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Medford/Klamath Falls/Grants Pass News Releases for Fri. Feb. 20 - 12:02 am
Police & Fire
Local Man Dies While Hiking Wagner Butte; Search and Rescue Assists with Challenging Recovery (Photo)
Jackson Co. Sheriff's Office - 02/18/26 1:41 PM
Litter.jpg
Litter.jpg
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2026-02/6186/186829/Litter.jpg

JCSO Case 26-0801

 

RURAL TALENT, Ore. – On Sunday, February 15, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to a report of a deceased adult male near the summit of the Wagner Butte Trail outside Talent. The individual was located at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet in steep, mountainous terrain.

 

The decedent is identified as Michael James Beagle, 63, of Central Point. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

 

JCSO Medical Examiner detectives investigated and determined the death was the result of a medical event. No suspicious circumstances were observed and there is no further investigation.

 

The recovery required JCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) deputies and volunteers to respond in challenging conditions, including snow, ice, high elevation, and an approaching winter storm. Teams worked until after sundown to help ensure other hikers in the area exited safely as weather conditions deteriorated.

 

On the morning of Monday, February 16, SAR teams returned to recover Mr. Beagle. After approximately 10 hours in the field — navigating more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain over a 10-mile round trip in snow and strong winds — volunteers safely and respectfully recovered him and transferred him to a local funeral home.

 

JCSO Search and Rescue is comprised of more than 100 highly trained volunteers dedicated to serving our community in difficult and often hazardous conditions.

 

Michael “Mike” Beagle served as the Southern Oregon University (SOU) Alumni Director. In a heartfelt tribute, SOU shared: “Mike left us while doing what he loved most, exploring the mountains and forests of Southern Oregon. We will carry forward his warmth, his humor, and his unwavering love for SOU.”

 

There is no further information available for release.

 

###

Aaron Lewis
JCSO Public Information Officer (PIO)
LewisAJ@jacksoncountyor.gov
Desk: 541-864-8773
Cell: 541-531-8203



Attached Media Files: Litter.jpg , Vehicles.jpg

| Jackson Co. Sheriff's Office
Monument Drive Robbery
Josephine Co. Sheriff's Office - 02/17/26 2:41 PM

RELEASE DATE: 2/17/2026

 

INCIDENT: Robbery

 

CASE: 26-4363

 

INCIDENT DATE / TIME: 2/14/26 1:15am

 

REPORTING DEPUTY: Corporal Fonbuena

 

ARRESTED: Ordee Martin, Manuel Martinez, and Kevin Rhodes

 

CHARGES: Robbery I, Criminal Conspiracy, Theft I, Robbery Warrants

                

DETAILS: On 2/14/26 at 1:15am, 911 received a report of an armed robbery that occurred at the Lil Pantry parking lot on Monument Drive. The victim stated he was robbed at gunpoint by two subjects.  They stole his shoes, pants and wallet. The subjects hit the victim on the head with the weapon and then fled the scene southbound on I-5. Deputies arrived on scene and contacted the victim where he was interviewed and then transported to an area hospital by AMR.

 

The suspect vehicle was located by Deputies as it exited the southbound 55 exit then got back on the onramp continuing southbound on I-5. A high-risk vehicle stop was conducted just south of the Rogue River exit. Three male occupants were ordered out of the vehicle and were detained without incident.

 

After interviewing the three occupants, it was confirmed they were the suspects of the robbery. They were identified as Ordee Martin, Manuel Martinez, and Kevin Rhodes. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and a large amount of cash was found in the back seat.

 

Martin was arrested for Robbery I and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery I.  Martinez was arrested for Robbery I, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery I along with two outstanding Felony Warrants for Robbery I out of California.  Rhodes was arrested for Conspiracy to Commit Robbery I.  All three were lodged in the Josephine County Adult Jail.

 

No further information is being released at this time.  

jocosheriff@josephinecounty.gov

| Josephine Co. Sheriff's Office
Missing Person: Vaughn, Gabriel J (Photo)
Josephine Co. Sheriff's Office - 02/16/26 8:49 PM

Case: 26-4536

Date of Report: February 16, 2026

Name: Gabriel, Vaughn

Age: 25

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 160

Hair: Blonde

Eyes: Brown

 

 

Information: 
Gabriel Vaughn was last seen around 4:15pm on Monday, 2/16/26 during a rafting trip near Greenwall Rapids on the Illinois River. He was wearing a blue dry suit with a helmet and a life jacket. He left his group to go hiking in the woods with plans to hike out from the location towards the Chetco drainage.  

 

At this time, the US Coast Guard does not have the ability to fly a helicopter due to weather. Search and Rescue has also been notified of the incident and further investigation will continue.   

 

Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office with any information.  541-474-5123

jocosheriff@josephinecounty.gov



Attached Media Files: MissingPersonFlyerGabrielVaughn.pdf

| Josephine Co. Sheriff's Office
Fatal Crash – Interstate 5 – Lane County
Oregon State Police - 02/19/26 4:05 PM

LANE COUNTY, Ore. (19 February 2026) – On Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 12:56 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 167 in Lane County.

 

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver Honda Odyssey, operated by Leyla Ann Ayers (24) of Cottage Grove, was traveling southbound on I-5 near Cottage Grove when it left the right shoulder of the roadway for unknown reasons. The vehicle struck the roadside embankment and overturned, ejecting the driver. The vehicle came to an uncontrolled stop, partially blocking the highway.

 

The operator (Ayers) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. On February 17, 2026, OSP was notified by hospital staff that Ayers had died from injuries sustained during the crash.

 

The highway remained open during the on-scene investigation.

 

Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.

 

OSP was assisted by South Lane Fire and Rescue, Taylor’s Towing, 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.

Oregon State Police
Public Information Officer
osppio@osp.oregon.gov

| Oregon State Police
UPDATE: Arrest Made ** OSP Seeks Information Regarding Road Rage Incident in Marion County
Oregon State Police - 02/19/26 4:04 PM

UPDATE: Arrests made in road rage shooting incident. 

 

Oregon State Police have made two arrests related to a road rage shooting incident that occurred on June 27, 2025. On February 17, 2026, OSP detectives arrested Malachi Martinez-Sligar (22) of Salem on a warrant for the charges of Attempted Murder, Attempted Assault I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Recklessly Endangering, and Reckless Driving.

 

On February 19, 2026, detectives arrested Aedyn Michael Williamson (18) of Philomath on an arrest warrant for the charges of Attempted Murder, Attempted Assault I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Recklessly Endangering.
 

Both suspects were lodged at the Marion County Jail.

 

No additional information is available for release at this time. 

 


 

MARION COUNTY, Ore. (June 27, 2025) – At approximately 12:21 a.m. on June 27, 2025, Oregon State Police responded to a reported road rage incident on Interstate 5 southbound, between mileposts 265 and 263, in Marion County.

 

The incident involved a 2010 black Nissan Maxima and a sport utility vehicle resembling a 2008–2011 Dodge Journey, lighter in color, possibly gold or silver. Both vehicles were reportedly traveling in the far left and middle lanes at various points during the altercation.


During the altercation, the right-front passenger in the Dodge Journey discharged a firearm at the Nissan Maxima, striking the vehicle’s rear driver-side quarter panel multiple times. The shooter was reportedly wearing a ski mask. No injuries were reported.
 

The Dodge Journey was last seen exiting I-5 south at milepost 263 in an unknown direction.

There is not believed to be an ongoing threat to the public.  


OSP is asking for the public’s assistance in gathering information related to this case. If you have any information, please contact Detective Kelly Lorence through the Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-0776 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-317802.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that safeguards Oregon’s people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws, investigates crimes, performs postmortem examinations and forensic analyses, conducts background checks, and manages law enforcement data. The agency also regulates gaming and enforces laws related to fish, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP includes more than 1,400 employees—troopers, investigators, and professional staff—delivering comprehensive public safety services to Oregon and supporting law enforcement partners statewide.

Oregon State Police
Public Information Officer
osppio@osp.oregon.gov

| Oregon State Police
Fatal Crash – Highway 101 – Coos County
Oregon State Police - 02/19/26 2:48 PM

COOS COUNTY, Ore. (19 February 2026) – On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 6:09 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 101 near milepost 223 in Coos County.

 

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Ford F-150 towing a flatbed trailer, operated by Matthew Rafael Gonzalez (30) of St. George, Utah, was traveling northbound on Hwy. 101 near Lakeside when it struck black ice. The operator lost control, struck the guardrail, crossed into the southbound lane, and collided with a tan Chevy Tracker operated by James Ervin Bramhall (64) of Lakeside. A blue Dodge 1500 pickup, operated by John Paul Burgmeier (24) of Coos Bay, then rear-ended the flatbed, also due to black ice on the roadway.

 

The operator of the Chevy Tracker (Bramhall) was declared deceased at the scene.

 

The operator of the Ford F-150 (Gonzalez) had reported minor injuries.

 

The operator of the Dodge 1500 (Burgmeier) was reportedly not injured.

 

The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

 

OSP was assisted by the Lakeside Fire Department, Houser Fire Department, Winchester Bay Fire Department, Lower Umpqua 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.

Oregon State Police
Public Information Officer
osppio@osp.oregon.gov

| Oregon State Police
Federal
BLM launches public comment on western Oregon timber plan to advance Trump administration priorities
Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash. - 02/18/26 7:28 AM

WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Land Management is inviting public input for proposed updates to resources management across 2.5 million acres of highly productive timberlands in western Oregon, an effort that underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to expanding domestic timber production and reducing reliance on foreign imports.

 

“Bringing timber production back to historic levels is essential for reviving local economies and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires,” said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. “President Trump has made it clear — enhanced domestic timber production is vital for our national security, economic prosperity, and effective wildfire management.”

 

notice will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register to open the comment period, which closes on March 23. Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments may be submitted through the “Participate Now” option. Written comments may also be emailed to LM_OR_Revision_Scoping@blm.gov" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 94, 162);">BLM_OR_Revision_Scoping@blm.gov or delivered to: Attention BLM OR930, 1220 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204.

 

The BLM remains committed to supplying a secure, resilient domestic timber supply. In western Oregon, this commitment is rooted in the Oregon and California Revested Lands Sustained Yield Management Act of 1937, which ensures sustainable forestry practices that support communities and livelihoods.

 

Revenue from timber harvested on these lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon counties—funding essential local services such as schools, libraries, public safety, and infrastructure projects. Each year, BLM timber sales support approximately 2,000 local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies.

 

###

 

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

blm_press@blm.gov

| Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash.
State
State issues first 2026 income tax refunds for e-filed returns; Refunds for paper-filed returns won’t start until April
Oregon Dept. of Revenue - 02/18/26 9:00 AM

Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Revenue has begun distributing refunds for the 2025 tax year. Through February 17, the department has processed more than 500,000 electronically filed tax returns.

 

Most taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds within two weeks of the date their return is filed. Some returns, however, require additional review and can take up to 20 weeks before a refund is issued.

 

Oregon is returning a $1.41 billion revenue surplus “kicker” to taxpayers in 2026. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer's refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

 

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

 

The department encourages taxpayers to file electronically. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Those who file paper returns will experience a significantly longer wait in 2026 due to processing delays.

 

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax form information to the Oregon Department of Revenue. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns will not begin until the end of March. The first refunds for paper-filed returns are not expected to be issued until April.

 

Taxpayers can check the status of their e-filed refund by using the department’s Where’s My Refund? tool. The Department of Revenue recommends that taxpayers wait one week after they have electronically filed their return to use the Where’s My Refund tool. Paper-filed returns won’t show up in the Where’s My Refund? tool until processing begins in late March. Taxpayers mailing their return should wait two weeks after the department starts processing paper returns in late March or after mailing their return, whichever is later.

 

The Where’s My Refund? tool has been updated for 2026, providing clear messaging about the status of their return to taxpayers who are signed into their Revenue Online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers who don’t have a Revenue Online account can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool but won’t be able to see the updated features.

 

A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.

 

Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to make a change to their return. They should choose to either file electronically or by paper. Doing both will delay processing of their return.

In addition to checking the status of their refund, taxpayers can make payments, or get tax forms by visiting the department’s website. Questions can be emailed to questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

 

Taxpayers can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), the department accepts all relay calls.
 

-30-

Media contact:
Robin Maxey
Public Information Officer
robin.maxey@oregon.gov
971-718-4483

| Oregon Dept. of Revenue
Oregon reports measles outbreak; new wastewater dashboard tracks measles virus by county
Oregon Health Authority - 02/19/26 11:04 AM

Editors: OHA and OHSU medical experts will hold a media briefing at 11 a.m. today to give an update on measles in Oregon and a new measles data tracking tool. Reporters can join via Zoom at this link; a livestream for the public is available via YouTube at this link. The YouTube livestream will be recorded and can be viewed later. 

 

February 19, 2026  

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

Oregon reports measles outbreak; new wastewater dashboard tracks measles virus by county

PORTLAND, Ore.--A new data tracking tool Oregon Health Authority (OHA) launched today shows the five confirmed measles cases identified in the state since Jan. 1 likely represent only a portion of infections occurring statewide, public health officials say.  

To strengthen early detection, OHA today published a new measles wastewater surveillance dashboard showing viral concentrations by county and categorizing activity as very low, low, moderate or high over two-week periods. 

Wastewater monitoring began Oct. 1, 2025, and complements traditional case reporting. Oregon submits data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Wastewater Surveillance System, which uses a high threshold for labeling samples as a “detection.” While that approach has shown sporadic detections of measles over time, Oregon’s analysis of viral concentrations indicates low-level measles activity across the state that has been increasing. For the two-week period ending Feb. 7, low levels of measles virus were observed in wastewater from nine counties. 

“Wastewater surveillance serves as an early warning signal system, which gives communities a head start to prepare and empowers everyone to make informed decisions about immunization. Wastewater testing looks for the actual measles virus that causes illness in people, so it provides an early signal of community spread,” said Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. 

“Measles is here in Oregon and spreading in the United States,” Chiou added, “and vaccination remains the best way for people to protect themselves. We encourage everyone to talk with a healthcare provider to ensure they and their families are fully protected.” 

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus spread through the air when an infected person breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, allowing it to infect up to 90% of unprotected close contacts and potentially cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and death. 

Measles has been increasing nationwide since early 2025, with nearly 2,300 cases reported last year. Most cases occurred among unvaccinated children. 

Guidance for providers and the public

Symptoms typically begin seven to 21 days after exposure and include cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis with high fever, followed by a rash that starts on the head or neck and spreads downward. People are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days afterward. 

Health care providers should report suspected cases immediately and consider post-exposure prophylaxis for exposed patients: 

  • MMR vaccine, within 72 hours of exposure.
  • Immunoglobulin, within six days. 

For most vaccine-eligible people 6 months and older, MMR vaccination within 72 hours is recommended. 

Anyone not protected against measles is at risk. OHA encourages people to check vaccination status and contact a health care provider if they have questions. 

For more information on measles, visit OHA’s measle page. The measles wastewater dashboard page is available here

###

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

| Oregon Health Authority
TODAY: Virtual media briefing on measles in Oregon
Oregon Health Authority - 02/19/26 8:32 AM

February 19, 2026 

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

TODAY: Virtual media briefing on measles in Oregon

OHA, OHSU physicians to discuss recent cases, tracking

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) medical experts will hold a media briefing today to give an update on the state’s response to recent measles cases in Oregon and across the country. They also will discuss new measles tracking methods.

The media briefing is 11 a.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 19). Reporters can join via Zoom at this link. A livestream for members of the public is available via YouTube at this link.

Speakers include: 

  • Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division
  • Dawn Nolt, M.D., MPH, professor of pediatrics and interim division head for pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. 
 

A total of five measles cases have been reported in Oregon so far in 2026. Four of the cases are in unvaccinated individuals; the vaccination status of the fifth case is unknown.

Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease caused by the measles virus. Measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat, and is followed by a blotchy rash that begins on the face or at the hair line and then spreads all over the body.

For more information, visit OHA’s measles page.

###

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

| Oregon Health Authority
Hepatitis B infant vaccinations, birth parent screenings decline
Oregon Health Authority - 02/17/26 2:40 PM

February 17, 2026

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov 

Hepatitis B infant vaccinations, birth parent screenings decline 

OHA’s new interactive dashboard tracks virus data back to 2020 

 

What you should know:

  • Vaccinations against hepatitis B at birth have fallen over the past four years. 
  • Rates of hepatitis B screening of the birth parent have also fallen over the same period. 
  • Up to 90% of infants infected with hepatitis B at birth develop chronic infection, and about 25% of infected children will eventually die from cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.

PORTLAND, Ore.–The number of newborns vaccinated at birth against hepatitis B has fallen slightly over the past four years, according to the new Infant Hepatitis B Immunization Data dashboard launched by Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Likewise, the number of birth parents who are screened for hepatitis B during pregnancy has also decreased, the dashboard shows.

“It’s very concerning to see the number of babies getting a dose of hepatitis B vaccine after birth going down while the number of birth parents screened for hepatitis B is also decreasing,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., state health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA’s Public Health Division.

“This dangerous combination puts more babies at risk for the devastating effects of hepatitis B, which can impact them throughout their lifetimes. The hepatitis B vaccine has been extremely successful at almost eliminating these illnesses, and with decreasing vaccination rates, we will see more children get sick,” he said.

The new dashboard tracks data going back to 2020, including: 

  • The percentage of infants who have received a birth dose of HepB statewide and by county.
  • HepB birth vaccination rates reported by individual birth hospitals.
  • Rates of hepatitis B screening of the birth parent by facility.

In 2024, 82% of infants born statewide received the HepB birth dose, down from 86% in 2022, with county-level rates ranging from 60% to 90%. 

Statewide, the rate of birth parent hepatitis B screening was 94%, down from 96% two years earlier.

If a pregnant person is infected with hepatitis B, they can spread it to their newborn during childbirth.

Screening for hepatitis B during pregnancy is critical and guides treatment of infants born to people with the virus.

Most Oregon hospitals reported screening rates exceeding 90% or higher in 2024. Some facilities reported rates below 80%. 

Facts about hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a highly infectious virus that attacks the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease, liver cancer, liver failure and death.

It spreads easily, even without visible blood or body fluids and can survive on surfaces for up to seven days.

Before the United States adopted a recommendation for universal infant hepatitis B vaccination in 1991, thousands of children were infected each year—at birth and during childhood.

Infants and young children are especially vulnerable: up to 90% of infants infected at birth develop chronic infection, and about 25% of infected children will eventually die from cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.

The vaccine is effective, well tolerated, and decades of global data support its safety. In December, the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) strongly recommended the hepatitis B vaccination continue to be routinely offered to all newborns, with the first dose given within 24 hours of birth for newborns weighing at least 2,000 grams (4 pounds, 7 ounces), followed by completion of the vaccine series.

HepB vaccination of all newborns within 24 hours of birth, followed by completion of the HepB vaccination series, is essential to protecting infants and young children, who are at greatest risk from complications from hepatitis B.

OHA’s new Infant Hepatitis B Immunization dashboard will be updated annually every April. Data for 2025 will be available in the coming months.

###

 

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

| Oregon Health Authority
Oregon Housing and Community Services and Tribal Nations launch first-of-its-kind housing initiative
Oregon Housing and Community Services - 02/17/26 10:14 AM

SALEM, Ore. — The state announces the launch of the Tribal Housing Grant Fund (THGF), which is a first-of-its-kind program to provide state funds to help address the housing needs of the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon. 

 

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund creates a new framework for how the state works with the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “It represents a meaningful step forward in honoring our government-to-government relationship and ensuring Tribes have the resources and flexibility they need to address their critical housing needs.”

 

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and representatives from Tribal Nations, including housing directors, health and human services directors, and council members, worked for more than a year to develop the program.

 

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund is a landmark program that elevates Tribal self-determination in a state-funded program,” said Sami Jo Difuntorum, executive director of Siletz Tribal Housing Department and Housing Stability Council member. “The THGF will provide Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes with critical housing resources, providing flexibility in program design.”

 

“The values, culture, and housing needs of communities are best understood locally,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. "In consultation with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes, the Tribal Housing Grant Fund emphasizes self-determination and flexibility in how Tribes use state resources to address local needs. Honoring Tribal sovereignty, in its richest form, calls on us to operationalize this shared value."

 

In the 2025 Legislative Session, lawmakers allocated $10 million to OHCS to establish the program. Program funds can be used for affordable rental housing and homeownership initiatives, as well as to maintain By and For Initiative-Native American Tribes of Oregon (BAFI-NATO) investments. 

 

Tribal Nations will receive funds based on a formula that was previously used by the BAFI-NATO program, where each grantee receives a base amount along with Tribal enrollment numbers.

 

To obtain the funds, grantees must submit a housing plan every biennium outlining how they will use the money.

 

Eligible THGF program activities include:

  • Homelessness response and prevention ​
  • Affordable rental housing
  • Homeownership support such as down payment and mortgage assistance
  • Land acquisition, infrastructure, development, and rehabilitation ​
  • Financial assistance and support services for households that qualify
  • Capacity building​

Visit the THGF webpage for more program details.  

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

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.

Delia Hernández
HCS.mediarequests@hcs.oregon.gov

For a video quote (soundbite) of Sami Jo Difuntorum, visit https://youtu.be/mbB5hT1jjiA.

| Oregon Housing and Community Services
Oregon Lottery Earns Highest Certification in Responsible Gaming (Photo)
Oregon Lottery - 02/17/26 9:03 AM
Oregon Lottery has received the World Lottery Association’s highest level of certification for its Responsible Gambling/Safer Play program.
Oregon Lottery has received the World Lottery Association’s highest level of certification for its Responsible Gambling/Safer Play program.
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2026-02/4939/186796/WLA_Logo.png

Salem, Ore. – For the third time in a row, the Oregon Lottery has received the World Lottery Association’s (WLA) highest level of certification for its Responsible Gambling/Safer Play program. The certification of Oregon Lottery’s program is a “best in class” designation for a three-year period. 

 

WLA Level Four Certification for Responsible Gambling is the highest level of responsible gambling certification recognized internationally. The Oregon Lottery was one of the first lotteries in the U.S. to reach this level, first being certified in 2018. Receiving WLA Level Four Certification represents the highest standard of commitment to player protection, demonstrating that an organization has fully embedded responsible gambling principles into its governance, operations, and culture.  

 

“Maintaining our WLA Level Four certification for more than eight years demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement in Safer Play,” said Mike Wells, director of the Oregon Lottery. “To keep pace with a fast-evolving gambling market, we have responded with innovation and will continue to focus on trust with our players.”

 

The WLA is recognized as the global authority on the lottery business. It serves the interests of 167 state-authorized lotteries world-wide and gaming organizations from more than 89 countries on six continents. The WLA’s Responsible Gaming Principles and Framework is a certification program that outlines lotteries’ level of commitment to corporate social responsibility and responsible gaming. It allows for cultural and regional differences and is designed to complement and improve the safeguards that individual lottery operators have in place. Oregon Lottery’s program has several unique and impactful focus areas, including the following: 

  • Investment in research to identify opportunities to support those just beginning to experience gambling harms and those affected by someone else's gambling. 
  • Lottery staff and retailer training that includes self-care strategies for those charged with the important work of promoting Safer Play. 
  • "Always On" Safer Play specific advertising to engage players with tools and connect them to help.  

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

Melanie Mesaros
Oregon Lottery
971-719-0464
Melanie.Mesaros@lottery.oregon.gov



Attached Media Files: Oregon Lottery has received the World Lottery Association’s highest level of certification for its Responsible Gambling/Safer Play program.

| Oregon Lottery
Oregon State Parks to hire seasonal Park Rangers, Park Ranger Assistants
Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. - 02/17/26 9:00 AM

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon State Parks is hiring seasonal Park Rangers and Park Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2026 season.

 

Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through June with new positions listed on a rolling basis on the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.

 

Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.

 

Salaries start at $20.28 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.79 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, who are enrolled in high school start at $20.27 or more per hour, depending on experience.

 

Several of Oregon State Parks' top leaders started their careers as seasonal employees, including all three Region Directors.

 

“We are focused on developing an engaged workforce by partnering with staff on career development, investing in skill building and fostering a culture of belonging. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you make a difference in protecting and promoting Oregon’s special places,” said interim Director Stefanie Coons.

 

Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Park Rangers at parks around the state. Positions are available in Oregon’s coastal areas, scenic valleys, and mountain regions, offering opportunities to work in some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.

 

For more information about current openings, visit https://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Recruiting D.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.

 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.

 

 

 

###

Mike Baden
971.719.3316
Mike.Baden@oprd.oregon.gov

| Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept.
Courts/District Attorneys
Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Federal Law Enforcement Officer (Photo)
U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon - 02/18/26 3:30 PM

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man pleaded guilty today after assaulting a federal officer at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

 

Robert Jacob Hoopes, 25, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of a federal employee with a dangerous weapon resulting in bodily injury.

 

According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Hoopes threw a large rock and struck an ICE officer in the head, causing a significant laceration over the officer’s eye. Later that same day, he and two other individuals were seen using an upended stop sign as a makeshift battering ram, which resulted in significant damage to the main entry door to the ICE building. 

 

On August 5, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Hoopes with aggravated assault on a federal employee with a dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property.

 

Hoopes faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on May 12, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

 

As part of the plea agreement, Hoopes has agreed to pay full restitution, estimated to be over $7,000

 

The FBI is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

 

# # #

Public Affairs Officer
USAOR.PublicAffairs@usdoj.gov



Attached Media Files: PDF Release

| U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon
Oregon Business Owner Sent to Prison for Employment Tax Crimes (Photo)
U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon - 02/18/26 2:23 PM

PORTLAND, Ore.— The owner of a tree removal business was sentenced to prison today for willfully failing to pay over employment taxes to the IRS on behalf of the company she owned and operated.

 

Joyce Leard, 47, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Leard was also ordered to pay $2,880,346.25 in restitution and $100 special assessment.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately 2017 through 2024, Leard owned and operated Mr. Tree Inc., a Happy Valley, Oregon, company that provided tree removal and landscaping services to customers. The company advertised itself as being in business for thirty years and employed approximately 50 to 75 employees each year.

 

Leard was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from the wages of her employees and paying those funds over to the IRS each quarter, as well as filing quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS.

 

From the fourth quarter of 2018 through the fourth quarter of 2020, Leard withheld taxes from her employees’ wages but did not pay over those taxes to the IRS or file quarterly employment tax returns. Instead, she used funds in Mr. Tree’s business bank account to pay other expenses and creditors and purchased approximately $3.5 million of real estate. During this period, the company also did not file a corporate tax return, and, from 2018 through 2020, Leard did not file a personal income tax return, as required by law. 

 

Leard’s conduct caused a total tax loss of over $3.5 million.

 

On January 14, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 12-count indictment charging Leard with willful failure to account for and pay over tax and willful failure to file return.

 

On June 16, 2025, Leard pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over tax.

 

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorneys J. Parker Gochenour and Megan E. Wessel of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section prosecuted the case with substantial support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Public Affairs Officer
USAOR.PublicAffairs@usdoj.gov



Attached Media Files: PDF Release

| U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon
Organizations & Associations
YACHATS LIONS announces launch of Bird City Yachats (Photo)
Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation - 02/18/26 4:25 PM
IMG_1343.jpeg
IMG_1343.jpeg
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2026-02/1832/186837/IMG_1343.jpeg

Bird City Yachats (BCY) will hold its official launch on March 1st, 1:30 PM at the Yachats Lions Hall when Bird City Oregon will present the designation to the Mayor of Yachats. This will be followed by a talk entitled “Taking Refuge on the Oregon Coast”, a history of our coastal wildlife refuges, which provide critical seabird nesting habitat. BCY is sponsored by the Yachats Lions Club.

 

In the Fall 2025 the city of Yachats was awarded an Oregon Bird City, the first bird city on the Pacific Coast. This certification rewards cities for their efforts to help wildlife. Bird City Yachats (BCY) is part of a national program, Bird City Network ( https://birdcity.org/) of more than 300 “Bird” cities across the country. A steering committee for BCY has been established to encourage our citizens to protect and enjoy our precious wildlife and to develop projects for their protection.

 

BCY projects range from education (e.g., speaker series, bird walks) to removing threats (e.g., bird strike prevention) and marketing (e.g., website, ads promoting Yachats as a birding destination). Birds have unique threats. One that kills millions of birds a year is striking windows. In that regard BCY been working with the city manager on window treatments for the new pavilion that will minimize bird strikes. Open pipes and chimneys that can trap birds are another threat. Working together with Seven Capes Bird Alliance, BCY has surveyed 24 state parks in Lincoln County and identified over 150 open pipes which we will help cap.


BCY now has a website (https://birdcity.org/oregon/yachats) and information available at the Visitor Center on birds and birding sites. This month we will unveil a photo exhibition of local birds and wildlife in the children’s section of the new Yachats library.


Established in 1950, the Yachats Lions Club serves Yachats and South Lincoln County. With our motto of “WE SERVE”, we provide service for eyeglasses and exams, hearing aids and exams, eye screening in Lincoln County schools, pancake breakfasts, crab feed, lunch bunch, speaker series, peace poster and flag day events in our schools, and community use of our clubhouse. Through community donations to the Yachats Lions Thrift Store our sales allow us to donate to local needs such as student scholarships, food pantries, school programs, and conservation projects.

 

Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization with a network of 1.4 million men and women in more than 200 countries and geographical locations. We serve where we live, as well as globally, and we have fun doing it.


For more information, contact Lion Jim Welch at 970-217-4424 or jameswelch1009@gmail.com

Lions David O’Kelley and Jim Welch
yachatslionsclub.org



Attached Media Files: IMG_1343.jpeg , IMG_1341.jpeg

| Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation