and make friends,” said Brooke Pyper, chief operating officer at ACAP. “This allows you to serve the community, explore Portland, and help autistic individuals build lasting life skills. You will work in groups, travel around the city, enjoy the sun, and engage with clients to ensure their goals are met.”

Assistants will earn $18 to $23 per hour during ACAP’s 2026 summer season, which runs from June through August. Internships and work-study hours are also available.

“WorkSource Oregon is excited to support job seekers as they explore a wide range of employment opportunities — from seasonal positions to roles that make a meaningful impact in their communities,” said Jim Pfarrer, director of Workforce Operations with the Oregon Employment Department. “The ACAP Job Fair is a great example of that commitment, and an opportunity for job seekers to make a strong impression. They should come ready to talk about their strengths and experience. Our staff will be on hand to help applicants prepare for their interview.”

The Oregon Employment Department and WorkSource Oregon are proud to partner with businesses and employers across the state in finding qualified employers. 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.

Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: WorkSource Oregon - Oregon City

506 High St., Oregon City, OR 97045

Email: iann.y.rangel@employ.oregon.gov">mariann.y.rangel@employ.oregon.gov

Event website: https://www.worksourceoregon.org/events/2026-03-18/autistic-community-activity-program-job-fair/

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 electrónico a Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

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White will lead the credit union’s financial strategy and support long-term stability for members

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union has hired finance executive Lisa White to serve as senior vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), following an extensive national search. White, a certified public accountant, joins the executive team of Oregon’s largest credit union, serving more than 631,000 members with $9.5 billion in assets.

Clackamas County, Ore. (Mar. 16, 2026) - On Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 5:44 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 26, near milepost 31, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Nissan Frontier, operated by Heath Eugene Beardmore (35) of Rhododendron, crossed into the westbound lane and struck a westbound Honda Accord, operated by Kailee Joy Peterson (19) of Gresham. 

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

The operator of the Honda (Peterson) and passenger, Kemper Michael Buchholtz (20) of Sandy, were transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The rear passenger in the Honda, Austin Rylee Buchhotlz (24) of Corbett, was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff's office, Clackamas Fire and Rescue, Hoodland Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.

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

Rethink the Drink media toolkit can be found here: www.rethinkthedrink.com/toolkit 

March 16, 2026

Media Contact: Erica Heartquist, PhD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA shares tips for safely celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, spring break

Alcohol misuse remains a leading cause of preventable death in Oregon 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Monday, March 16, 2026 

BEND, OR — Spring break kicks off this Saturday, March 21 at the High Desert Museum with special programs, new exhibitions and summer hours, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  

The popular indoor flight demonstration, Sky Hunters returns to the E. L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. Visitors experience powerful predators close up as raptors fly just overhead, showcasing the birds’ agility and grace while learning about their lives in the wild. The program is daily from Saturday, March 21 – Saturday, March 28 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm and is first come, first served. Tickets are $7 and available at Admissions on the day of. Museum members receive a 20% discount. Sky Hunters is made possible by Fly Redmond with support from the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon. 

Visitors will also be able to enjoy daily talks about High Desert flora and fauna, free with admission. These include the Nature Walk at 10:30 am, Otter Encounter at 12:30 pm and Mammal Encounter at 3:00 pm. 

Spring break visitors will also be able to experience the Museum’s temporary exhibitions. The new, original exhibition Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration in the Spirit of the West Gallery invites visitors to discover the science, spectacle, and significance behind the giants that live among us. For many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980.  

Blending history and geology with interactive storytelling and hands-on exploration, visitors will encounter lava rocks, a volcanic hazard map, and hear the rumble of a volcano. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/under-pressure. 

Another exhibition on view in the Brooks Gallery is Soil Alive!, a subterranean journey into the world beneath our feet. Presented in English and Spanish, the exhibition beckons visitors underground to discover how soil is not just a bed of crunched up rocks and other materials.

Visitors who enter the exhibition hear the muffled subterranean sounds of animals and microorganisms in the soil. The family-friendly exhibition includes interactive experiences and hands-on activities that share how a complex network of organisms turns ordinary dirt into living soil. From a giant magnifying glass that points at a wall-sized digital illustration and illuminates hidden animals to helping a ponderosa sapling grow in a motion-activated digital experience, Soil Alive! digs into a busy and active universe. The exhibition closes on Sunday, March 29. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/soil-alive.  

Other temporary exhibitions include Prophets – Paintings by Hilary Baker. The exhibit, located in the Desertarium Gallery, features 18 of Baker’s artworks depicting moths. Baker, who grew up in Los Angeles, lost her longtime home to the Palisades Fire in January 2025. It was then that she began painting moths, examining them as spiritual messengers, prompting visitors to pay more attention to moths large and small through bright, lavish renderings. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/prophets. 

Drawn West: A History of Promoting Place, an original exhibition, explores a century of salesmanship, when artists and cartographers alike crafted an image of the West that depicted both fact and fiction. Featuring 50-plus maps, artworks and advertisement from the Museum’s extensive collections, visitors can take a walk through time and learn about the decades of western expansion, from the growth of cities and towns along railways in the High Desert to the first Pendleton Round-Up in 1910. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/drawn-west. 

And Forest at Night reveals the sights and sounds of the forest when the moon is high and the stars are out. An immersive and interactive exhibition, Forest at Night takes visitors on a virtual tour, featuring insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Visitors may gaze up at twinkling stars and learn about the constellations that guide migrating birds on their way through the High Desert. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/forest-at-night. 

Throughout the week, the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill will be open from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm beginning Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 29 (excluding Monday, March 23). Experience history and jump in to lend a hand or ask about the many buildings and objects. 

More information on visiting the High Desert Museum is available at highdesertmuseum.org/visit-bend-oregon. 

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 and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2025 recipient of the Autry Public History Prize from the Western History Association and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.  

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SALEM, Oregon— The Oregon Outdoor Recreation Committee (OORC) will meet April 3 to rank and establish a priority list of Land and Water Conservation Fund grant proposals from around the state for projects to develop and rehabilitate public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) administers this federally funded grant program.

The meeting is open to the public but there will not be time for public comments during the meeting.

The meeting will be held online via Zoom. View the agenda for a list of project proposals and meeting information: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/gra/pages/gra-lwcf.aspx     

Recommendations from the OORC will be submitted to the Oregon State Parks Commission for review and approval at their April 22 meeting. OPRD will then forward approved project proposals to the National Park Service for final approval.

The OORC is made up of nine members who represent a variety of interests and are appointed by the OPRD Director.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program is a financial assistance program of the National Park Service. LWCF grants provide matching funds to state and local governments for acquiring and developing public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

For more information contact Nohemi Enciso, LWCF Grant Program Coordinator, at 503-480-9092 or nohemi.enciso@oprd.oregon.gov, or visit the LWCF webpage on the OPRD website.

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CORVALLIS, Ore. — Corvallis Housing First will host a groundbreaking ceremony for Third Street Commons, a new permanent supportive housing community that will provide housing and services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and disabilities in Benton County.

Media and community members are invited to attend.

WHO:
• Corvallis Housing First
• Oregon Housing and Community Services Executive Director Andrea Bell
• Corvallis Mayor Charles Maughan
• Benton County Coordinated Homeless Response Office Manager Rebecca Taylor
• Community partners, supporters and individuals with lived experience

WHAT:
Groundbreaking ceremony for Third Street Commons, a 47-unit permanent supportive housing development.

WHEN:
Thursday, March 19, 11:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Project site, 1480 SW Third St., Corvallis, Oregon

WHY:
Third Street Commons will provide safe, stable housing combined with supportive services for people experiencing chronic homelessness and disabilities. Permanent supportive housing is an evidence-based approach that helps people maintain long-term housing stability while improving health and well-being.

The project represents several years of collaboration among community partners and funders working to expand supportive housing options in Benton County.

Construction is expected to be completed in September 2027, with residents moving in shortly afterward.

VISUALS / PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

• Gold-shovel groundbreaking ceremony
• Community leaders and project partners speaking
• Rendering boards or site visuals
• Interviews with project leaders and community partners

MEDIA RSVP / INFORMATION:
To RSVP or request additional information, contact Corvallis Housing First at admin@corvallishousingfirst.org.

About Corvallis Housing First: Corvallis Housing First is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008 dedicated to providing housing solutions and services to end homelessness and improve lives in Corvallis and surrounding communities.

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a small structure fire near Valley River in Eugene late Sunday night.  Fire crews were dispatched to a reported dumpster fire at the Valley River Court Apartments in the 4300 block of Goodpasture Lp at 11:33 PM on March 15th. Callers reported the dumpster fire had extended to the structure and the call was upgraded to a first alarm response.  

Engine 9 arrived four minutes after teach reporting a fully involved shed attached to a row of single car garages.  Crews were able to quickly contain the fire and limit involvement of the adjacent structure which sustained some damage.  There were no injuries reported and the cause is under investigation. Aerial photo credit to Barnard HQ Professional Aerial Operations. 

Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an apartment fire in downtown Eugene Sunday evening. At 6:39 pm on March 15th, fire crews were dispatched to a fire at the WestTown on 8th Apartments in the 200 block of W 8th Ave in Eugene. The resident reported a fire in the kitchen with smoke filling the unit. Crews from Station 1 downtown arrived in under 4 minutes as part of a high life hazard response that brought eight fire crews (five engines and three ladder trucks), two chiefs, two ambulances, two deputy fire marshals and one support unit.

Crews quickly located a kitchen fire and made access with a hoseline via a stairwell.  Firefighters evacuated neighboring units, while Truck 1 completed a search of the fire unit. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews performed extensive overhaul to ensure all hot spots were out. 

There were no injuries reported and the Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. The fire was contained to the apartment unit of origin with smoke affecting up to five other units.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office contacted a male in the woods in the area known as Long’s Ranch near Melqua Road who had an established a camp. After a records check, the deputy took the male, 28-year-old Robert Emilo Macias, a transient, into custody on an active warrant for Sex Abuse in the Third Degree.

While the deputy was attempting to place Macias in the back seat of a patrol vehicle, Macias pushed past the deputy and fled on foot down an embankment while still in handcuffs. The deputy gave chase but eventually lost sight of Macias and requested assistance from additional units and a K9 team to search the area. An extensive search of the area continued throughout the afternoon and into the evening, prompting notification to residents within a four-mile radius.

At approximately 7:50 p.m., Macias was located in the 6400 block of Hubbard Creek Road, nearly three miles from the initial location. He was still wearing the deputy’s handcuffs. Deputies learned that during the time he had fled, Macias retrieved firearms he had previously stashed in the woods.

Deputies took Macias back into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Douglas County Jail and lodged on the following charges:

• Warrant – Sex Abuse in the Third Degree
• Escape in the Second Degree
• Resisting Arrest
• Theft in the Third Degree