At 2:03 p.m. Thursday, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue (CDF&R) was dispatched to the 700 block of River Bend Road for the report of a grass fire that had been started by an unattended burn barrel.  Initial reports indicated that the fire was a quarter of an acre in size and spreading to nearby structures.

Initial units arrived on the scene to find an active grass fire that had spread to a nearby outbuilding.  Shortly after the crews began working on the fire, multiple propane tanks that had been stored in the outbuilding began to explode.  This caused the fire to rapidly spread to two adjacent structures and threaten multiple other nearby homes.

A large amount of effort was put towards keeping the crews safe from the multiple hazards present in the area while containing the fire to the three involved structures. Once the forward spread of the fire had been stopped, crews transitioned into extinguishment.

CDF&R responded to this incident with eight pieces of fire equipment and two command units, totaling 16 paid and volunteer personnel.  Crews at the scene were assisted by Roseburg Fire Department, Douglas Forest Protective Association, and PP&L.

CDF&R would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that fire season is now in effect, and open burning including debris piles and burn barrels are prohibited at all times.

DINT 25-0082 AND DINT 25-0084

Throughout the past week, the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) concluded two separate long-term investigations into methamphetamine distribution occurring throughout Douglas County.

At approximately 3:30pm on Friday, June 6, 2025, detectives with DINT arrested 44-year-old Frederick Beau Hanson of Myrtle Creek.

Detectives had a traffic stop conducted on Hansen as he was travelling on I-5, near Exit 110 (Boomer Hill), in Myrtle Creek.  The traffic stop was conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). DCSO canine “Trapper” was also present at the traffic stop.

During the stop, a search of Hanson and his vehicle revealed approximately 55.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

DINT Detectives followed up with a search of Hanson’s residence in Myrtle Creek. This search yielded an additional 821 grams of suspected methamphetamine, .8 grams of suspected cocaine, 71.6 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, and additional evidence of the distribution of methamphetamine.  

Hanson was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Cocaine, Unlawful Delivery or Unlawful Manufacture of Controlled Substance (Commercial or Substantial Quantities) and Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon.

On June 10, 2025, at approximately 6:40pm, detectives arrested 64-year-old Sharon Mae Aguilar of Curtin. 

Detectives contacted Aguilar in the 300 block of Dakota Street, in Sutherlin after conducting surveillance on her activities.

A search of Aguilar’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,039 grams of suspected Methamphetamine, 5.3 grams of suspected psylocibin mushrooms, suspected oxycodone, and suspected hydrocodone pills.

Aguilar was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Manufacture or Unlawful Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Unlawful Procession of Oxycodone and Unlawful Possession of Hydrocodone.

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

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

DINT 25-0082 AND DINT 25-0084

Throughout the past week, the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) concluded two separate long-term investigations into methamphetamine distribution occurring throughout Douglas County.

At approximately 3:30pm on Friday, June 6, 2025, detectives with DINT arrested 44-year-old Frederick Beau Hanson of Myrtle Creek.

Detectives had a traffic stop conducted on Hansen as he was travelling on I-5, near Exit 110 (Boomer Hill), in Myrtle Creek.  The traffic stop was conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). DCSO canine “Trapper” was also present at the traffic stop.

During the stop, a search of Hanson and his vehicle revealed approximately 55.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

DINT Detectives followed up with a search of Hanson’s residence in Myrtle Creek. This search yielded an additional 821 grams of suspected methamphetamine, .8 grams of suspected cocaine, 71.6 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, and additional evidence of the distribution of methamphetamine.  

Hanson was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Cocaine, Unlawful Delivery or Unlawful Manufacture of Controlled Substance (Commercial or Substantial Quantities) and Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon.

On June 10, 2025, at approximately 6:40pm, detectives arrested 64-year-old Sharon Mae Aguilar of Curtin. 

Detectives contacted Aguilar in the 300 block of Dakota Street, in Sutherlin after conducting surveillance on her activities.

A search of Aguilar’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,039 grams of suspected Methamphetamine, 5.3 grams of suspected psylocibin mushrooms, suspected oxycodone, and suspected hydrocodone pills.

Aguilar was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Manufacture or Unlawful Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Unlawful Procession of Oxycodone and Unlawful Possession of Hydrocodone.

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

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

JCSO Case 25-2972

PROSPECT, Ore. - Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives are investigating a suspicious death that occurred Thursday, June 5 outside Prospect. JCSO Patrol deputies responded to a call for a victim with a gunshot wound at 1:27 AM at a residence in the 2000 block of Shelly Drive. JCSO deputies detained a suspect when they arrived on scene.

A Mercy Flights ambulance transported the victim to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. JCSO detectives and Medical Examiners arrived and took over the investigation. The victim is JR Anthony Monteleone III, 47, of Prospect. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. 

The suspect, Chad Allen McPherson, 32, of Prospect, is charged with second-degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm. He is lodged in the Jackson County Jail. A Jackson County Grand Jury indicted McPherson today, June 10 on all charges.

Oregon State Police (OSP) Crime Lab, OSP detectives, JCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office responded to assist with the investigation. 

The timing of this release was delayed so JCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers could conduct an evidence search. The SAR team searched the area on Monday, June 9 and successfully located critical evidence. Thank you to the efforts of our SAR volunteers.

This case is active and ongoing with detectives following additional leads. There is no additional information for release at this time.

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JCSO Case 25-2970

PHOENIX, Ore. - Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and detectives arrested a murder suspect this morning during a traffic stop on Highway 62 near Vilas Road in Medford. JCSO deputies arrested the man in connection to a suspicious death turned murder investigation that occurred in Phoenix earlier this week. The victim is Julie Renee Hastings, 60, of Phoenix. Our condolences go out to her family and friends.

The suspect, William Irvin Hastings, 60, of Eagle Point, is charged with second-degree murder and first-degree abuse of a corpse. He is lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

The investigation began after JCSO Patrol deputies responded to a welfare check Wednesday night at a residence in the 4000 block of South Pacific Highway outside of Phoenix. JCSO deputies forced entry into the residence, found the victim deceased, and identified suspicious circumstances at the scene. JCSO detectives and Medical Examiners responded and took over the investigation. Oregon State Police (OSP) Crime Lab, Jackson County District Attorney’s office, Medford Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, and OSP detectives responded to assist with the investigation.

This case is active and ongoing with detectives following additional leads. There is no further information available for release at this time.

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JCSO Case 25-2983

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – A motorcycle and an electric dirt bike collided last night killing the juvenile dirt bike rider. ECSO Dispatch received a 911 call Thursday at 8:56 PM for a crash that occurred near the intersection of Ross Lane and Old Stage Road in rural Central Point. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, Oregon State Police, and Jacksonville Police Department responded along with a Mercy Flights ambulance.

Next-of-kin has been notified. We will not be releasing decedent information due to the rider’s age and out of respect for the family’s privacy in this difficult time. Our condolences go out to the family and friends.

Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team responded to investigate the incident. The motorcycle rider is cooperating with the investigation and no criminal charges have been filed at this time.

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

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SHERIFF’S OFFICE CITIZEN ACADEMY

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2025
 

6/10/25 – Lincoln County, OR
 

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce the return of the Sheriff’s Citizen Academy in September 2025. This free program provides community members with an opportunity to learn about the everyday operations of the Sheriff’s Office and the many services provided to the community. Community members are welcome to apply for this 11-week course which offers presentations, tours, and hands-on activities designed to give you an intimate look at the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. Members that complete our Citizen Academy are also welcomed to apply for our Community Advisory Group. Classes will be held in Newport from 6pm - 8pm on Tuesdays from September 9, 2025 through November 18, 2025. 

To apply for the 2025 Citizen Academy you must:

• Submit an application no later than Monday, August 18, 2025
• Successfully pass a Sheriff’s Office background check
• Be at least 16 years or older

Citizen Academy features interactive sessions with team members that cover:

• Animal Shelter and Services 
• Civil Service 
• Corrections, Jail, Kitchen, and Medical Tour
• Emergency Management
• K-9 Team
• Major Crime Team and Investigations
• Patrol, Special Districts, Marine Program, School Resource Deputy, and Community Services
• Pretrial Services
• Search and Rescue
• And More

Space is limited and interested community members are encouraged to apply early. Applications will not be accepted for the 2025 Citizen Academy after August 18, 2025.

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On June 8, 2025, just before 10:00 p.m., 911 callers reported that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle near the 6000 block of Silverton Road NE in Salem.

Deputies and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. Tragically, the pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Silverton Road was closed for approximately three and a half hours while members of the Marion County CRASH Team investigated the incident.

The driver of the involved vehicle, a 58-year-old female, remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with the investigation. At this time, no citations or arrests have been made.

The pedestrian has been identified as Michael Martinez (52), of Salem. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all those affected by this tragic event.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Marion County Fire District, Marion County Public Works, and the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office.

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, just before 10:00 p.m., 911 callers reported a serious motor vehicle crash on Lancaster Dr SE at Glenwood Dr SE in Salem.

Emergency responders arrived on scene and discovered a collision involving a vehicle and a motorcycle.

The motorcyclist, identified as 33-year-old Jesse Wadley of Salem, was transported to Salem Hospital but later passed away from his injuries.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and was cooperative with investigators. A passenger in the vehicle was transported to the hospital with injuries.

Investigators from the Marion County CRASH Team responded to conduct a thorough investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the motorcycle was traveling north on Lancaster Dr SE at a high rate of speed prior to the crash.

At this time, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragic crash.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Marion County Fire District, Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Marion County Public Works, and Willamette Valley Communications Center during the response.

Deschutes County, Ore. 10 May 2025- On Monday, May 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 126, near milepost 2, in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Kia Sol, operated by Carrie Jane Wilson (45) of Prineville, crossed the centerline for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Ford F250, operated by Richard Alex Byron Szymanski (67) of Redmond, head-on.

The operator of the Kia (Wilson) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Ford (Szymanski), who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by the Redmond Police Department and ODOT.

# # #

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

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 9 June 2025 – On Sunday, June 8, 2025, at about 6:09 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 101 in Lincoln County near Seal Rock.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Toyota Matrix, operated by Leslie Ryan Campbell (45) of Seal Rock, was traveling southbound on Highway 101 when it left the roadway for unknown reasons, struck guide wires on the south side of the embankment, and ultimately struck a tree.

The operator and only occupant of the Toyota (Campbell) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Seal Rock Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

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

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 9 June 2025 – On Saturday, June 7, 2025, at about 3:31 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a four-vehicle crash on Highway 101 in Lincoln County near Lincoln City.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Chevrolet Spark, operated by Paula Babcock (69) of Donald, was traveling northbound on Hwy. 101 near milepost 119 when it left the lane of travel and sideswiped a southbound white Tesla S, operated by Robert Gates (57) of Salem. The Chevrolet then collided with a southbound blue GMC Yukon, operated by Mary McCarthy (62) of Lincoln City. After it was struck, the Tesla entered the northbound lane and collided with a black Kia Sorento, operated by Diane Rodriguez (65) of Lincoln City.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Babcock) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Kia (Rodriguez) and a passenger, James Rodriguez (76) of Lincoln City, were transported to an area hospital with reported minor injuries.

The operator of the GMC (McCarthy) had reported minor injuries.

The operator of the Tesla (Gates) and a passenger, Alena Gates (41) of Salem, had reported minor injuries.

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

OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Depoe Bay Fire Department, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, PacWest Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: June 7, 2025

Traffic team investigates single vehicle fatal collision

Salem, Ore. — Salem police and firefighters responded to the 2400 block of Lancaster DR SE at approximately 2:45 p.m. yesterday, June 6, on the call of a single vehicle collision. The driver’s mobile phone detected the crash and called emergency services.

Firefighters provided immediate medical aid to the driver who was transported to Salem Health where he was pronounced deceased.

The Salem Police Traffic Team’s preliminary investigation determined the driver, Terry Shawn Calderwood, age 55 of Salem, was driving his one-ton work truck northbound on Lancaster DR SE when the vehicle left the roadway and onto the gravel shoulder, striking a culvert. The truck continued a short distance, striking a chain link fence before coming to a stop.

No streets were closed while the scene was investigated Friday afternoon.

The collision investigation is ongoing, and there are no other details available for release.

The incident is Salem’s fourth fatal traffic collision this year, resulting in four fatalities.

# # #

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard is scheduled to host a tour of new medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) technology at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Salem at 1:00 p.m. on June 11. 

The tour will showcase two upcoming pieces of MEDEVAC technology: the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) MEDEVAC patient handling system and the Vita Rescue System (VRS) litter. 

A 20-foot transportable mockup of the FLRAA MEDEVAC patient handling system, known as the Future MEDEVAC Cabin Technical Demonstrator, is touring across the country to multiple military installations, gathering feedback from critical care flight paramedics on the system’s design. 

“Due to the Oregon National Guard’s high proficiency and familiarity with MEDEVAC missions, it is the only reserve unit participating in this unique opportunity,” said Lt. Col. Nathan Edgecombe, Oregon Army National Guard State Aviation Officer. “Flight medics from Oregon’s Golf Company, 189 Aviation are currently testing the cabin’s capabilities and their input will directly impact the final production design.” 

The VRS improves search and rescue operations by preventing spinning during hoist operations through the use of gyros and fans. This new technology reduces overall hover time and pilot fatigue during rescues. The Oregon National Guard is one the first units in the country authorized to use this device. 

Live demonstrations of the Future MEDEVAC Cabin Technical Demonstrator and the VRS litter will be conducted during the tour. There will also be a HH-60M Black Hawk display with Soldiers present to discuss Oregon National Guard’s disaster response capabilities.

Media entities are encouraged to RSVP with Lt. Col. Stephen S. Bomar, Director - Public Affairs, Oregon Military Department at 971-355-3527 for access.

-30-

MEDFORD, Ore. – In the pre-dawn light of a beautiful summer morning, 101 participants gathered at U.S. Cellular Field as they prepared for one of the military's most grueling endurance tests. By the time the sun rose over the lush, green foliage of southern Oregon, Soldiers, Airmen and civilians were already miles into the 18.6-mile Norwegian Foot March.

The June 8 event, hosted by the Oregon Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, brought together military personnel from across the Pacific Northwest and local civilians for the historic challenge that dates back to 1915. Participants carried 24-pound rucksacks as they traversed the scenic route, testing not just their physical endurance but their ability to remain combat-ready after a demanding long-distance march.

"This event really showcases how integrated our battalion is with the community," said Lt. Col. Heather Robinson, 1-186 Infantry Rear Detachment commander. "The Oregon National Guard is the military service of choice for many because our members live and work right here in communities like Medford. They serve their neighbors during disasters like wildland fires and deploy to protect our country – it's that dual mission that makes us unique."

The march attracted participants from multiple military installations, including Oregon Air National Guard members from the 142nd Wing at Portland Air National Guard Base and the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls. Even a Soldier from Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Washington, made the journey to participate in the challenging event.

"It's a great event just for Soldier endurance and camaraderie," said 1st Lt. Ian Namu, who organized the march. "It's also the 250th Army anniversary, so it's kind of cool to celebrate that with an Army event like this."

Namu, a Southern Oregon University graduate with a degree in Outdoor Adventure Leadership, drew on his educational background to plan the logistics-heavy event. His experience in outdoor event planning proved invaluable, though he noted that dealing with city permits presented more challenges than the actual route reconnaissance.

The Norwegian Foot March originated in 1915 when the Norwegian army developed the test to determine if Soldiers could complete long movements while maintaining combat readiness. The tradition has continued for over a century, with participants earning coveted badges based on their completion times.

"The whole point of this isn't just to get the 18.6 miles done, but to be done marching and then ready for combat," Namu explained to participants before the 5 a.m. step-off. "If you're smoked after this, maybe look at yourself and be like, 'Hey, I need to be like those Soldiers back in 1915.'"

The event drew strong community participation, with local civilians testing themselves alongside military personnel. Owen Neely claimed the top civilian spot with an impressive time of 4 hours and 4 minutes, while 2nd Lt. Wolfgang Seifer, the battalion's intelligence officer, took first place overall.

Local military recruiters provided trophies for the top four finishers, recognizing both the competitive spirit and community partnership that defined the event.

For Namu, this marked his third Norwegian Foot March participation, having previously completed the challenge with other units. His first attempt ended in failure, but persistence paid off in subsequent years.

"First year I didn't pass. The second year I did pass," Namu recalled. "This will be my third one, and it's cool; I get to plan and put it on now."

The successful event demonstrated the Oregon National Guard's commitment to both military readiness and community engagement, bringing together 101 participants for a challenge that tested physical limits while honoring military tradition.

As the summer sun climbed higher over the verdant Oregon landscape, participants crossed the finish line carrying more than just their 24-pound rucksacks – they carried forward a 110-year tradition of military endurance and the spirit of service that connects the Guard to the communities they protect.

                                                                                                            -30-

Released B-Roll: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/965908/oregon-guard-honors-armys-250th-with-century-old-norwegian-endurance-challenge

Release Photos:

250608-Z-ZJ128-1001 – Participants gather at the start line in the pre-dawn light at U.S. Cellular Field in Medford, Ore., June 8, 2025, before beginning the Norwegian Foot March. The 18.6-mile endurance test, hosted by the Oregon Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, drew 101 military personnel and civilians, each carrying a 24-pound rucksack. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250608-Z-ZJ128-1002 – Military service members and civilians navigate a stretch of trail during the Norwegian Foot March in Medford, Ore., June 8, 2025. The historic endurance test brought together 101 participants, including Soldiers, Airmen and civilians, to complete the challenging 18.6-mile route while carrying 24-pound rucksacks. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250608-Z-ZJ128-1003 – Four Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment march shoulder to shoulder on a portion of the trail during the Norwegian Foot March in Medford, Ore., June 8, 2025. The century-old military endurance test challenged participants to complete 18.6 miles while carrying 24-pound rucksacks and maintaining combat readiness. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250608-Z-ZJ128-1004 – Staff Sgt. Mitchell Sierra with the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment crosses the finish line in second place with a time of 3 hours and 20 minutes during the Norwegian Foot March in Medford, Ore., June 8, 2025. The challenging 18.6-mile endurance test required participants to carry 24-pound rucksacks while completing the historic military challenge that dates back to 1915. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250608-Z-ZJ128-1005 – Top finishers of the Norwegian Foot March pose with local recruiters after the awards ceremony in Medford, Ore., June 8, 2025. From left: Sgt. 1st Class Andreason, Medford recruiter; Spc. Robert Rowland, third place (3:30); Staff Sgt. Mitchell Sierra, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, second place (3:20); 2nd Lt. Wolfgang Seifer, first place (3:19); Senior Master Sgt. Justin Lafon, 173rd Fighter Wing Medical Group, fourth place (3:48); and Staff Sgt. Garrett Wasson, Medford recruiter. Local recruiters provided trophies for the top four finishers of the 18.6-mile endurance challenge. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250608-Z-ZJ128-1006 – Sgt. 1st Class Andreason, Medford recruiter, presents Owen Neely with a t-shirt and finisher's medal after Neely completed the Norwegian Foot March as the top civilian finisher in Medford, Ore., June 8, 2025. Neely finished the challenging 18.6-mile endurance test with a time of 4 hours and 4 minutes, earning recognition alongside military participants who carried 24-pound rucksacks throughout the historic march. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2025

Oregon’s Preschool Promise Program Celebrates Five Years of Statewide Impact, Serving More Than 5,200 Children This Year

Launched in 2016 as a small, regional pilot, the program expanded in 2020 statewide and now serves more than 5,200 children across all 36 counties

SALEM, OR — The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) marked a major milestone in its commitment to Oregon’s youngest learners: five years of statewide implementation of Preschool Promise, on of Oregon’s free, state-funded preschool program. DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee welcomed families, providers, and partners to celebrate the program’s growth and impact across Oregon’s communities at a Preschool Promise event hosted at North Salem High School’s Early Learning Center.

“We are proud to celebrate five years of keeping our bold promise to Oregon’s children and families,” said Chatterjee. “Preschool Promise has grown from a small pilot into a transformative statewide program rooted in equity, family choice, and community partnership.”

Preschool Promise serves Oregon’s three- and four-year-olds from families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Since launching statewide in 2020, the program has expanded to serve more than 5,200 children annually at nearly 330 locations across all 36 Oregon counties. Of the slots awarded by the Oregon Legislature, 96% of slots were filled in the 2024-2025 school year, a figure that has grown steadily since the program expanded statewide. 

Built on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive—regardless of income or zip code—Preschool Promise offers families a choice of home-based, center-based, school-based, and culturally specific early learning settings that reflect their values, language, and culture.

Preschool Promise is also strengthening Oregon’s early learning workforce by supporting competitive pay with kindergarten teachers and promoting the professionalization of the workforce. Many providers are women, people of color and emerging small businesses. A recent shift to awarding grants directly from the state helps providers thrive and build quality, sustainable programs. 

Families remain at the heart of Preschool Promise, which prioritizes family choice, inclusive practices, nutritious meals, high-quality curriculum, and dual-language instruction that honors families’ home languages.

“Each day, we get to spend quality time with children–most of whom may not have had access to preschool prior to Preschool Promise,” said Stephanie Whetzel, Director of Early Learning Programs, Salem-Keizer Public Schools. “We see the benefits and hear that our students we teach are more prepared for kindergarten.”

Preschool Promise’s success is powered by strong partnerships with 16 regional Early Learning Hubs across and 220 grantees statewide. The agency now uses local data to assign slots where they are most needed. As part of the agency’s commitment to transparency, the agency launched a public dashboard last year, and continues to make ongoing investments in provider tools and systems to improve efficiency and quality.

State leaders shared that Preschool Promise has evolved into a cornerstone of Oregon’s vision for a more just and equitable education system. The agency, which became a standalone agency in 2023, remains committed to improving access, supporting providers, and ensuring that every child in Oregon has the opportunity to succeed. Learn more at oregon.gov/delc.

For Media Purposes Only: Access photos from the graduation ceremony here.

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About Preschool Promise
Preschool Promise is Oregon’s free, state-funded preschool program serving three- and four-year-old children from families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Through a mixed delivery model, Preschool Promise offers families a choice of high-quality early learning settings statewide. Learn more at oregon.gov/delc. 

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve May 21, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Robert Gibney, DPSST No. 66390; Polk County Sheriff's Office

    Presented by Cindy Park

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

Administrative Announcement

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

SALEM, Ore.—As temperatures rise and people flock to Oregon’s waterways for much needed relief, the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urge boaters and swimmers to be aware of the hidden dangers of cold water. Despite warm air temperatures, rivers and lakes remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold shock, swimming failure, and drowning. 

“Many people underestimate the effects of cold water,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Oregon State Marine Board. “Inexperience and not being prepared for the conditions are factors leading to accidents. Planning ahead, boating with others, always keeping a sharp lookout, and wearing a properly fitted life jacket are key to staying safe.” 

Cold Water Risks 

Even experienced swimmers can struggle in cold water. Sudden immersion can cause cold shock, leading to involuntary gasping and rapid breathing, which increases the risk of drowning. Cold water also drains body heat 25 times faster than cold air, leading to hypothermia. 

"We've seen a rise in water rescue incidents in the past few weeks, because people underestimate the deadly combination of warm air and dangerously cold water," said Scott Lucas, OEM Statewide Search and Rescue Coordinator. "Cold shock and hypothermia set in quickly, even for strong swimmers, and fast-moving currents make self-rescue nearly impossible. We urge everyone to plan ahead, wear a life jacket, and respect the power of cold water—it can be unforgiving." 

Additionally, recent snowmelt has caused swift currents and floating debris, making navigation more hazardous. The National Weather Service warns that local rivers and lakes are not as warm as they will be in late summer, and the combination of high-water levels and frigid temperatures can be deadly. 

Boating Safety Tips 

The Oregon State Marine Board advises boaters to plan ahead and check out the Marine Board’s interactive boating access map. The map displays public boat ramps and local rules for boat operations. Also, check the weather forecast, water levels, and tides. See if there are any reported obstructions and have the right gear for your boating activity. Boaters can also check the Marine Board’s website to find out what equipment is required based on the size and type of boat.  

The Oregon State Marine Board also advises boaters to: 

• Choose a waterway that matches your skill level to avoid dangerous situations. 
• Wear a properly fitted life jacket—it significantly increases survival chances. 
• Check the Marine Board’s interactive boating access map for public boat ramps and local rules. 
• Monitor weather forecasts, water levels, and tides before heading out. 
• Be courteous to other boaters and stage gear in designated areas to ensure smooth launching. 

Legal Requirements: 

• Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket when underway on all boats. 
• Boaters in Class III whitewater rivers are required to wear a life jacket. 
• All boaters must complete a boating safety course and carry a boating safety education card when operating a powerboat over 10 horsepower. 
• Paddlers of non-motorized boats 10 feet and longer must purchase a waterway access permit. 

For more information on safe boating in Oregon, visit Boat.Oregon.gov. 

What to Do if Someone Has Been Submerged in Cold Water 

Cold water can be deadly, even for experienced swimmers. If you find yourself in dangerously cold water, following these essential survival strategies can increase your chances of making it out safely. 

Immediate Actions in Cold Water 

Cold water can kill. The following guidelines from the U.S. Coast Guard will increase your chance for survival: 

• Stay calm—panicking can increase heat loss and make it harder to think clearly. 
• Get out of the water as quickly as possible but do so safely to avoid injury. 
• Use floating objects to keep yourself above water if available. 
• Keep as much of your body out of the water as possible to slow heat loss. 
• Assess your options—if swimming to safety is possible, do so calmly. 
• If you cannot swim to safety, conserve energy and body heat and wait for rescue. 

The H.E.L.P. Position 

If rescue isn’t immediate and you're unable to reach safety, use the Heat Escape Lessening Position (H.E.L.P.) to protect vital areas and reduce heat loss: 

• Draw your knees to your chest and keep your legs together. 
• Press your arms against your sides while keeping your head above water. 
• If others are in the water with you, huddle together to preserve heat. 

Providing Aid to Cold Water Victims 

If you or someone else has been submerged in cold water, follow these steps developed by the Red Cross) to ensure proper care: 

1. Call 911 or emergency services immediately. 
2. Move the person to a warm, sheltered place with minimal movement to avoid shock. 
3. Check breathing and circulation, administering rescue breathing or CPR if necessary. 
4. Remove wet clothing and dry the person as much as possible. 
5. Warm the person gradually by wrapping them in blankets or dressing them in dry clothing. 
6. Use warm compresses (hot water bottles or chemical hot packs wrapped in towels) to help retain heat. 
7. Avoid rapid warming—do not immerse the person in warm water, as this can trigger dangerous heart rhythms. 
8. Warm the core first (chest and abdomen) rather than extremities like hands and feet. 

Understanding and following these steps can prevent cold shock, hypothermia, and exhaustion, significantly improving survival chances in freezing water conditions. Stay alert, stay prepared, and respect the dangers of cold water—even on warm days. 

Salem, Ore. – Over the last week, several Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Fire Protection Districts have announced the start of fire season and implemented the necessary fire danger levels and restrictions to reduce the number of human-caused fires.

Fire danger levels may be low, moderate, high, or extreme at different times throughout the year based on local fuel conditions, weather and other potential fire hazards. Public use restrictions on activities are enacted during fire season in an effort to reduce the number of human-caused fires, and may fluctuate throughout the season.

Conditions across the state are quickly becoming more susceptible to wildfire due to reduced rain and high temperatures.

As of today, the following ODF districts have announced their declaration of fire season:

• Southwest Oregon (Jackson and Josephine county) – June 1 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Central Oregon (Hood River, Jefferson, Deschutes, Crook, Morrow, Wheeler, Grant, and Harney County) June 2 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Walker Ranger FPA (northern Klamath County) – June 2 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Northeast Oregon (Wallowa, Union, Umatilla, and Baker County) – June 5 – Low Fire Danger
• Klamath-Lake (Klamath and Lake County) – June 6 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Coos FPA (Coos and Curry County) – June 6 – Low Fire Danger
• Douglas FPA (Douglas County) – June 6 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Western Lane (Lane County) – June 9 – Moderate Fire Danger
• South Cascade (Linn and Lane County) – June 9 – Moderate Fire Danger

Additional fire regulations may be implemented as fire danger level changes throughout fire season.

With the forecast of a hotter, drier summer this year, the Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention.

With several districts in or going into fire season, and others not yet there, it’s important to check the local fire restrictions where you live and where you’re planning to travel. Remaining informed of local fire restrictions can prevent you from bringing prohibited fire hazards onto the landscape and from potentially starting the next large wildfire.

Remember, the fewer human-caused fires in Oregon we have, the more you’re helping protect Oregon’s natural resources, communities, and firefighters. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org. Check your local restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

The Governing Board of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) will meet on Tuesday, June 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The public portion of the meeting begins at 9:35 a.m. This public meeting will be conducted via teleconference.

The meeting agenda, including call-in information, is available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/about/govboard/boardagenda_6_24_2025.pdf

The DOGAMI Governing Board sets policy, oversees general operations, and adopts a strategic plan every six years. The Board meets at least quarterly. As active members of their communities, Board members provide an important connection between Oregonians and DOGAMI’s mission of providing earth science information and regulation to make Oregon safe and prosperous.

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Amani Ray Keith.

Amani, age 3, is a child who went missing from Beaverton on June 6. She was found June 11.

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

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

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(Salem) – Amani Ray Keith, age 3, went missing with her mother Emma Keith from Beaverton on June 6. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that Amani may be at risk and is searching for her to assess her safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Amani. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Amani or Emma Keith should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

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

Name: Amani Ray Keith
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: April 28, 2022
Height: 3-foot-6
Weight: 26 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Blue
Washington County Sheriff’s Office Case #50 2025-7882
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Case number pending

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

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

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

Julian Yellowtail, age 14, Silas Yellowtail, age 15, and Trenton “Ty” Yellowtail, age 18, went missing in May from Portland. All three of the brothers were found on June 9 and 10.

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

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

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SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will meet virtually in executive session on Monday, June 9 at 11:30 a.m. to consider employment of the Department of State Lands Director, as authorized by ORS 192.660(2)(a).

The Land Board will consider appointing a Director and accept comment during its scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 10. The June 10 meeting agenda and comment information is available on DSL’s website here. Comment on the Director appointment will be accepted up until the Land Board begins deliberations on the topic, which is Item 10 on the agenda.

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State Tobias Read, and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.

June 11, 2025

Contact: Amber Shoebridge, er.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Amber.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov, 503-931-9586

Oregon State Hospital receives CMS statement of deficiencies

(Salem, Ore.) – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon State Hospital (OSH) are responding to a statement of deficiencies from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), following an April survey.

The deficiencies identified in the report relate to the hospital’s policies and procedures around patients’ rights and the responsibilities of its governing body to ensure patients receive safe and appropriate care.

“This report is a clarion call for the need for the immediate changes being implemented now that will have impact to assure that patients at OSH are safe and receiving the care they need and deserve,” said OHA Deputy Director Dave Baden, who was named OSH acting superintendent on April 11. “Sustained and ongoing cultural changes at the hospital will take time. We need to improve our processes in support of not only patients in seclusion or high-risk patients, but every patient at OSH.”

The statement of deficiencies, which cites instances of system-level failures, comes after CMS surveyors visited OSH after placing the hospital in immediate jeopardy (IJ) which could have resulted in the hospital losing CMS participation eligibility. The hospital put in place corrective actions, which led to CMS lifting the IJ status on May 12, 2025.

Hospital staff have worked to implement crucial improvements to the care and monitoring of patients in seclusion and restraint as well as high-risk patients. Other changes include innovations like transitioning three patient units into psychiatric intensive care units in April to improve care and interventions.  

“The culture at OSH must change if we hope to ensure accountability and provide the highest quality of care for every person admitted to OSH. There is no other option,” said OHA Acting Director Kris Kautz.  

“Our PoC will include strategies from our stabilization plan; many of which have already been implemented,” Baden said. “Two key changes implemented in the past few weeks are designed to provide more support for unit staff and leaders who are responsible for the daily care of patients. That’s our pause on telework for patient-facing staff and managers and mandatory rounding or visits to units by OSH leaders. The goal is increased visibility and improved communication between leadership and staff, as well as patients.”

The stabilization plan was released on April 30. It includes strategies to improve patient daily care and safety specific to three objectives: to decrease the likelihood of sentinel events (events that can lead to harm, injury or death), to improve OSH’s function as a 24/7 hospital, and to provide staff with clearer direction and empowerment to keep patients safe. 

The statement of deficiencies can be found on the OSH website. The document has been redacted. As a medical provider and a HIPAA-covered entity, OSH is prohibited by federal and state privacy law from sharing a patient’s protected health information.

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Oregon to get lower-cost, lifesaving treatment to people with rare and severe diseases 

June 9, 2025

Public hearings scheduled for June 23 and 25

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) published a draft Action Plan Amendment for a $422 million disaster recovery grant and is seeking public input on the changes. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) is administered through a suite of programs, also known as “ReOregon.” These programs support individuals, households, and communities as they continue to recover from the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds.

The draft Action Plan Amendment would reallocate program funds to support the Gates Wastewater Collection System project in Marion County so it can meet the grant’s timelines and streamline construction. This project is critical for wildfire recovery and increasing housing supply. A short summary of the key elements of the plan and the entire draft Action Plan Amendment is available for review on OHCS’ website at https://re.oregon.gov.

Public comment on the draft Action Plan Amendment will be taken for 30 days through public hearings, online form, email, mail, or telephone. The hearings will include a short presentation by Marion County representatives and OHCS officials, followed by public feedback. Printed copies of the plan will be available by request.

Public hearing details:

When: Monday, June 23

Doors open: 5:30 p.m.

Public hearing: 6 p.m.

Where: Marion County Board of Commissioners Board Room, 555 Court St. NE, Suite 5232, Salem

For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual hearing on Zoom will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 25. Please register to attend.

Information presented at the public hearings will be available on the ReOregon website at re.oregon.gov. Spanish translation services will be available at all the public hearings. Please email hcs_housinginfo@oregon.gov if you need special accommodations.

In addition to providing comment at the hearings, the public will be able to do so by:

• E-mail: hcs_housinginfo@oregon.gov
• Online form:
  • English: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01973bb258ac77e3a4fdb47a0bc601f2
  • Spanish: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01973cd96f8a7b50b47661f3d5c4d016
• Phone: 877-510-6800
• Mail: OHCS, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite B, Salem, OR 97301-1266

All comments must be submitted to OHCS no later than 11:59 p.m. July 9, 2025.

After the 30-day public comment period, feedback will be incorporated into the plan before OHCS submits it to HUD for review and approval, which can take up to 45 days. As required by HUD, OHCS will address all comments received.

To learn more about ReOregon programs, visit re.oregon.gov or sign up to receive e-mail notifications.

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

9 de junio de 2025

Contacto para medios de comunicación:

Delia Hernández, 503-986-2051

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

Se solicita opinión pública para una propuesta de Enmienda Sustancial para los fondos designados a la recuperación de desastres

Se programan audiencias públicas para el 23 y 25 de junio

SALEM, Ore. – El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios (OHCS, por sus siglas en inglés) ha publicado una propuesta de Enmienda al Plan de Acción para los $422 millones en fondos federales para la recuperación de desastres y solicita opinión pública ante los cambios.

OHCS administra un conjunto de programas conocidos como “ReOregon”, que apoyan a las personas, hogares y comunidades a medida que continúan recuperándose de los incendios forestales del Día del Trabajo de 2020 y los vientos en línea recta.

OHCS está buscando comentarios del público sobre la propuesta de Enmienda del Plan de Acción, que reasigna los fondos del programa para apoyar el proyecto del Sistema de Recolección de Aguas Residuales de Gates para que pueda cumplir con los plazos de la subvención y agilizar la construcción. Este proyecto es fundamental para la recuperación tras el incendio forestal y para la construcción de nuevas viviendas. Puede consultarse un breve resumen de los elementos clave del plan y el proyecto completo de Enmienda del Plan de Acción en el sitio web de la OHCS: https://re.oregon.gov. 

Se invita a los miembros de la comunidad a dar su opinión sobre la propuesta de Enmienda al Plan de Acción a través de un período de comentarios de 30 días. OHCS solicitará comentarios a través de audiencias públicas, formulario en línea, correo electrónico, correo postal o teléfono. Las audiencias incluirán una breve presentación de parte de funcionarios de OHCS, seguida de comentarios del público. Se podrán solicitar copias impresas del plan.

Aquí los detalles de la audiencia pública:

Cuándo: Lunes, 23 de junio

Puertas abiertas: 5:30 p.m.

Audiencia comienza: 6 p.m.

Dónde: Marion County Board of Commissioners Board Room, 555 Court St. NE, Suite 5232, Salem

Para quienes no puedan asistir en persona, se llevará a cabo una audiencia por internet en Zoom a las 6 p.m. el miércoles 25 de junio. Por favor, regístrese para asistir.

Toda la información presentada en las audiencias públicas estará disponible en el sitio de internet de ReOregon, re.oregon.gov. En las audiencias públicas habrá servicios de traducción al español. Si necesita algún servicio especial, envíe un correo electrónico a hcs_housinginfo@oregon.gov.

Además de presentar comentarios en las audiencias, el público podrá hacerlo a través de:

• Correo electrónico: hcs_housinginfo@oregon.gov
• Formulario en internet:
  • Inglés: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/595b3469a058469e9b296542f3b7251e
  • Español: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/db5e76cc2e8947c1a73eeb3114eff277
• Teléfono: 877-510-6800
• Correo Postal: OHCS, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite B, Salem, OR 97301-1266

Todos los comentarios deben enviarse a OHCS antes de las 11:59 p.m., 9 de julio de 2025.

Después que termine el período de 30 días, los comentarios públicos recibidos se incorporarán al plan antes de que OHCS lo presente a HUD para su revisión y aprobación, lo que puede tardar hasta 45 días. Tal y como exige HUD, OHCS dará seguimiento a los comentarios recibidos.

Para obtener más información sobre los programas ReOregon, visite re.oregon.gov o inscríbase para recibir notificaciones por correo electrónico.

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

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

Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 35 matching grants worth over $10,600,000 to Oregon Main Street Network organizations across the state for building projects that will strengthen local economies. Projects range from façade improvement to basic facilities and housing with awards ranging from $17,900-$400,000. 
 

The department funded Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant (OMSRG) applications that best conveyed the ability to stimulate private investment and local economic development, fit within the community’s long-range plan for downtown vitality, and community need.

Funded projects include:

• Several projects will address a variety of preservation needs to increase the viability of spaces for existing businesses or opportunities for new businesses. These range from window repair to electrical and plumbing and include projects by Baker City Downtown, Canyonville Main Street Association, City of Estacada, City of North Bend, City of Reedsport, Dallas Downtown Association, Downtown Alliance of Milwaukie, Downtown Corvallis Organization, Friends of La Grande Main Street, Gold Beach Main Street, Historic Willamette Main Street (West Linn), Main Street Cascade Locks, Main Street Grants Pass, Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce projects in Condon and Antelope, Port Orford Main Street, Spruce Up Warrenton, St Helens Main Street Alliance, Sutherlin Downtown Development, Inc., Tigard Downtown Alliance, Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce projects in Enterprise, Joseph and Wallowa.
• Creation of new or improved housing units  including projects by Astoria Downtown Historic District Association and Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Façade restoration projects by the Albany Downtown Association, City of Cornelius, Friends of Old Town Stayton, and Historic Downtown Gresham Association.  
• Structural and roof prepare projects were approved for Thrive Umpqua (Roseburg) and United Community Partners, Inc. (Halfway).
• Creation of new or improved lodging options by Chiloquin Visions in Progress and Klamath Falls Downtown Association.
• New construction will be funded by Mosier Main Street and Yamhill Downtown Association.

Oregon Heritage received a record number of 76 applications which demonstrates a clear need for building related funding. The local organizations participating in the Oregon Main Street Network developed plans based on community input to prioritize needs and solutions for the commercial district and city. The funds brought to the community by the local organizations through this grant will provide significant economic development impacts. “Vibrant downtowns don’t just happen,” notes Oregon Main Street coordinator Sheri Stuart. “They take the collective efforts coordinated by local main street organizations to achieve a community’s vision based on short- and long-term goals. The OMSRG is an important tool to help strengthen local economies by activating underused spaces while preserving and leveraging a community’s heritage.”
 

Since its creation by the Oregon Legislature in 2015, the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant has supported building projects to stimulate economic vitality in 59 communities. The local Main Street organizations administer the application and grant processes for the local property owners. These organizations brought between $53,000 to $900,000 to their communities through the life of the program, which awarded grants in 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023. For example, the City of Reedsport has improved 10 properties and has six more in progress over multiple grant cycles which represents a significant investment downtown.
 

The results demonstrate that the grant is meeting its purpose to acquire, rehabilitate or construct buildings to facilitate community revitalization. Even with several projects still in progress, the local benefits are remarkable.

• 92 buildings improved
• 101 housing units added
• At least 12 vacant buildings filled
• 5 intentional ADA improvements
• 7 structural re-enforcement projects
• 31 façade restoration projects

The grant program was created during the 2015 legislative session and placed with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The legislation established a permanent fund for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, with an initial infusion of funds from the sale of lottery bonds. If funded by the 2025 state legislature, there will be future grant rounds in the 25-27 biennium. The funds must be used to award grants to participating Oregon Main Street Network organizations to acquire, rehabilitate or construct buildings to facilitate community revitalization. The program also requires that at least 50 percent of the funds go to rural communities as defined in the bill.
 

To learn more about the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant or the Oregon Main Street Network, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved temporary rules to protect residential customers—especially vulnerable households—from disconnection of electric utility services during extreme high temperatures.

Under the new rules, which will remain in effect through October 24, 2025, all regulated investor-owned utilities including Portland General Electric, PacifiCorp, and Idaho Power, are required to:

• Not disconnect service during peak heat – Utilities are prohibited from disconnecting electric service for 48-hours following a qualifying heat event, such as a heat advisory from the National Weather Service, ensuring households can safely cope with and recover from extreme temperatures.
• Reconnect service required during heat event – Customers whose utility services were disconnected up to 7 days before a heat event can request to be reconnected without delay once the heat event begins to help prevent risk to health and safety of residents.
• Waive reconnection fees – Although previous rules approved by the Commission waive select reconnection fees for any low-income customer, these temporary rules expand to waive all reconnection fees for medical certificate account holders or discount program participants earning less than 10 percent of state median income.
• Improve outreach and communication – The new rules require utilities to improve customer notifications to help ensure eligible customers are informed of their rights and can quickly access reconnection when needed.

“The Commission approved these rules to help ensure customers of the utilities we regulate will not lose power during dangerous heat events,” said Letha Tawney, PUC Chair. “These are critical steps to protect our most vulnerable neighbors and are timely as Oregon is already experiencing the first heat events of the summer.”

# # #

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

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Benton County Commissioner Gabe Shepherd has announced a schedule of summer town halls throughout the County. Eight meetings have been scheduled for June through August. Each hour-long town hall will give community members an opportunity to get to know the County’s newest commissioner, ask questions and voice concerns.

Commissioner Shepherd invites the public to join him at any of the following meetings:

• Saturday, June 21, 1:00 p.m. at the Corvallis Community Center
• Wednesday, July 9, 4:00 p.m. at the Monroe Community Library
• Saturday, July 12, 1:30 p.m. at Tunison Community Room in Corvallis
• Thursday, July 24, 3:30 p.m. at the Philomath Museum
• Thursday, July 24, 6:30 p.m. at the Wren Community Hall
• Saturday, August 2, 1:00 p.m. at the Adair Community Center
• Saturday, August 2, 3:30 p.m. at North Albany Park
• Saturday, August 9, 6:30 p.m. at the Alsea Community Library

Commissioner Shepherd is partnering with mayors and other elected leaders for the town halls. The Commissioner will introduce himself and give an overview of current County projects and priorities. The mayor or other elected official will take the same opportunity to talk about city matters. The meeting will then be opened for questions and comments from the public and a dialogue with the elected leaders.

Gabe Shepherd served two terms on the Corvallis City Council before being elected as Benton County Commissioner in November 2024. He took office on January 2, 2025.

“While campaigning, I made a commitment to hold town halls across Benton County,” says Commissioner Shepherd. “I want to make it easy for folks to engage with their local government and I want to hear – in their own words – what is most important to them.”

At town hall meetings, Commissioner Shepherd represents only himself, not the entire Board of Commissioners. He does not speak for the body. He will not express an opinion on any open land use case before the County, and will not receive public comment on any such cases because of his potential role in quasi-judicial processes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 11, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamation Honoring Women Veterans Day

            (Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice issued a proclamation today at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe Thursday, June 12, 2025, as Women Veterans Day.  The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Chris Boice, on behalf of the Board.  Before he presented the proclamation Commissioner Boice remarked, “It’s amazing how even the Pledge of Allegiance is just better when you have veterans in the room.”  During the presentation he acknowledged that, “Douglas County salutes and honors the service of all women who have courageously and honorably served in the United States Armed Forces.”  A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

            “We wanted to take the time today to issue a special proclamation to Women Veterans, but more importantly we want to say thank you for your service!  Women Veterans are every bit as important as all our veterans.  I like that there is a special day to call out Women Veterans distinctly because of the unique challenges they faced while in the service and after - from different attitudes to the way people treated them to challenges around receiving health care,” commented Commissioner Tim Freeman.    

Women Veterans Day is celebrated on June 12 each year across that nation, and Douglas County was honored to be the first county in Oregon to celebrate the newly established Oregon holiday recognizing Women Veterans on June 12, 2019.  Since the American Revolution, women have proudly served and supported our nation’s military.  With the inception of the Army Nurse Corps in 1901, women formally began serving in the United States Armed Forces.  June 12^th marks a significant date in history.  As it commemorates the 77^th Anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman and acknowledged the great contributions made by women in the military and finally granted them the right to serve as permanent, full and regular members of the United States Armed Forces and Reserves.  During World War I, about 35,000 women officially served as nurses and support staff. In World War II, 140,000 women served in the U.S. Army and the Women's Army Corps performing critical jobs such as military intelligence, cryptography, and parachute rigging.  Today, there are nearly 2.2 million women veterans living in the United States that have proudly served in United States Armed Forces.   Douglas County proudly serves as home to over 1,600 Women Veterans, and recognizes the fact that Women Veterans are fastest growing segment of the veteran population in the United States. 

Cecila McMullen, President of the Local American Women Veterans Association spoke about the reason for honoring our Women Veterans.  “Why do we have a Women Veterans Day?  It’s about recognition and appreciation.  Women who have served have very specific and different challenges than the men who have served.  When we were in the service, we got a lot of attention because we were different, but when we got out of the service, we became invisible.  We were often asked “who are you?” Are you the spouse of a veteran? There was a general lack of recognition for the contributions that women have made while serving in the military.  So, that is why we promote Women Veterans Day.”

Commissioner Freeman presented Women Veterans Day proclamation certificates to attending Women Veterans: Ceclia McMullen, Marcia Dyson, Tammy Turner, Evelyn Anderson, Maria Castro, Kimberely Turner, and Dawnetta Loomis.  They also thanked and recognized many local Veteran Service organizations that support, assist, and advocate for our women veterans and their families, including – Carol Hunt (Wings of Love), Valerie and David West (VFW Post 2468), Wayne McMillian (Veteran Spouse), Mary Newman (DC Veteran Service Office), Nikki Hansen (Roseburg VA), Reno Rains (DC Veterans Service Office), Daron Patton (DC Veteran Service Office), Rick Sciapiti (Veteran, DC Veterans Advisory Committee & Forum), Ron Dukes (Veteran, NCOA), Robert VanNorman (Cow Creek Veteran Service Office). 

            Dawnetta Loomis, Retired US Army Veteran announced that there will be a Special Brunch Honoring Women Veterans on the June 28, 2025, in the Ford Room at the Roseburg Library starting at 10:00 am.  All Women Veterans are encouraged and invited to attend.  The Roseburg Library is located at 1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd in Roseburg.  Women Veterans interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Dawnetta via text at (254) 458-8838. 

Commissioner Tim Freeman wrapped up the presentation by stating, “In 2009, while serving as your State Representative, I was selected to be the Vice Chair of the Oregon House Veterans Committee.  In that role I learned about the concerns and issues around some of the distinct challenges that Women Veterans face.  I travelled all over the state and spoke with Women Veterans and VA Officials.  I was shocked and surprised with what I learned.  I heard a Women Veteran use the term, ‘invisible’.  That is not how I looked at it, I just didn’t realize that there was a lack of services, lack of acknowledgement and unmet needs.  I am glad that things are getting better, but we still have a lot of work to do.  I hope that with the recognition like our proclamation today and the efforts of the Roseburg VA, it brings more of these issues to the forefront and makes more services available to our Women Veterans.  Thank you, Women Veterans, for your service!”

This proclamation is a reminder to our citizens to take the time to honor the women who have fearlessly and faithfully served our nation and to thank them and their families for their dedication, service, sacrifice and outstanding contributions on behalf of a grateful nation.

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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: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached. ©K.Tate/Douglas County. Individual photos available upon request

Carl Wilkerson has been unanimously appointed Lane County Sheriff by the Board of County Commissioners. Sheriff Wilkerson will serve in his appointed capacity through 2026 and, if elected by voters in 2026, would begin a full four-year term in 2027.

“I am both honored and humbled to continue to serve the Sheriff’s Office and our community in this new capacity,” said Sheriff Wilkerson. “I am very proud of the men and women who make up the Sheriff’s Office. I appreciate how hard they work and their passion to serve the Lane County community.  I want to thank the Sheriff’s Office staff, the community, and most importantly, my family in supporting me throughout my career.”   

Sheriff Wilkerson has served as Chief Deputy of the agency since 2019 but began his career with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office more than 30 years ago as a cadet in the Explorer Post, a Marine Patrol boat aid, and as a reserve deputy sheriff before being hired as a deputy with the agency in 1996.

Sheriff Wilkerson was first assigned to the Corrections Division where he worked in the Security Section for more than three years.  He transferred to the Police Services Division in 2000, where he worked in the Court Security / Inmate Transport Section until he completed the Basic Police Academy and was ultimately transferred to the Main Office Patrol Section. 

Sheriff Wilkerson worked Main Office Patrol for a short time and was then transferred to the Traffic Safety Team where he primarily focused on DUII Enforcement.  While assigned to the Traffic Safety Team, he became a drug recognition expert for investigating drug impaired drivers and was assigned to the joint Lane County Sheriff’s Office/Eugene Police Department Metro SWAT Team. Sheriff Wilkerson also served as a field training officer.  In 2004 he was assigned to Creswell under the contract the city holds with the Sheriff’s Office, and worked there until he transferred to the Criminal Investigations Section in 2005 as a detective where he would serve until his promotion to sergeant in 2013. 

As a sergeant, Sheriff Wilkerson was responsible for managing the Reserve Deputy Program and the Police Services Taser Program.  In 2014, he was reassigned to the Criminal Investigations Section as the Detective Sergeant and worked in this role until being promoted to Police Services Division Lieutenant. He also acted as the Special Response Team Assistant Team Commander. 

In 2019, Sheriff Harrold appointed him to the Chief Deputy position.  During his tenure as the Chief Deputy, Sheriff Wilkerson supervised the division commanders of the Police and Corrections divisions and was the Division Commander for the Operations Support Division.  He was responsible for personnel, labor relations, budget, training, the Office of Professional Standards, the radio-network, and a variety of other tasks, including serving as incident commander of Lane County’s emergency operations center during the Holiday Farm Fire and other wildfires.

Sheriff Wilkerson is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, Class 277.  He has attended the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Command College, the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Sheriff’s Institute, and he holds an executive police certification through the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.  Sheriff Wilkerson earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Bushnell University. 

“We are fortunate to have had a tradition of Sheriffs serving Lane County who not only enforce laws but have developed a culture of caring and professional public safety servants—putting the department head and shoulders above any in the state,” said Lane County Board of Commissioners Chair David Loveall. “Carl will not only continue that work, but I believe will lead our Sheriff’s Office to new heights and increased public trust with his leadership and experience. I couldn’t be more pleased and encouraged with this transition and for the county’s future with Sheriff Carl Wilkerson.”

Sheriff Wilkerson’s appointment follows the retirement of former Sheriff Clifton Harrold who served as Sheriff from 2019 to 2025.

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PORTLAND, Ore.— A Honduran national unlawfully residing in Gresham, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison Monday for his role in distributing fentanyl in the Portland area.

Borys Rafael Almendarez-Chapas, 45, was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on December 4, 2024, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, investigators conducted a controlled buy of fentanyl from Almandarez-Chapas in Portland. When Almandarez-Chapas arrived, investigators arrested him and seized fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. When questioned, Almandarez-Chapas told investigators that he planned to sell 500 counterfeit pills and two ounces of fentanyl powder during the transaction. Almandarez-Chapas also stated that he possessed multiple firearms at his residence and investigators later recovered three firearms from the residence.

On December 17, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Almendarez-Chapas with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and alien in possession of a firearm.

On January 30, 2025, Almendarez-Chapas pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF). It was prosecuted by Scott Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

CCITF is a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

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

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

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PORTLAND, Ore.— A Portland drug trafficker was sentenced to federal prison Friday for possessing fentanyl on multiple occasions.

Yesmin Miseal Medina Vargas, 20, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Oregon, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in February 2023, Medina Vargas was identified as a leader of a dispatcher-based drug trafficking organization in the Portland area. Medina Vargas was responsible for taking orders from customers and coordinating drug deliveries.

In February 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents executed a search warrant on Medina Vargas’ residence and seized more than 20 pounds of fentanyl, body armor, ammunition, and cellular phones.

Medina Vargas resumed drug trafficking and several months later, in August 2023, Medina Vargas arrived at a controlled buy in Tigard, Oregon, with a minor in his vehicle. Medina-Vargas and the minor were arrested, and agents seized approximately 2,000 fentanyl pills.

On September 12, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Medina Vargas with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On November 5, 2024, Medina Vargas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. As part of his plea agreement, Medina Vargas admitted that he was part of a drug trafficking organization that caused an overdose death.

This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the FBI, Westside Interagency Narcotics Team, and Lake Oswego Police Department. It was prosecuted by Cassady A. Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man has been charged with distributing fentanyl and possessing a firearm following a fatal overdose investigation by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

Daryl Antonio Edward Turner, 43, has been charged by criminal complaint with distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, on June 2, 2025, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a suspected fatal overdose near Wood Village, Oregon. Deputies seized a substance suspected to be fentanyl from the scene and quickly developed leads of the alleged fentanyl supply source, later identified as Turner.  

On June 5, 2025, investigators contacted Turner in Portland and seized a firearm, counterfeit pills suspected to contain fentanyl, and $922 in cash. When questioned by investigators, Turner admitted that he possessed fentanyl for further distribution, acknowledged the dangers of fentanyl, and was aware the substance could kill people.

Turner made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Multnomah County Dangerous Drug Team (DDT). It is being prosecuted by AUSA Scott Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The Multnomah County DDT is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program (HIDTA) and is composed of members from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County Parole and Probation, Gresham Police Department, the FBI, and U.S. Marshal’s Service (USMS).

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

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

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

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland area drug trafficker was sentenced to federal prison Thursday for repeatedly possessing and distributing fentanyl.

Bexon Javier Calix-Rivera, 21, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Portland, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in January 2023, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers first arrested Calix-Rivera after he arrived at a prearranged drug deal in Portland. Officers searched Calix-Rivera’s car and seized thousands of fentanyl pills along with significant quantities of fentanyl powder and heroin for redistribution. Calix-Rivera was booked in the Multnomah County Jail on state charges and released the next day.

On May 24, 2024, PPB officers contacted Calix-Rivera in downtown Portland after reports of a person threatening another individual with a firearm. Officers detained Calix-Rivera and seized several hundred fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and $1,492 in cash. PPB officers again arrested Calix-Rivera and booked him in the Multnomah County Jail, where he was released on his own recognizance.

On June 4, 2024, PPB officers recognized Calix-Rivera from the encounter ten days prior. Officers observed Calix-Rivera carrying a hatchet and engaged in hand-to-hand drug transactions in downtown Portland. Officers attempted to detain Calix-Rivera, but he fled on foot. When officers apprehended Calix-Rivera, they seized fentanyl powder, a firearm, and $755 in cash. PPB officers booked Calix-Rivera in the Multnomah County Jail, and he was released the same day.

On June 11, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Calix-Rivera with possession of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

On March 12, 2025, Calix-Rivera pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Cassady A. Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 3-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury in Portland found Nelson Pablo-Morales, 32, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Beaverton, Oregon, guilty Thursday for illegally reentering the United States.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in 2015, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers learned of Pablo-Morales’ unlawful presence in Oregon after he was arrested by local authorities for reckless driving and driving under the influence of intoxicants in Beaverton. In May 2017, Pablo-Morales was removed from the United States by order of an immigration judge. In February 2025, Pablo-Morales was arrested again by ICE officers in Washington County, Oregon.

On March 12, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a one-count indictment charging Pablo-Morales with illegal reentry.

Pablo-Morales faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release. He will be sentenced on June 9, 2025, before a U.S. District Judge.

The case was investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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

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PORTLAND, Ore.—The former Chief Financial Officer of Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) pleaded guilty Thursday for stealing money from PSMFC’s health benefit trust account.

Pamela J. Kahut, 67, of Wilsonville, Oregon, pleaded guilty to theft in connection with health care.

According to court documents, Kahut, as Chief Financial Officer of PSFMC, had access to and controlled PSMFC’s health benefit trust account that was created to pay benefits, fees, and other charges for PSFMC employees covered under its self-funded health care benefit program.

On September 21, 2020, Kahut wrote a check in the amount of $2,812.85 from the health benefit trust account to pay for her spouse’s participation in PSFMC’s long-term care insurance program.   

In total, between October 2014 and September 2020, defendant stole approximately $211,083 from PSMFC’s health benefit trust account. Kahut used the funds to pay for her spouse’s long-term care annual premiums, pay off her pension loans, and to pay her credit card bills.

Theft in connection with health care fraud is punishable up to 10 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.  The charge may also result in a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gains or losses resulting from the offense.

Kahut will be sentenced on September 3, 2025, before a U.S. District Judge.

This case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General.  It is being prosecuted by Robert Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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The Umpqua Community College Board of Education will meet on June 11, 2025. At 4:00 pm there will be an Executive Session in the Innovation Room (located in the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons & Library). There will be a Regular Meeting at 5:30 pm in room 17 of Tapʰòytʰa Hall (TAP 17). A social gathering at Brix will follow the adjournment of the Regular Meeting. Pertinent meeting information can be found at umpqua.edu/board-meetings

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) are teaming up for a live fire demonstration to show how defensible space and home hardening can protect your home and property during a wildfire. The demonstration will compare fire behavior between two homes, one that is prepared for wildfire resilience and one that is not.

You'll see firsthand how simple steps can make a big difference, especially when it comes to stopping embers, which are the number one cause of homes catching on fire during wildfires. This live burn will highlight the importance of creating and maintaining a five-foot area free of things that can burn around a home.

Those interested in attending, please RSVP here.

What:

The Oregon State Fire Marshal and IBHS wildfire researchers will provide practical tips Oregonians can use to improve their home's chance of surviving a wildfire. These include creating a noncombustible zone in the first five feet, using fire-resistant building materials, and preparing the property to be ready for wildfire. During the demonstration, experts will narrate and show the progression, from embers landing to total loss of the building that isn’t prepared for wildfire. They will also explain why certain materials and landscaping choices, based on IBHS’s Wildfire Prepared Home program, make a difference.

Who:

• Oregon State Fire Marshal: Mariana Ruiz-Temple, state fire marshal
• Department of Consumer & Business Services: TK Keen, interim insurance commissioner
• Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS): Roy Wright, CEO
• Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS): Dr. Anne Cope, chief engineer
• Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS): Steve Hawks, senior director for wildfire

When:

Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where:

Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) 
4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, OR 97317

Details:

Closed-toe shoes are required. No weapons, including pocketknives, are allowed in DPSST’s training areas. No check-in is required when entering DPSST. Please proceed straight into the Hall of Heroes from the main lobby. The burn location is roughly 1/3 of a mile (10-minute walk) from the Hall of Heroes. There will be a van available for those who need it.

Those interested in attending, please RSVP here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 11, 2025

BEND, OR — From sawmill demonstrations to raptors in flight to desert dwellers and more, celebrate the end of the school year this weekend at the High Desert Museum. This Sunday, June 15, the Museum welcomes dads and those who serve as dads to visit the Museum for free on Father’s Day.

The summer fun extends beyond Sunday, though. On Saturday, June 14, visitors can experience the Lazinka Sawmill in action. This special event happens only three times a year and is not to be missed. Museum staff wear period dress as they bring the sawmill to life and chat with visitors about the mechanics and history of the timber industry in Oregon.

The authentic sawmill was used at the turn of the 20^th century to process wood with an enormous blade for slicing through thick Oregon timber. Originally powered by steam, the sawmill now runs on electricity. The machine itself inhabits an entire building at the High Desert Ranch. The ground rumbles, the saw buzzes and the sawdust dances through the air during this one-of-a-kind experience.

Free with admission, the demonstration begins at 12:00 pm and ends at 3:00 pm. Additional demonstration dates are July 29 and August 28. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/lazinka-sawmill.

In and around the High Desert Ranch, visitors can meet Museum staff and volunteers in period dress, as the ranch is now inhabited daily through the summer from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Learn about life in the High Desert in the 1800s and 1900s when Bend was little more than a few families scattered along the Deschutes River. Explore a cabin, barn, corral, bunkhouse, cellar and more. Visitors may even see a few chickens and turkeys roaming the ranch. Learn more about the High Desert Ranch at highdesertmuseum.org/1904-high-desert-ranch.

The Museum’s daily summer programming is in full swing, too. Visitors can meet Brook, Pitch and Wesley during the Otter Encounter or meet a porcupine or beaver during the Desert Dwellers talk. The popular Wolves in the West talk delves into the history, biology and ecology of this apex predator. All talk details can be found at highdesertmuseum.org/daily-schedule.

A highlight of the summer schedule is the popular Raptors of the Desert Sky program, which takes place daily at 11:30 am. Hawks, owls, turkey vultures and more soar from perch to perch directly over the crowd seated in a natural amphitheater in the Museum’s ponderosa pine forest. Visitors can watch these spectacular birds in flight while learning what we can do to help preserve them in the wild.

Raptors of the Desert Sky is made possible by Fly Redmond, Avion Water Company and KTVZ News Channel 21, with support from Bigfoot Beverages. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Museum when it opens at 9:00 am to secure tickets. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/raptors-of-the-desert-sky.

Learn more about visiting the Museum at highdesertmuseum.org.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

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

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This original exhibition on one Oregon family examines questions of citizenship and belonging in America.

PRESS TOUR: Please join us for an exhibition tour with Barbara Yasui and Maija Yasui on Thursday, June 12, at 9am. Please RSVP to achel.randles@ohs.org">rachel.randles@ohs.org if you plan to attend.

PRESS KIT: Download press images at bit.ly/yasuipress.

Portland, OR — Opening Friday, June 13 at the Oregon Historical Society, the original exhibition The Yasui Family: An American Story examines relevant questions about citizenship, immigration, and belonging through the lens of one Oregon family.

“The history of the Yasui family is both unique and similar to the experiences of other immigrants to the United States, and it truly reflects the complexity of the American story. All of us at OHS are very grateful that the Yasui family has entrusted us with their compelling collection of family history, thereby allowing us to share an incredibly timely story of the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship,” said OHS Boyle Family Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk.

Members of the Yasui family were among the millions of immigrants who came to the United States seeking new opportunities during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The exhibition follows in particular the story of Masuo Yasui, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1903 at the age of 16. He joined his brothers and his father working for the Oregon Short Line, where he stayed for two years before moving to Portland. While many Issei (first-generation Japanese immigrants) saved money so they could create a better life if they returned to Japan, Masuo saw few prospects in returning and instead chose to pursue his own ambitions in America.

In 1908, Masuo moved to Hood River, a city which had an established community of Japanese immigrants who came to the valley to work in agriculture and logging. Along with his brother Renichi Fujimoto, Masuo opened the Yasui Bros. Co. store, which carried a mixture of Japanese and western goods — examples of which are on display in the exhibition inside an immersive storefront. While they were not the first store in Hood River to carry Japanese goods, they were the most successful.

Racism and oppression were common, yet Nikkei (Japanese immigrants and their descendants) like the Yasui family persisted in establishing roots in Oregon, starting families and businesses, and shaping the social and economic fabric of the communities where they lived.

However, life for people of Japanese descent drastically changed when the Empire of Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, flaming existing anti-Japanese propaganda and inciting further violence and exclusion. 

The day after the Pearl Harbor attack, the U.S. Treasury Department shut down the Yasui Bros. Co. store. Renichi was briefly allowed to reopen the store for a month-long liquidation sale before it was closed completely on April 18, 1942, after 34 years in operation; it never reopened.

Under the authority of the Alien Enemies Act, Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Army agents detained pre-selected “enemy aliens,” mainly Issei community leaders such as Masuo Yasui. Although not officially charged with a crime, Masuo was arrested five days after the Pearl Harbor attack.

Several weeks later, on February 19, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the U.S. government to forcibly remove over 110,000 Nikkei — including U.S. citizens — from their homes and send them to concentration camps, often in remote areas. Life in the camps was physically, mentally, and emotionally harsh, and Nikkei remained there for the majority of World War II. After the war, many members of the Yasui family returned to Oregon, although some incarcerees chose not to return home due to persistent racism in their communities.

In the decades after incarceration, Japanese Americans fought for restoration of their civil rights, monetary compensation, and most importantly, an apology from the U.S. government. Thanks to the tireless work of activists, including members of the Yasui family like Masuo’s son, Minoru Yasui, the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 was passed. It included a formal apology and $20,000 in monetary compensation to every surviving U.S. citizen or legal resident of Japanese ancestry incarcerated during World War II — though by then, many former incarcerees had already died. For his attempts to challenge the constitutionality of wartime curfew, Minoru was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, the only Oregonian to receive the award.

Like many families, generations of the Yasui family have preserved their traditions, history, and ongoing legacy. It is through their photographs and personal correspondence, business records, and belongings — many now in the care of the Oregon Historical Society — as well as firsthand accounts that historians have insights into the lives of Japanese immigrants and their families in Oregon during the twentieth century.

“Most Americans have immigration as part of their family history, and I hope that visitors can see parallels from their own experiences and those of their families in the Yasui story. The Yasui family’s commitment to activism and bettering their community is not only a source of inspiration but is a call to action to fight for justice and equality,” said OHS Curator of Exhibitions Megan Lallier-Barron.

The Yasui Family: An American Story is on view at the Oregon Historical Society from June 13, 2025, through September 6, 2026.

The Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open daily in downtown Portland, from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday. Admission is free every day for youth 17 and under, OHS members, and residents of Multnomah County.

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About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.