On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) arrested a Myrtle Creek woman on various drug charges.  Through an ongoing investigation, detectives uncovered information alleging that 46 year old Laquita Twete was dealing methamphetamine. 

At approximately 3:40PM, a Deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Twete’s vehicle.  During the traffic stop, drug detection K-9 “Trapper” alerted to the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle.  A short time later, detectives executed a search warrant on Twete’s vehicle, locating approximately 87.1 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

Detectives then served a search warrant on Twete’s residence in the 300 block of Conrad Street in Myrtle Creek.  At the residence, Detectives located an additional 3.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine and a digital scale consistent with presumed delivery and distribution of controlled substances.

Twete was arrested and taken to the Douglas County Jail and charged with Driving While Suspended or Revoked and three counts each of Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. 

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

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

11/29/25 11:25am UPDATE: Mr. Hoefflinger has been located. We would like to thank all the citizens that selflessly assisted in locating Gary.

Missing Person

Name: Gary Hoefflinger

Age: 57

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 270

Sex: Male

Hair: Dark Brown

Eyes: Blue

Information: On November 27, 2025, Gary Hoefflinger left his home in Grants Pass, around 12:30 PM, to hike with his three dogs in the Merlin / Galice area.  He was wearing jeans, a red shirt and a tan jacket. Gary is known to hike the trails near and around Timber and China Creek Trails.  The photo shown is a recent picture of Gary’s pickup, and his three dogs.  The pickup is a 2021 Dodge, Ram 1500, bearing OR license plate 528QQB. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Gary, the three dogs, or the pickup please call Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.  

Case: 25-28831

Josephine County Sheriff's Office: 541-474-5123

Klamath County, Ore (Nov. 29, 2025)- On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 140E, near milepost 16, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Honda Civic, operated by Tahj Mahalia Miller (24) of Klamath Falls, entered the eastbound lane to pass other westbound vehicles. A westbound Cadillac CTS, operated by Kaden Shakur Moses (24) of Klamath Falls, also attempted to enter the eastbound lane to pass westbound vehicles and clipped the front of the Honda with the rear quarter panel of the Cadillac causing the Cadillac to lose control. The Cadillac rolled down the eastbound shoulder of the highway before coming to rest on its top in an adjacent field.

The operator of the Cadillac (Moses), who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and declared deceased at the scene. A passenger, Bonner Deb Conney (52) of Klamath Falls, was also declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Honda (Miller) and two passengers, juvenile (3) and juvenile (5), were reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Bonanza Fire Department and ODOT.

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

Deschutes, Ore. (Nov. 26, 2025)- On Monday, November 24, 2025, at 9:30 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 20, near milepost 51, in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Rajinder Kumar (32) of Fresno (CA), was stopped in a jacknifed position, blocking both lanes of travel, with the tractor facing eastbound in the eastbound lane. A westbound Subaru Outback, operated by William Micah Carter (25) of Springfield, struck the trailer of the Freightliner as it was stopped perpendicular to the lanes of travel, at highway speeds.

The operator of the Subaru (Carter) and passenger, Jennifer Lynn Lower (24) of John Day, were declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Freightliner (Kumar) was reportedly uninjured.

The highway was impacted for approximately seven hours during the on-scene investigation. Dark conditions and a lack of active emergency warning equipment is being considered a primary contributor of the crash.

As a result of the on-scene investigation, Kumar was arrested for Criminally Negligent Homicide and Reckless Endangering and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail. No further information is available for release at this time due to the active investigation.

OSP was assisted by Bend Fire and Rescue and ODOT.

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

At 7:14 p.m. on November 26, 2025, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a reported smoke investigation in the vicinity of NE Diamond Lake Boulevard and Ivan Street.  Upon investigation, it was found to be a commercial structure fire located at 2405 NE Diamond Lake Boulevard, Suite L. 

Firefighters arrived on scene to find smoke showing from the garage door and the eves of the commercial structure determined to be Suite L. The commercial structure did not currently house a commercial business and was utilized for storage.  Firefighters extinguished the fire, ventilated the structure, and stopped forward spread of the fire to remaining portions of the commercial structure.  Firefighters completed a search of the structure and determined no occupants were inside the structure at the time of the fire. 

The commercial structure at 2405 NE Diamond Lake Boulevard, Suite L, sustained structural, smoke, and water damage.  Firefighters remained on scene to complete overhaul.  Two fire investigators were on scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Twenty-four firefighters assisted with firefighting operations.  Other agencies assisting with the fire included Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Avista Utilities, Pacific Power, and Roseburg Police Department. 

For the latest information regarding the City of Roseburg Fire Department, please visit our website at www.cityofroseburg.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roseburgfire.

The December quarterly meeting of the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will be held virtually and in person on Wednesday, December 3, in the Auditorium of ODVA, located at 700 Summer Street N.E. in Salem. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a town hall meeting at 11:30 a.m., which is open to the public.

Established in 1945, the Advisory Committee holds a distinct and fundamental role in advising the director and staff of ODVA. The nine members of the Advisory Committee are military veterans from all corners of the state, appointed by the governor to serve and act as advocates for veteran issues and veteran concerns across Oregon.

Following every quarterly business meeting, the committee holds a town hall inviting the public to raise questions or concerns about broad veteran issues or to share information with the committee and agency director.

Members of the community are also invited to submit written public comments to the committee by emailing odva_vaac@odva.oregon.gov. The Advisory Committee meets quarterly on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Please register at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/b2ce0f46-4c12-4c26-a3a5-d9a9049afbc2@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf to attend the business or town hall portion of this meeting. Attendees will be allowed to participate during the town hall portion only and will be invited to turn on their camera and unmute mics during a recorded meeting that will be posted online at a later date.

The December 2025 Veterans Advisory Committee Quarterly Meeting Report is available on ODVA’s website here: www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Documents/December%202025%20Advisory%20Committee%20Quarterly%20Meeting%20Report%20FINAL.pdf. More information about the Veteran Advisory Committee can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or Tribal veteran services office online at oregon.gov/odva.

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CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a special meeting at 10:00 a.m. on December 16, 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 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

The meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1.  Introductions

2. Shane Bond; DPSST No. 59946; Union County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Cindy Park

3. Agency Updates

4. Next Corrections Policy Committee Meeting: February 10, 2026, at 10:00am

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 Corrections Policy 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. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet virtually at noon on Monday, Dec. 8. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Elect co-chair to new two-year term (Substantial decision item)
• 2025 year in review
• 2026 work plan
• Update AMPC charter (Substantial decision item)

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ogram@odf.oregon.gov">adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is gathering public comments on proposed changes announced last month to the rules guiding reservations, special access passes, rate ranges and fee waivers. 

The proposed changes were announced last month in a press release. Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 15, 2026, and can be submitted: 

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/prp/pages/prp-division%2015.aspx 

• Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301 

• Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov" target="_blank">OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov 

A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments. 

• Virtual Hearing: 5:30 p.m. December 15, 2025. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_civm2LvcQx-R0ZKCwHCwww  

Most of the proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system. The proposed changes to reservations are meant to maximize the availability of campsites for visitors.   

OPRD faces a projected operational budget shortfall of $8 million for this biennium based on forecasts through November. The projected shortfall is down from the $14 million estimate due to a combination of revenue-generating strategies, including an increase in parking fee parks and overnight camping fee adjustments.

The shortfall is due to increasing costs, the impact of higher visitation and a decrease in projected Oregon Lottery funds for operations. Visitor fees do not cover the cost of operations, and Oregon State Parks does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.   

Proposed Cancellation Policy 

The proposed changes to the reservation policy discourage late cancellations and no-shows by incentivizing early cancellations. Refunds will no longer be provided for those who fail to cancel, which will help reduce unused reservations and open more opportunities for visitors to enjoy parks. The changes include: 

• No refunds on the day of arrival.  

• No-show reservations will not be refunded  

• Refunds vary based on how long reservation is held, how close to arrival it is canceled.  

Proposed Changes to Special Access Pass 

Future Special Access Passes (SAP) for Veterans and foster families will be exclusively for those who live in Oregon, according to proposed changes. This will help ensure that limited resources are directed toward Oregonians. That update along with limiting the number of free days to 10 per year will reduce the fees waived by $2.2 million per biennium or 46% decrease in costs. Proposed changes include: 

• Must be Oregon residents to participate. 

• Waived overnight rental fees (up to 10 nights/year).  

• Day-use parking permit fee waived.  

• SAP Cancellations: Must cancel reservations to avoid losing benefit nights. Refunded nights will be based on length of time reservation is held.  

Proposed Rate Ranges: 

• Day Use Parking Permit fees: $7–$25 daily; $30–$100 (12-month); $50–$200 (24-month).  

• Dynamic Pricing: Rates may vary by day of week, season, holidays, amenities, and demand. 
• Proposed Rate Ranges   

The updated fee ranges for campsites, cabins, yurts and group facilities based on market conditions and anticipated inflation. The new rate ranges will allow for greater use of demand pricing. This proposed change is part of a broader strategy to stabilize revenue and maintain high-quality park services.  

Ultimately, these proposed changes are intended to keep Oregon’s parks open, well-maintained and welcoming for generations to come.   

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in February 2026 for possible adoption. If adopted, new rules would be effective beginning March 1, 2026. 

SALEM, Oregon— The Drone Rule Advisory Committee will hold its second meeting to review drone use in state parks, discuss goals for safe and responsible operation and begin providing feedback on draft proposed rules for drone takeoff and landing at Oregon State Parks and the ocean shore.

The Rule Advisory Committee will meet for its second meeting 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. The public can watch the livestream on YouTube on OPRD Director’s Office live channel . A recording will be available after the meeting.

The Rule Advisory Committee includes representatives from recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists and other stakeholders.

Staff will review feedback from the committee, amend the draft as needed and then open the draft rules for public comment this winter. Staff will review public feedback, amend the draft as needed and then present the rules to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for adoption.

The goal is to have a final set of regulations ready for implementation by Spring of 2026.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) previously discussed drone takeoff and landing in early 2022. OPRD paused the rulemaking process after it generated a lot of public feedback both in support and against the proposed rules.

OPRD convened a work group to draft criteria and maps where drones should be allowed to take off and land at state parks and along the ocean shore.

The work group included representatives from conservation organizations, drone enthusiasts and trail-user groups. It helped develop proposed standards that identify areas where drone use should be permitted or restricted.

The group’s work helped inform the proposed draft rules on drone takeoff and landing now under discussion.

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Pendleton, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to sexually abusing two minors and engaging in sexual contact with a third minor.

Aaron William Pizer, 41, pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact.

According to court documents, on or between July 10, 2016, and July 9, 2017, and on or between August 22, 2019, and August 21, 2020, Pizer sexually abused two minors under the age of sixteen on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. On April 19, 2024, Pizer engaged in sexual contact on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation with a minor under the age of sixteen.

On September 4, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Pizer with Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Abusive Sexual Contact. 

Pizer faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for counts one and two, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life term of supervised release. He faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison for count three, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life term of supervised release. He will be sentenced on March 12, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Pizer has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victims.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Umatilla Tribal Police Department, and Pendleton Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady Adams is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

BEND, OR — It’s getting cold outside, but it’s warm and cozy indoors! Visit the warmth of the High Desert Museum Thursdays in December during Winter Nights—a special time of extended evening hours, engaging exhibitions, discounted rates and festive activities for all.

This year’s Winter Nights features:

• December 4: Footprints in the Snow — The first Winter Nights event will feature an exploration of the exhibition Soil Alive! Visitors are encouraged to wear their coziest boots and socks combo as they go on a scavenger hunt, decorate cookies, listen to stories and taste a few beverages. Rimrock Café will be open, serving dinner or a treat. Silver Sage Trading will also be open, offering complementary gift wrapping. A festive photo booth will be happening all evening long.
• December 11: Winter in the West – Wear your most adventurous sweater as you traverse the Drawn West: A History of Promoting Place exhibition, make your own map, brave a scavenger hunt and have a listen to a good yarn. There will be more regional beverage tastings, cookie decorating and storytelling, too. Silver Sage Trading—with complementary gift wrapping—and Rimrock Café will be open throughout the evening.
• December 18: Snowology! – For the final Winter Nights event, wrap yourself in the colors of the season (think silver or white–pajamas, onesies, track suits, all are welcome!) as you savor the ways winter can be warm and wonderful. Take family portraits at the photo booth, create your cookie masterpiece, explore beverages from regional craft vendors and more. Gift wrapping, storytelling and fun activity tables will be happening all evening.

Each evening at the Museum includes a selection of craft beverages for tasting from regional vendors such as Sunriver Brewing, Cascade Lakes Brewing, Avid Cider and Laurel Ridge Winery. For those who like a little sweet treat, Bonta Gelato will be scooping up delicious gelato for visitors each night, while Wildwood Chocolates will dish out sweets during the December 18 event.

All interior exhibitions are open for Winter Nights, including our newest exhibition, Drawn West, which opened on November 15. Featuring 50-plus artworks, maps and advertisements from the Museum’s extensive collection, the visually appealing exhibition explores a century of salesmanship. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/drawn-west.

In Soil Alive!, visitors of all ages step into the world beneath our feet in an immersive family-friendly exhibition. Visitors can see, touch, smell and even hear life underground. Featuring interactive wall-sized illustrations, Soil Alive! teaches visitors that healthy soil is the result of thousands of intricate relationships. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/soil-alive.

Winter Nights visitors can also explore Joe Feddersen: Earth, Water, Sky, which showcases close to 100 pieces from the Indigenous artist’s prolific 40-year career. Indigenous themes and contemporary life intertwine on baskets, prints, ceramics and glass. Organized by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Washington, the exhibition celebrates the collective richness of Feddersen’s body of work. Discover more at highdesertmuseum.org/feddersen.

Admission for Winter Nights for adults is $12 in advance and $14 at the door. It’s always $6 for ages 3-12. Ages 2 and under—and Museum members—are free.

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

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: 

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, 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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Holiday Decorations Can Cause Home Fires ─ Follow These Safety Steps

Most candle fires occur during December

[PORTLAND, DECEMBER 1, 2025] The holidays are a wonderful time to get everyone together. Unfortunately, they can also bring a greater risk of a home fire. In a typical November and December, nearly 400 people in the Cascades Region will rely on the Red Cross after a home fire.  December is also the peak month for home fires caused by candles and festive decorations.

As you prepare your home for the holiday season, remember fire prevention is key. To help prevent holiday decoration-related home fires, follow these safety tips from the American Red Cross:

• Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Check to make sure you have the right lights for where you are decorating.
• Replace any light strings with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light-strands you can safely connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

TREE SAFETY If you plan to decorate with a real tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.

• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree every day.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree and always turn off the tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• If you buy an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.

CANDLES AND HOME FIRES Candles are cozy, but they can also cause home fires. Remember, a candle is an open flame ─ it can easily ignite anything that can burn. Think about using flameless candles ─ they can look and smell like real candles.

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Avoid using candles in bedrooms or other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily. Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home. 

SMOKE ALARMS Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. In addition to testing your smoke alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it. Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,519 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. 

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media. 

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Strike Starts at Legacy Health Dec. 2

8 AM Press Conference from the Strike Line at Legacy Emanuel

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WHAT: Advanced practice providers (APPs) from Legacy Health hospitals and clinics in the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington will begin an open-ended strike against Legacy Health Dec. 2. APPs will hold a press conference from the picket lines Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 8 a.m. to discuss patient care concerns, the need to raise healthcare standards, and Legacy’s refusal to continue bargaining. 

The APPs include nurse practitioners (NPs), physician associates (PAs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) who have been working to reach a fair contract agreement with Legacy for nearly two years.

WHEN: Strike Line Press Conference, Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 8 a.m. 

WHERE: The strike line outside of Legacy Emanuel Medical Center (501 N. Graham St. Portland, OR 97227). See the green picket line location near the intersection of N. Vancouver Ave. and N. Graham St. on the included map for media use only.  

WHO: APPs who are part of the Legacy Downtown/Specialties Bargaining Unit and care for patients at hospitals and clinics in Oregon and Washington.  

• Rob Brookshire, PA 
• Leigh Warsing, PA  
• April Callister, PA  

WHY: APPs are one of the fastest-growing professions in healthcare. They provide high-quality care directly to patients and are essential for expanding access to health care, reducing wait times, and ensuring patients and our community receive outstanding care.

After nearly two years at the bargaining table, APPs delivered a formal strike notice to Legacy executives on November 20 while offering to continue meeting with Legacy executives every day to reach a fair agreement that protects patients, enables Legacy to recruit and retain skilled caregivers, ends inequitable practices like unpaid work, and averts the need for a strike. Unfortunately, Legacy executives are illegally refusing to meet with APPs.

The APPs are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). 

Strike lines will be established at Legacy Good Samaritan and Legacy Emanuel hospitals from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 2. Starting December 3, picket lines will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. This is an open-ended strike.

Community members can visit OregonRN.org/RespectAPPs to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition in support of the APPs, and stay informed about the impact of the potential strike. 

A reminder to patients from APPs:  

If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Legacy executives’ refusal to continue meeting with APPs has forced us to strike to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need. 

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