On Thursday, January 16, at about 8:30pm, Medford Police Department officers responded to the 2100 block of Crater Lake Avenue following reports of a road rage incident involving a handgun. The victims reported that a man had threatened them with a firearm before leaving the area. Officers obtained detailed statements and began searching for the suspect.

 

Approximately 30 minutes later, the victim contacted police again to report that the same individual had returned. Following a verbal exchange, the suspect fired a gun from his vehicle as he left the scene. The victim was able to provide a vehicle description and a photo of the license plate. Officers confirmed that no one was injured in the incident.

 

Through their investigation, officers identified the suspect as Brandon Blackwell, 34, of Medford, who was determined to be a convicted felon. Around 10am Friday morning, January 17, officers located Blackwell at a property on Gilman Road in Medford. After surrounding the location and making announcements, Blackwell exited the building and was taken into custody without incident.

 

Blackwell was lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges of Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The firearm believed to have been used in the incident was recovered and seized.

 

This case will be prosecuted by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. For reference, the case number is MPD 25-905.

 

 

Release Date: January 21, 2025

                                                           

INCIDENT DATE: January 1^st – December 31^st, 2024

 

REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)

                                     

DETAILS: From January 1^st – December 31^st, 2024, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office conducted 40 search warrants on alleged illegal marijuana cultivation operations within Josephine County. Many of these operations have been conducted in partnership with other law enforcement agencies. The operations have also been assisted by Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety, the Josephine County Watermaster and Department of Environmental Quality, and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission.

 

In 2024 JMET seized:

 

Total Plants: 41,673

 

Firearms: 57

 

Cash: $250,193

 

Equipment: multiple vehicles, generators, and heavy machinery

 

Additionally, JMET destroyed over 8,000 pounds of illegally processed marijuana.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting with courage and serving with compassion as we work to rid our community of illegal marijuana operations. We encourage citizens of Josephine County to utilize the JMET tip line (541-474-5252) to report any suspected illicit marijuana activity within our county to assist and contribute to the continued success of the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team. If you call the tip line, please leave your name and contact information. All information will remain confidential.

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. (Jan. 21, 2025) – The Hospital Association of Oregon is holding a press conference Wednesday to provide an overview of the challenges facing hospitals and the policy solutions they are advocating for in the 2025 legislative session. 

 

The combination of rising costs and insufficient reimbursement from insurers, including the Oregon Health Plan—which provides coverage for one in three Oregonians—is jeopardizing access to health care services across the state. 

 

With more than half of Oregon’s hospitals consistently operating in the red, action is needed so hospitals can continue to deliver important services such as maternity care to their communities. 

 

The hospital association is advocating for a number of legislative solutions to protect access to care. To explain these priorities and provide context for the shared challenges facing the health care system, President and CEO Becky Hultberg will be joined by: 

• Cheryl Nester Wolfe, RN, president and CEO of Salem Health 

• Dan Grigg, CEO of Wallowa Memorial Hospital 

• Daniel Davis, MS Nursing, Senior Director of Patient Flow, St. Charles Health System 

• Sean Kolmer, executive vice president of external affairs at the hospital association 

 

We hope you can join us.  

 

WHEN: Jan. 22, 11a.m. to 12 p.m.  

 

VENUE: Virtual meeting through Teams. The briefing is for members of the news media only. Please RSVP to Becca Thomsen at thomsen@oregonhospitals.org">bthomsen@oregonhospitals.org. She will send you the meeting invitation.

 

About the Hospital Association of Oregon: Founded in 1934, the Hospital Association of Oregon is a mission-driven, nonprofit trade association representing Oregon’s 61 hospitals. Together, hospitals are the sixth largest private employer statewide, employing 70,000 employees. Committed to fostering a stronger, safer, more equitable Oregon where all people have access to the high-quality care they need, the hospital association supports Oregon’s hospitals so they can support their communities; educates government officials and the public on the state’s health landscape and works collaboratively with policymakers, community based organizations and the health care community to build consensus on and advance health care policy benefiting the state’s four million residents. Led by President and CEO Becky Hultberg, the hospital association is governed by a Board of Trustees elected by its member organizations and steered by a staff of health care policy experts.  

### 

 

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. 20 Jan. 2025 – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) captured on camera while unlawfully angling on the Walla Walla River near Milton-Freewater. 

On Dec. 13 and Dec. 16, 2024, an individual was photographed while angling with what appeared to be trout/steelhead fishing gear. Trout and warmwater fish angling on the Walla Walla River had been closed since Oct. 31, 2024, and steelhead angling was not allowed during 2024.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number #SP25-014834.

 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.

 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

 

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

 

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Rewards

 

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Fish & Shellfish

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

 

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)

 

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

 

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

 

# # #

 

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

Salem, OR — The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the council’s website.

• What: Meeting of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council   

• When: Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. 

• Where: Join a Microsoft Teams Meeting by ID | Microsoft Teams  

• Meeting ID: 276 303 362 428 Passcode: uG3LD3rn 

• Phone: +1 503-446-4951 Phone conference ID: 133 297 867# 

• Who: State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council

The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council was established by Governor Kotek’s Executive Order 23-26, Establishing a State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council.

 

The purpose of the council is to recommend an action plan to guide awareness, education and usage of artificial intelligence in state government that aligns with the state’s policies, goals and values and supports public servants to deliver customer service more efficiently and effectively. The recommended action plan shall include concrete executive actions, policies, and investments needed to leverage artificial intelligence while honoring transparency, privacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 

Council meetings are open to the public.

 

Public comment may be made during the meeting. Sign-up for public comment is required as spots are limited. Sign-up closes Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. Written comment will also be accepted. Written comment can be submitted by mail to the Council Support Office, 550 Airport Rd SE Suite C, Salem, OR 97301 or online via the office form. 

 

Accommodations can be arranged for persons with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available upon request. Please contact Enterprise Information Services at 503-378-3175 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to request accommodations. Closed captioning is included on the Microsoft Teams meeting.

---

Links: 

• State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/eis/Pages/ai-advisory-council.aspx

• Executive Order 23-26: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/eo/eo-23-26.pdf

• Join a Microsoft Teams Meeting: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting Meeting ID: 276 303 362 428 Passcode: uG3LD3rn 

• Sign-up for public comment: https://forms.office.com/g/8NPeQbXRrA 

• Online comments submission: https://forms.office.com/g/5ecMVUWbbi

Colegio César Chávez: The Legacy Lives On / El legado sigue vivo is on view at the Oregon Historical Society now through April 27, 2025

 

Portland, OR — Located in Mt. Angel, Oregon, Colegio César Chávez was the first independent, four-year accredited Chicano/a college in the United States. In operation for ten years from 1973 to 1983, the college represented the needs and activism of the Chicano/a community in Oregon at a time when many Latino and Latina immigrants were fighting for rights across the nation. Its unique and innovative educational philosophy incorporated a holistic, integrated, community-based approach for students whose needs were not met by traditional educational institutions.

 

Now on view at the Oregon Historical Society through April 27, 2025, Colegio César Chávez: The Legacy Lives On / El legado sigue vivo is a bilingual exhibition that highlights the institution’s significance and legacy by exploring the national and local context for its establishment, its educational philosophy and structure, as well as the challenges it faced and how it overcame them.

 

“This exhibition honors and shares a significant part of the history of education reform activism led by Oregon’s Chicano/a community and its allies,” says exhibition curator Natalia Fernández. “All who supported and participated in the Colegio César Chávez created an incredible foundation of social justice advocacy for us to learn from and an inspiring legacy for us to continue.”

 

For a more in-depth history, all are welcome to attend a free screening of OPB’s new Oregon Experience documentary The Living Legacy of Colegio César Chávez at the Oregon Historical Society on January 22 at 6:30pm. The event will include a panel discussion led by documentary producer Alicia Avila, Colegio César Chávez co-founders Sonny Montes and José Romero, and PODER: Oregon’s Latino Leadership Network President Anthony Veliz. Colegio César Chávez: The Legacy Lives On / El legado sigue vivo exhibition curator, Natalia Fernández, will give an introduction. They will share their thoughts on the history and legacy of Colegio César Chávez and their ideas for the future of a Colegio 2.0. Prior to the film screening, attendees can enjoy live music from the Forest Grove High School Mariachi band and view the exhibition. Doors open at 6pm and no advance reservation is required.

 

Colegio César Chávez: The Legacy Lives On / El legado sigue vivo was curated by Natalia Fernández, Associate Professor and Curator of the Oregon Multicultural Archives and OSU Queer Archives within the Oregon State University Special Collections and Archives Research Center. Digital copies of the exhibition panels are available via Oregon State University’s digital asset management system Oregon Digital.

---

 

About the Oregon Historical Society

For 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.

Salem, Oregon – Fifty-two organizations will receive $5,000 Arts Build Communities grants in fiscal year 2025, totaling $260,000 for projects that address community issues or needs through the arts. The Oregon Arts Commission’s Arts Build Communities program is committed to promoting arts access for underserved audiences and targets broad geographic impact throughout the state.

 

One example of the funded projects is Gather:Make:Shelter’s Monograph Project, touring exhibitions that feature the work of Oregon-based artists with current or former experiences with houselessness.

 

"This program demonstrates the power of the arts in transforming lives and communities,” said Arts Commission Chair Subashini Ganesan-Forbes, who led one of three review panels. “The funding supports creative thinking and a collective response to strengthen and enrich communities.”

 

The grants also spark and leverage many other investments and resources, serving as a catalyst for greater economic and civic impact, Ganesan-Forbes said.

 

In recent years, the Arts Build Communities program has generated more than $600,000 in additional community investment, much of it representing salaries paid, as well as products and services purchased in the funded communities. These grants are made possible through a funding partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

 

The FY2025 recipients include:

 

Albany Regional Museum, Albany

To support Oregon’s Trail of Tears Photography Exhibition, in partnership with photographer Nolan Streitberger, to create a photographic display of approximate encampment locations based on the journal entries of U.S. Indian Agent George H. Ambrose, who force-marched several hundred Indigenous men, women and children. Requested funds will be used for printing and framing the photographs.

 

All Ages Music Portland dba Friends of Noise, Portland   

To support the annual Spring Break Fest, an all ages, multi-genre concert. Requested funds will be used for artist, sound engineer and vendor stipends, as well as event promotion.

 

Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland

To support Enhanced Accessibility during rehearsals and performances of the play “Sapience” by Diana Burbano. Requested funds will be used to expand rehearsal and performance practices to be inclusive of access needs for those who are neurodiverse, and to provide adjacent ability accommodations, such as American Sign Language and captioning, and the opportunity for PHAME students to work on a professional production.

 

Ashland High Arts Advocates, Ashland

To support the SAM Project, which partners with local performing and fine artists, teachers and the Ashland School District to match students with arts mentors. While the SAM Project is open to all K-12 students, it specifically reaches out to and prioritizes students who are low-income, have specific needs or are members of underserved populations. Funds will be used to cover expenses such as mentor stipends, equipment and materials, marketing and operational support.

 

Ashland New Plays Festival, Ashland

To support the 2025 playwriting competition and festival, which fosters new work by diverse emerging and established playwrights, directly engaging the Ashland community. Each year, 70 volunteers help to blind-review 350 scripts to identify finalists. The Artistic Director and team (100% BIPOC) select four to five winners, with at least 50% by BIPOC authors. The plays are presented in staged readings by professional directors and actors, drawing more than 3,000 attendees over one week.

 

Bag & Baggage Productions, Hillsboro

To support the world-premiere production of the “Ballad of Iron Jo,” a family-oriented musical about environmental stewardship, community responsibility and growing up. The production offers a strategic refresh of the organization’s commitment to the youth and families in the community by integrating HYPE, a professional training program for local youth, with special performances for area middle schools and with PASSPORT, a free student access program.

 

Caldera, Portland

To support a partnership with nonprofit WHOOP DEE DOO to create a collaborative production with Caldera’s youth summer learners and high school apprentices, culminating in a live production. The requested funds will support Caldera staff, Teaching Artists, and program supplies and materials.

 

Cave Junction Farmers Market, Cave Junction

To support a theater class (March-September 2025) and performance of “The Great Melt” at the farmers market site. Participating youth will explore how to mitigate climate issues, such as increasingly frequent high temperatures and poor AQI quality days. Youth will create a visual story around the real-life impact of climate change. Requested funds will pay for Art Educators and purchase supplies.

 

Centro Cultural Del Condado De Washington, Cornelius

To support its Cultural Events Initiative, which fosters the celebration of Latino cultural heritage through community-based arts and cultural events. This initiative provides vital opportunities for youth, elders and people from diverse backgrounds to engage with the arts, showcase their talents and connect through Latino cultural traditions.

 

Corrib Theatre, Portland

To support the production of “Pass Over” by Antoinette Nwandu. Requested funds will be used to help pay artists for their work.

 

Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts, Pendleton

To support and rebuild the youth education programming disrupted by COVID-19 at Nixya’awii Community School. Grant funds will be used to support staff who provide instruction to teachers and expand services offered. Costs include instruction, materials (paper, inks, plates), exhibition and advertising materials, and overhead.

 

Ellipse Theatre Community, Bend

To support the Voiceless: A Musical Collaborative Development Project, an innovative partnership supporting development of a world premiere of a new musical and immersive events highlighting the key issues addressed. The project kicked off in 2024, targeting performance readiness in June/July 2025. The objective is to raise awareness about the power of voice and its impact on mental health. Funds will ensure adequate venue space to support production and event requirements.

 

enTaiko, Portland

To support the Adaptive Dance Project, an initiative connecting the disabled dance community with taiko drumming through two branches of engagement. The funds will be used for artist fees, transportation and the purchase of specialized drum instruments for artists with disabilities. Inclusivity will be fostered by merging taiko with dance and offering performances and workshops that empower both disabled and non-disabled artists.

 

Eugene Springfield Youth Orchestras, Eugene

To support the String Academy program, which provides beginning instruction in violin, viola, cello and string bass to 3rd-5th graders at 13 local elementary schools. Requested funds will be used to support the continuation of this program at 13 schools, with a bulk of the funds going to support rent and scholarships.

 

Gather:Make:Shelter, Portland

To support a two-city Oregon tour of the Monograph Project, a series of exhibitions with artist talks and publications featuring the work of Oregon-based artists with current or former experiences of houselessness. Requested funds will be used to support publication printing costs, transportation and speaking artists.

 

Hand 2 Mouth, Portland

To support BANNED, a community school and library-focused theater project incorporating community interviews to explore the banned book epidemic in the U.S. with a focus on the lives and stories of Oregonians, specifically on those most affected by recent attempts at book bans in the Wilsonville/West Linn and Canby school districts. Requested funds will be used for artist fees, material costs, workshop expenses and community celebration events.

 

Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre Northwest, Portland

To support a series of all-abilities movement classes for 50 children (grades K-5) during the Community Transitional School’s summer program, which runs for seven weeks from June to July 2025. Classes culminate in a free community performance for parents and staff in July. The requested funds will be used for project-related administrative expenses and fees for three company dancers.

 

Huitzilopochtli, Woodburn

To support Huitzilopochtli’s vision to promote indigenous Mexican cultural traditions and inspire underserved youth and their families to engage in creative expression. Two main programs are hosted for Mexican and Indigenous families: an after-school dance program at Washington Elementary and a community class (ADC) that meets weekly during three seasons. Both groups participate in public performances and cultural exchanges with more than 15 opportunities per year to showcase cultural learning.

 

Immigrant Story, Hillsboro

To support “The Immigrant Story Live,” four high-quality live events in 2025 that seamlessly blend nuanced storytelling with subtle performance art, accompanied by distinctive global music specially created for the occasion. Funding will support the staging of four new, free events in Portland, Beaverton, Corvallis and Salem.

 

Jazz Society of Oregon, Portland

To support the 2025 Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, a three-day, outdoor, free-to-all jazz festival in the heart of North Portland, featuring Latin, Indigenous and Afro-jazz, and blues, all rooted in the history of our diverse community, presented to an average 9,000 to 12,000 audience members each year. The requested funds will be used for artist fees.

 

Keizer Creative Art Association, Salem

To support the 2025 Keizer Riverwalk Art Fair, a vibrant celebration dedicated exclusively to Oregon artists. This year’s event focuses on inclusivity featuring low entry fees, no art jury process and no commission fees, allowing artists to showcase and sell their work without barriers. Experience a diverse array of art, live music and community engagement along the scenic Willamette Riverwalk. Requested funds will be used for security and advertising.

 

Lane Arts Council, Eugene

To support expanded cultural programming for First Friday ArtWalks in 2025. This free community event is held the first Friday of every month. LAC will partner with Cultural Producers each month July through December 2025 (for up to six unique events) to develop, curate and present cultural programming with a focus on multicultural experiences created by, and serving, Latine, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.

 

Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland

To support Kids & Culture: Impact of Community Leadership and inspire youth to welcome cultural differences while offering an experience of belonging and representation for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth. In Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May) 2025, the garden will hold Cultural Immersion and Family Engagement Days, art exhibits and the Oregon Rises Above Hate event. Requested funds will be used for stipends and Title I student tour entries.

 

Latino Network, Portland

To support Ballet Folkórico, a traditional Mexican dance class and cultural enrichment and education program for youth ages 3-18. Requested funds will be used for instructor wages, keeping Ballet participation free for youth, costumes for performances, and food and transportation for the program.

 

Literary Arts, Inc., Portland

To support a partnership with Woodburn High School to participate in youth programs. Requested funds will be used to support WHS students participating in Students to the Schnitz, which includes free tickets, ground transportation and books for students to attend Portland Arts & Lectures author talks, and to have two semester-long Writers in the Schools residencies at the high school.

 

Newberg Downtown Coalition, Newberg

To support expanding the Camellia Trail in 2025 with new paint-by-number mini murals in downtown Newberg. This community-led project will feature designs from LatinX artists and engage the public in painting sessions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic community. The project aims to foster inclusion and celebrate diversity in Newberg. Funds will be used for artist fees, outreach and art supplies.

 

New Room Studios, Portland

To support an access-forward full production of “A Kitty Can Prevent Suicide,” an original multidisciplinary theatrical show. This project will engage local people who have been impacted by mental illness with trauma-informed programming, community activities and in dialogues around issues from the show. Requested funds will be used to help pay artists.

 

North Pole Studio, Portland

To support FIELD OF VIEW, a two-year touring exhibition featuring 50 artworks created by artists with autism and I/DD. The artwork will be created across diverse mediums and will explore the themes of identity, history and place. Requested funds will be used for expenses including curating, framing, marketing and travel costs to showcase the exhibit in four reputable regional galleries across Portland, Salem and Lake Oswego throughout 2025.

 

Northwest Alliance for Alternative Media and Education, Portland

To support bringing Keys, Beats, Bars (KBB) to state youth correctional facilities in Oregon. KBB is a supportive community to develop and amplify the creative voices of youth. Artist mentors teach youth to make beats electronically, play instruments, use vocals and gain hands-on technical skills in audio recording, digital music composition, camera and lighting techniques, and video editing. Culminates in the creation of artistic works.

 

Open Hearts Open Minds, Portland

To support Up A Creek Theatre, which cultivates creative expression with incarcerated women through weekly dialogue circles and performances based on their lived experiences. Requested funds will be used for facilitator fees, costumes, books and scripts, videographer and photographer. Founded in 2014, this ongoing arts program provides an opportunity for connection and creative expression, allowing healing and growth in an otherwise hostile environment to rehabilitation.

 

Open Signal, Portland

To produce a pilot episode of the Portland Music Industry Showcase, a new live music series planned to launch in January 2025. The Showcase, which is designed to raise the profile of less commonly known local artists from communities of color, will be produced at Open Signal’s studios.

 

Oregon Arts Watch, Portland

To support the highly successful Cultural Hubs series. These stories cover essential cultural centers, how they uniquely serve and reflect their communities, and prioritize rural and underserved populations. At least 25 stories, to be published in 2025, will reach 25,000 people, providing the hubs with greater visibility, wider audiences and increased economic revenue. Requested funds will be used for professional fees and travel expenses.

 

Oregon Children’s Theatre Company, Portland

To support the “SPIDER” School & Community Tour. “SPIDER” is a new play written by Madeleine Adriance, a queer youth alumni of the Theatre’s Young Professional Company. “SPIDER” will tour to three high schools and multiple community sites and will reach more than 1,000 high-school aged youth and their family members. Requested funds will be used for artist fees, materials and supplies, and marketing costs.

 

Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport

To support Washed Ashore, an exhibition of marine life sculptures made from plastics found on beaches. Requested funds will be used to support the creation of a new sculpture that will debut at this exhibition, as well as for shipping and installation expenses, staff salaries, bilingual signage, an evaluation consultant, and materials to teach the public about plastics accumulation on beaches, encouraging them to engage in climate advocacy.

 

p:ear, Portland

To support the launch of a new black and white film photography program, in partnership with Franklin FOTO Community Darkroom, that provides youth with cameras to document their lives and fascinations, as well as darkroom printing skills and opportunities to share their work with the broader community at Blue Sky Gallery. Requested funds will be used for photographic materials, darkroom rental and photographer mentorship fees.

 

PDX Pop Now!, Portland

To support the 2025 PDX Pop Now! Festival, which is Portland's only free, all-ages festival featuring local Portland musicians. Requested funds will be used for artist fees, including payments for performers and graphic artists, and sound engineers and equipment rentals provided by Friends of Noise. Additionally, the funds will cover essential logistical supplies to ensure the festival operates seamlessly, creating an enriching experience for the entire community.

 

Peruvian Cultural Festival and Events, Beaverton

To support a Peruvian Dance Ensemble open to all ages and backgrounds in efforts to foster community by increasing arts access and engagement through a lens of cultural enrichment and preservation. Requested funds will be used for instructor fees, rehearsal space, bilingual marketing and transportation expenses.

 

Portland Area Theatre Alliance, Portland

To support the Festival Partner Venue program, a new initiative wherein Portland Area Theatre Alliance covers the rental and staffing cost of several local performance venues for the 2025 Fertile Ground Festival of New Work, running April 4-19. The grant funds will be used to cover the cost of rental, front of house staffing and technical support.

 

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland

To support the program, Supporting Partners, Artists, and Community Events (SPACE). Requested funds will be used to support the cost of artist fees and supplies and materials.

 

Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble, Portland

To support “Rise in Love,” a free concert in celebration of Black History Month. This concert aims to honor the rich cultural heritage, artistic contributions and historical narratives of Black communities, in America and beyond. The event will be part of the 2025 Portland Jazz Festival in partnership with PDX Jazz, Portland State University and the Portland Musician’s Union. New jazz music will be the highlight of the concert performed by a 12-piece ensemble of Portland jazz musicians.

 

Portland Revels, Portland

To support the 2025 “Spring Revels” production – a collaboration with PHAME Academy, serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – which will be produced at a traditional theater, then toured to culturally-specific community venues. Requested funds will support the expense of personnel. Portland Revels is committed to providing a living wage to artists, particularly for this program which centers on artists from marginalized communities.

 

Portland Youth Philharmonic Association, Portland

To support “The Spirit of the Columbia: 2025 Children’s Concerts.” Funds will cover staffing, artist and facility fees, bus subsidies for low-income schools, and other expenses for two free concerts for more than 5,000 Portland Metro students, grades 3-8. The concerts will introduce orchestral instruments and feature Nancy Ives’ “Spirit of the Columbia,” which tells the story of the damming of Celilo Falls. The Four Directions drum group will join PYCO for drumming, singing and dancing

 

Resonance Vocal Ensemble, Portland

To support “We Are Still Here,” a site-specific memorial through new music, readings and dance. In collaboration with composer Kenji Bunch, conductor Shohei Kobayashi, artist Chisao Hata, Vanport Mosaic and survivors, this performance and community art event will acknowledge the little-known history of the Portland Expo Center as the Assembly Center that incarcerated Japanese-American families during World War II. Requested funds will be used to pay the artists.

 

Scalehouse, Bend

To support Melanie Stevens’ exhibition, artist talk and workshop. Requested funds will be used to purchase supplies and logistics to hang at the exhibition, to support the artist’s expenses to engage audiences, and to organize and host the exhibit’s educational programming.

 

SCRAP Creative Reuse, Portland

To support “SCRAP at School: Mend to Extend,” a year-long project teaching mending and reuse as creative, sustainable self-expression to grades 6-12 at Title I schools. Funds will be used for staffing, educator training, guest artists fees, transportation, materials and scholarships for workshops at SCRAP. This project includes in-school sessions, after-school clubs and take-home mending kits to inspire repair and creative reuse among Portland youth.

 

Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Otis

To support K-8 “Create: Place-based Photography” with Mike Vos. Through this project, Sitka staff and professional fine art photographer and teaching artist Mike Vos will lead workshops in rural Title 1 schools across Clatsop, Tillamook and Lincoln counties. The project will also identify best practices for bringing teaching artists to rural schools through Sitka’s K-8 Create program. Funds will be used to cover Vos’ $5,000 Rural Youth Arts Fellowship honorarium.

 

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy, Hillsboro

To support “Esperanza Rising,” a theater production for young audiences based on the modern children’s classic book by Pam Muñoz Ryan. The production, helmed by a Latine creative team, features a cast of predominantly Latine youth and provides a critical arts participation experience for underserved youth.

 

Theatre Diaspora, Portland

To support the 2025 Staged Reading Series to showcase new theatrical works from local Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander artists. Requested funds will be used for artist fees, royalty fees and venue rental.

 

The High Desert Museum, Bend

To support the Indigenous Identity Film Project, which will use the power of visual storytelling to raise awareness of the complexity of cultural identities and promote a sense of belonging in the Central Oregon community. In partnership with filmmaker LaRonn Katchia (Warm Springs), a short film will feature the stories and voices of three young women from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Requested funds will be used for the production of the film.

 

Third Angle New Music Ensemble, Portland

To support the concert “People Into Trees.” Requested funds will be used for haptic vests and access services provided by CymaSpace, and tickets and outreach for Deaf/Hard of Hearing audience members.

 

Unlock the Arts, Portland

To support Expressive Writing Kinship, specifically at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn, and writing circles. Requested funds will be used for instructor stipends, guest instructor stipends/travel/gas, writing supplies – notebooks, pens, folders and culmination ceremony certificates. Outcomes will provide a safe space and a therapeutic/healing platform.

 

Young Audiences of Oregon Inc., Portland

To support SH/FT and LiveSET projects. SH/FT pairs non-binary, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students with local drag queens to design unique looks from recycled materials, culminating in an annual live fashion show. LiveSET offers middle and high schoolers from underrepresented communities hands-on training in sound engineering, leading to a public concert or recording. Funds will cover artist fees and project supplies.

 

                   

 

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at artscommission.oregon.gov.

 

 

 

SALEM, Ore. – Two Oregon strike teams were assigned overnight to a new fire in Southern California. Strike Team 17 (Linn County) and Strike Team 18 (Clackamas County), both made up of water tenders, are working alongside California resources on the Lilac Fire near Bonsall. The fire has prompted evacuations for those living nearby.
 

The two teams are part of six water tender strike teams mobilized to California on January 11. They are assigned to a two-week deployment.

“These two strike teams were mobilized at 3 a.m. and quickly engaged with the fire to support the initial attack,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Ruiz-Temple said. “They are working seamlessly with our CAL FIRE partners as we carry out our shared mission of protecting lives and property.”
 

Over the weekend, Ruiz-Temple was in Southern California, where she met with CAL FIRE officials, toured the fire-affected areas, and spoke with Oregon firefighters to learn about their experiences and work.

“Firefighters from across the country are working around the clock to support these communities," Ruiz-Temple said. “I thank them, their communities, and their families who support their efforts during this deployment. The ability to share resources across state lines ensures states have the extra capacity needed during critical times."

In total, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has sent 21 strike teams, 370 firefighters, and 105 apparatus to support California’s response to historic wildfires in the southern part of the state. This is the largest out-of-state deployment for the agency.

The sharing of resources is made possible through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The requesting state pays the local fire agencies directly for all costs.

BEND, OR — It’s that time of year again! Visit the High Desert Museum during Mid Oregon Credit Union Free Family Saturdays, occurring January 25 and February 22. Everyone can experience the latest exhibits, dynamic wildlife encounters and more for free.

 

“We are once again excited to welcome our community to Free Family Saturdays,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “They’ve always been a very popular event and an amazing way to witness and explore the educational mission of the Museum.”

 

Along with free admission, Museum visitors can look forward to a special Daily Schedule. Guests will have the opportunity to meet a nonreleasable raptor in the Museum’s care during the Bird of Prey Encounters happening every hour between 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

 

“Mid Oregon is proud to have partnered with the High Desert Museum for over 21 years, providing free access to tens of thousands of Central Oregonians,” said Kyle Frick, VP of Marketing for Mid Oregon Credit Union. “The Museum is a cultural treasure for Central Oregon, and we appreciate the opportunity to continue support for this great organization.”

 

The Museum’s exhibition Rick Bartow: Animal Kinship, from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, will be open during the first Free Family Saturday on January 22. The exhibit, which closes February 9, features one of Oregon’s most celebrated artists. Rick Bartow (Mad River Band of the Wiyot Tribe, d. 2016) was born in Newport, Oregon, and grew up with close ties to the Siletz community. Nearly two dozen artworks, including two-dimensional and sculptural pieces, were selected for the exhibition, which is the third part in a yearlong collaborative series with the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. The work spans the final three decades of Bartow’s career. 

 

Other ongoing exhibitions include Neighbors: Wildlife Paintings by Hilary Baker. The exhibit shares imagery of wildlife native to the High Desert — gray fox, black bear, pronghorn antelope and others. They stand in the foreground with urban encroachment in the background such as a fox on railroad tracks or a black bear in front of a 7-Eleven. Hilary Baker, born in 1948, spent her childhood exploring the hills and canyons near her home in Los Angeles, searching for animal bones and other evidence of creatures amid the backdrop of the bustling city. This desire to collect natural elements from a vanishing world became the inspiration for her art series Predators. The works in the exhibition at the Museum are from this series.

 

Blood, Sweat & Flannel, an original Museum exhibition, explores what flannel represents—its history, cultural connections and production—with imagery, tactile elements and interactive displays that bring to life the experiences of those who wore flannel. From timber to ranching, herding and sportswear, and alternative rock, each era espouses that flannel is more than just a fabric. “It’s a symbol of resilience and identity,” said Museum Bonnie Lee and Oliver P. Steele III Curator of Education and Engagement Molly Wilmoth. Visitors can witness how flannel has shifted over time, culminating in its association with the grunge movement of the 1990s.

 

Those who attend the second Mid Oregon Free Family Saturday on February 22 can look forward to visiting two of the Museum’s newest exhibitions. Frank S. Matsura: Portraits from the Borderland opens February 1. Featuring large-scale photographs taken by Japanese photographer Frank Matsura of Native people in the early 1900s, the exhibition features photos that represent some of the most accurate images of Indigenous culture during this period. The raw and sometimes playful characters in the photos challenge the stereotypes about life during that time. Clothing, beaded bags and cornhusk bags from the collections at the Northwest Museum of Art and Culture in Spokane, Wash., which originated the exhibition, and the High Desert Museum add color to the exhibition. The exhibition is possible with generous support from Art Bridges.

 

A new exhibit opening February 22 invites you to explore the wonders of patterns in nature. Patterns at Play: Fractals in Nature, an original exhibition, showcases how repetition and patterns intertwine in the natural world. The exhibit allows visitors to build their own patterns while an animation creates new fractals right before their eyes.

 

Winter hours are daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Learn more about all the Museum’s permanent and changing exhibitions at highdesertmuseum.org/exhibitions.

 

Free Family Saturdays are made possible by Mid Oregon Credit Union.

 

ABOUT THE HIGH DESERT 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 Facebook and Instagram.

 

ABOUT MID OREGON CREDIT UNION:

 

Mid Oregon Credit Union is a full-service, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in and serving Central Oregonians since 1957. With almost 49,000 members in Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Lake, and North Klamath Counties and almost $759 million in assets, Mid Oregon partners with members to meet their financial needs and to help them achieve their dreams. Mid Oregon was named a Top Workplace in Oregon and Southwest Washington for 2022, 2023, and 2024. It was also ranked the #1 credit union in Oregon by Forbes for 2023 and 2024 and received the Bend Bulletin’s Best of the Best of Bend Community Choice Award in the credit union category for 2023 and 2024. For more information about its services and branch locations in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, and Sisters, please visit midoregon.com.

###

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Bargaining between Providence and 5,000 union represented frontline caregivers is currently underway. Unfortunately, Providence is not taking negotiations seriously, offering proposals that are worse than the proposals it sent before the strike started. Providence is openly acknowledging that its “regressive” proposals are because caregivers went on strike. This is not negotiation; this is punishment for frontline caregivers for exercising their legal right to strike. It is also a violation of federal law and an unfair labor practice. 

On Sunday, Senator Ron Wyden joined striking caregivers on the line at Providence Portland Medical Center and had a clear, direct message for Providence, “I’ve been looking at the bargaining process, and I’m here to tell you, that’s not my definition of good faith.” He went on to say; “This isn’t complicated. It’s about working conditions, fair pay, staffing, and it’s about getting a fair shake in the negotiating process.” 

In response to ONA’s proposals to pay frontline caregivers competitive wages and benefits, Providence said that it’s “financially unsustainable” which stands in stark contrast to the lavish salaries Providence has paid to top executives.  According to public filings, in 2023, more than $177 million was paid to just 164 executives. Among these executives were former CEO, Rod Hochman, who retired at the end of 2024 and made $14.8 million in 2023, and Erik Wexler, who became CEO in 2025, who was previously making $5.2 million a year. 

Senator Wyden also had a few things to say about Providence’s hypocrisy: "They certainly spend a lot of money on very high salaries of executives. Given that they do that, they can make sure that workers like these get a fair shake." 

In addition to the exorbitant salaries of their executives, Providence is paying its replacement nurses more than $25 million a week with some job postings offering replacement nurses $7,000 per week, far more than it pays its regular nurses. 

The nearly 5,000 frontline caregivers across Oregon remain committed to negotiating a fair contract, and we are doing so with the urgency that this situation demands. We call on Providence to engage in meaningful negotiations with the same urgency and seriousness. 

 
This strike will continue to grow until Providence is willing to make the necessary compromises to address the key priorities on safe staffing, patient care, and competitive benefits and wages. It’s time to end this strike, not by punishing frontline caregivers with backwards proposals or rewarding executives with lavish bonuses and salaries, but by coming to the table in good faith and settling a fair contract. 

 
Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers:
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 Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line 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.

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org. 
###
 
FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:
Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews. 

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES 

TUESDAY - FRIDAY, JAN. 21-24: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

For interviews with nurses at other picket locations, contact Peter Starzynski, Starzynski@OregonRN.org, 503-960-7989

Additional dates and events will be shared with media as it becomes available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wilsonville, Oregon (January 20, 2025) ─ As confirmation hearings ramp up on Capitol Hill, four major sectors of Oregon’s farm and ranch groups are backing President Trump’s nomination of former U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer for secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Oregon Farm Bureau Federation, Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and the Oregon Association of Nurseries all joined together on the endorsement.  
 

The organizations previously worked with her as a member of the House Agriculture Committee. “Lori has a proven track record of being solution oriented and working across the aisle to solve problems facing family farmers and ranchers,” said Oregon Farm Bureau President Angela Bailey. Chavez-DeRemer also received the Oregon Farm Bureau’s Presidents Award in 2024. 

“Lori understands the challenges facing Oregon’s agricultural industry, including the diversity of our businesses and the critical need for a stable labor force to ensure animal care and the sustainability of our farms,” said Oregon Dairy Farmers Association President Bobbi Frost.

Oregon Cattlemen’s Association President Matt McElligott said, “The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association advocates on behalf of Oregon’s 11,000 ranchers. Our association has appreciated the efforts of Lori during her service in Congress on the House Agriculture Committee.  She and her team worked tirelessly to engage on issues of importance to livestock producers and maintained an open door.  We look forward to her appointment as Labor Secretary.”

“Lori has a strong understanding of the unique challenges facing agriculture in Oregon, especially as it relates to the industry’s need for a stable labor force, labor availability and reliance on immigrant labor,” Oregon Association of Nurseries President Ben Verhoven said. DeRemer has been honored twice as Legislator of the Year by the OAN for her support of Oregon’s $1.2 billion nursery industry.

The first Powerball jackpot of 2025, worth $328.5 million, was sold in Beaverton. The ticket for Saturday’s drawing was purchased on January 17 in the 97006 zip code.

 

The winner has a year to come forward and claim their prize. Once a claimant comes forward, it will take time before a winner can be identified due to security and payment processes. Per state law, players in Oregon, with few exceptions, cannot remain anonymous. The largest Powerball prize previously won in Oregon was last year’s $1.3 billion jackpot split between a Portland man, his wife, and friend.

 

Approximately a third of sales from the game will be returned to state beneficiaries to support economic development, education, veteran services, state parks and more.

 

Retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, an Oregon retailer who sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus. The location of the retailer where the current ticket was sold will not be revealed until a winner has come forward due to security protocols.

 

The Powerball jackpot was last won in December when a ticket sold in New York that was worth $256 million. Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

 

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.

 

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

 

1/18/25 7:15PM UPDATE: Jamie has been located. 

 

 

Missing Person : Jamie Lee Sharp

Case #: 25-1297

Date of Report: 01/18/2025

 

Age: 36

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Height: 6'

Weight: 170

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Blue

 

Information: Jaime Sharp was reported missing since Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Sharp was last known to be driving this red Saturn with Idaho license plate 1APRF4U. Sharp left the Merlin area during the evening hours on the 15th and has not been in touch with family since. It is unknown what he was wearing but he likely had on a black denim style jacket. Sharp does not have a phone and it is unknown where he may have gone. Please call the Sheriff’s Office if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Jaime.

 

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

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – On Friday, Jan. 17, more than1000 people gathered at a rally outside Providence Portland Medical Center to show support for striking nurses, physicians, and advanced practice providers. In a show of solidarity, the group then marched along NE 47th Ave. to Providence Oregon’s business headquarters on NE Halsey St. Union chants and speakers energized the crowd and reminded them to hold the line and stand up for a fair contract. Video clips of the event are available on ONA’s YouTube channel. 

While Providence continues to claim they are invested in negotiations, the 11 striking bargaining units said the most recent counterproposals are a ‘slap in the face.’ In them, Providence rescinded its offer of ratification bonuses, a violation of federal law, regressive bargaining and an unfair labor practice. It’s clear that Providence cares more about its bottom line than treating its experienced, hard-working caregivers with respect.

 
It's looking to be a busy weekend on the strike lines. While the temperatures may be dropping, striking healthcare workers from the Providence system plan to hold the line. They look forward to welcoming members of other unions and elected officials. 

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers:
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 Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line 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.

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org. 

 
FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:
Schedules are subject to change. Please get in touch with the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews. 

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES 
SATURDAY, JAN. 18/SUNDAY, JAN. 19: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org

EVENTS
SUNDAY, JAN. 19: 12:30 PM 
• U.S. Senator Ron Wyden Visits Strike Line at Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 

Additional dates and events will be shared with media next week. 
###

(MEDFORD, Ore.) - We are proud to announce that after a year of hard-fought negotiations, the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNHWMA) Southern Oregon Providers have achieved a historic first contract for the Providence Medford Emergency Department.

 

This agreement marks a significant milestone and serves as a testament to what can be accomplished when employers bargain in good faith and with a genuine commitment to their staff.

 

The contract includes important gains, including a 20.7% base wage increase for physicians, significant pay increases for APRNs and PAs, and enhanced shift differentials, along with additional benefits for continuing education and workplace safety.

 

A vote on this tentative agreement is scheduled for the last week of January.

 

This agreement is a powerful example of the difference that respectful and productive negotiations can make. However, this is also a stark contrast to the ongoing strike by the nurses at Providence Medford. These nurses remain on the picket line because Providence has failed to show them the same respect in their contract negotiations. We stand in solidarity with the nurses, and this achievement serves as a reminder of what is possible when workers' voices are heard and valued equally. 

 

###

MEDFORD, Ore.— Negasi Zuberi, 31, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, was sentenced to life in federal prison today for kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women, and holding one in a cell he constructed in his garage.

 

“There is no place in civil society for this type of terrifying violence,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I sincerely hope Zuberi’s life sentence will bring some measure of comfort to his victims. Their courage and perseverance are an inspiration to us all.”

 

According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, while in Seattle, Zuberi posed as a police officer and used a taser and handcuffs to detain his victim in the backseat of his vehicle. Zuberi then transported the victim approximately 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, stopping along the way to sexually assault her.

 

At his residence, the victim was moved from his vehicle into a cell he had constructed in his garage. The woman repeatedly banged on the cell door until it broke open and she escaped. The victim retrieved a handgun from Zuberi's vehicle, fled his garage, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911.

 

On July 16, 2023, Reno Police Department officers and Nevada State Patrol officers located Zuberi in a parking lot in Reno, Nevada. After a short standoff, Zuberi surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody.

 

While investigating Zuberi's crimes, federal agents discovered that approximately six weeks prior to the kidnapping in Seattle, on May 6, 2023, Zuberi kidnapped and sexually assaulted another victim. While being held by Zuberi, his first victim observed stacked cinder blocks in his garage that he later used to construct the cell where he detained his second victim.

 

On August 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Zuberi with kidnapping and transporting a victim with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Later, on February 15, 2024, a second kidnapping charge and charges for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.

 

On October 18, 2024, a federal jury found Zuberi guilty of all charges.

 

This case was investigated by the FBI Portland and Reno, Nevada Field Offices, Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon State Police with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada; Klamath County District Attorney's Office; Reno, Nevada Police Department; Washoe County, Nevada District Attorney's Office; Nevada State Police; and Klamath Falls Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Nathan J. Lichvarcik, and Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from Appellate Chief Suzanne Miles, also of the District of Oregon.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Columbia County, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison Thursday for her role in a conspiracy to defraud customers seeking to adopt pets and illegally dispensing prescription animal drugs without a lawful order of a veterinarian.

 

Samantha Miller, 55, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. The sum of restitution Miller must pay to her victims will be determined at a later date.

 

“Today’s sentence should make it clear to others engaged in unconscionable conduct that it will not be tolerated and they will be held responsible for their crimes,” said Hannah Horsley, Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit for the District of Oregon.

 

“The FDA regulates animal drugs as part of its mission to protect the public health, which includes ensuring that prescription animal drugs are lawfully obtained, distributed, and dispensed,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who criminally attempt to evade the law.”

 

According to court documents, between November 2019 and January 2021, Miller and her co-conspirators, through their animal rescue business Woofin Palooza, LLC, conspired to obtain animals with health and behavioral problems from out-of-state shelters at no cost to offer for adoption to paying customers in Oregon. Once animals were transported to Portland, Miller did not provide the care needed by these animals through a licensed veterinarian. Instead, their medical issues were either ignored or Miller attempted to treat the animals herself by administering prescription animal drugs without supervision of a veterinarian.

 

As part of the scheme, Miller used the alias “Mandy Myers” to hide her true identity. Miller advertised animals for adoption on Woofin Palooza and Petfinder websites with misleading or false statements of the known medical and behavioral issues. When victims adopted a pet, Miller misrepresented the extent of health and behavioral issues in communications and contracts with the victims. In some instances, Miller dispensed prescription animal drugs to victims that she had repackaged with false or misleading labels and without the order of a licensed veterinarian. As a result, victims unknowingly adopted unhealthy and aggressive animals and were forced to seek veterinary care and training, including euthanasia, often incurring significant expenses.

 

On February 7, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 4-count superseding indictment charging Miller with conspiring to commit wire fraud, conspiring to misbrand drugs, and misbranding animal drugs by dispensing them without a lawful order of a veterinarian and by repackaging and relabeling them.

 

On October 24, 2024, Miller pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and misbranding drugs by dispensing prescription animal drugs without a lawful order of a veterinarian.

 

This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto and Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has reviewed the most recent counterproposals from Providence, and these offers are nothing more than a slap in the face to the nearly 5,000 striking caregivers across the system. 

 

Providence’s proposals do not show any meaningful movement on the core issues facing our nurses: fair wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions.

 

But most shocking is that Providence’s proposals have removed ratification bonuses—bonuses that Providence has been touting to the press and in radio ads as an example of their “generous offer” to striking caregivers to settle this dispute.

 

This is not negotiation; it’s punishment. It is also a violation of federal law, regressive bargaining and an unfair labor practice.

 

Providence claims publicly they are ready to negotiate but these proposals prove they are not serious about engaging in meaningful dialogue. It’s time to end this strike, not by punishing nurses and doctors with backwards proposals, but by coming to the table in good faith. 

 

Providence's priorities are crystal clear when you look at their executive compensation. In 2023, more than $177 million was paid to just 164 executives, as reflected in Providence's publicly available financial filings. Among these executives were Rod Hochman, who retired at the end of 2024 and made $14.8 million in 2023, and Erik Wexler, who became CEO in 2025, who was previously making $5.2 million a year. 

 

The contrast between the lavish pay for those at the top and the struggling conditions for those on the frontlines is a direct reflection of Providence's failure to prioritize its workers and patients over excessive executive pay.

 

ONA wants to be 100% clear: bargaining is happening.   

 

We are actively engaged in bargaining right now by exchanging proposals with the employer; in fact, ONA provided counterproposals to Providence within 18 hours. ONA is committed to bargaining in a way that is reflective of the urgency of the moment, and we are open to face-to-face meetings or Zoom sessions as needed to move the process forward, but we are engaged in bargaining now. 

 

We just need a good faith partner to negotiate with. 

 

###

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018 

 

Extreme cold weather expected, Pacific Power ready for conditions

Company encourages customers to take steps to keep bills low

 

Portland, OR (Jan. 17, 2025) – Pacific Power is monitoring a weather system that is expected to bring extreme temperatures this weekend, likely resulting in higher than normal demand for electricity in the West as customers try to stay warm inside their homes.

 

Customers can conserve energy by shifting usage during periods of high demand, helping with the reliability of our electricity service while also saving money on their bills.

 

Pacific Power relies on a diverse mix of available energy resources to meet high demand, and the company is well positioned to meet and exceed customer expectations.

 

Here are some ways customers can help during periods of high demand:

• Set the thermostat to 68°F when you're at home. Lower the temperature by several degrees when you are away from home and at bedtime. 
• Clean or replace furnace filters often.  
• Weatherstrip exterior doors and caulk around window frames to seal air leaks. 
• Close drapes and blinds at night to keep heat in.
• Avoid use of portable space heaters.
• Limit use of appliances like ovens, dishwashers and clothes dryers in the morning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. 
• Set your water heater to 120°F and use efficient showerheads. 
• Turn off lights, computers and electronics when not in use. 

 

 

About Pacific Power 

 

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.    

 

XXX

POLICE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

The Police Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on February 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

 

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

 

1. Introductions

 

2. Approve November 21, 2024, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

    a) Keith Byrd; DPSST No. 37928
        Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certifications

 

    b) John Carter; DPSST No. 64289
        Basic, Management and Supervisory Police Certifications

 

    c) Maxwell Casquerio; DPSST No. 55070
        Basic Police Certification

 

    d) Robert Cheek; DPSST No. 62955
        Basic Police Certification

 

    e) Chris Uehara; DPSST No. 23999
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory and Management Police Certifications

 

    f) Trevor Middleton; DPSST No. 56655
        Basic Police Certification

 

    g) Richard Steinbronn; DPSST No. 32940
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisory Police Certifications

 

    h) Michael Nork; DPSST No. 43679
        Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certifications

 

4. Bradley McIntyre; DPSST No. 35126; Portland Police Bureau
   Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

5. Jeremiah Oswald; DPSST No. 60805; Washington County Sheriff's Office
   Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

6. Jared Paul; DPSST No. 57056; Oregon State Police Department
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

7. Jeromy Pilon; DPSST No. 54019; Newberg-Dundee Police Department
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

8. Agency Update

 

11. Next Police Policy Committee Meeting – May 22, 2025, at 10:00 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 Police 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.

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

To view the Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

 

Agenda Items:

 

1. Introductions

 

2. Approve October 15, 2024, and November 19, 2024, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Informational Update on the Fee Increases fir the Private Security Entity, Private Security Provider, And Private Security Investigator Certification and Licensure Programs

   Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-059-0070, 259-060-0500, and OAR 259-061-0010

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

 

4. Private Investigator Subcommittee Applicant Appointment

 

5. Private Investigator Subcommittee Chairperson Appointment

 

6. Agency Update

 

7. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – May 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.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 Private Security/Private Investigations 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.

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL FUND BOARD

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a regular meeting on January 23, 2025, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting that begins at 9:00 am. at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

 

Agenda Items

 

1. Introductions

 

2. Approve October 24, 2024, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Budget Update

   Presented by Kathy McAlpine

 

4. John Christopher Kilcullen (DPSST #35147); Eugene Police Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

    Presented by Kathy McAlpine

 

5. Next meeting – April 24, 2025, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting at 9:00 a.m.

 

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. 

Missing Runaway - William Herren

 

Case: 25-1199

 

Age: 15

Sex: Male

Race: White

Height: 5'5"

Weight: 130

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Blue

 

Information: On January 16, 2025, William Herren was reported as a runaway from the Cave Junction area. There is concern he will try to travel to Portland. He may be trying to conceal his face with a blue or black bandana. He is wearing clothing similar to the above photo and may have a black backpack with him.

 

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

 

TILLAMOOK, Oregon— Cape Lookout State Park will move its construction closure to fall 2025, which means summer campground reservations will reopen. 

 

The park was slated to close temporarily for construction starting in spring 2025, but the schedule has changed. 

 

All reservable campsites sites in A, B, C and D loops as well as deluxe cabins and yurts will be reservable online for stays May 31 through the current 6-month reservation window starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.

 

Cape Lookout is one of the nine GO Bond projects at Oregon State Parks supported through Oregon-issued general obligation bonds approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021.

 

Originally, the project included moving camp loops A & B to higher ground and away from encroaching seawater, but unexpected geological and safety concerns prevented the move. Now the work will focus on extending the life of the existing infrastructure and slated to include: 

• Reinforcing the existing dune to prevent seawater from entering the camp loops
• Upgrading electrical and water systems in C and D loops
• Day use improvements
• Replacing campground restroom/shower building

The work is scheduled to begin in fall of 2025 and extend into spring or summer 2026. The campground and day-use area will be closed during construction. 

We encourage visitors to monitor Oregon State Park website for up-to-date information about the Cape Lookout State Park GO Bond project and campground closures.

 

For more detailed information about the project visit the park construction web page.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Oregon Nurses Association received Providence’s counterproposals on Thursday afternoon while hundreds held the line at Providence hospitals around the state. At Providence St. Vincent, firefighters from IAFF Local 43 hosted a barbeque while other bargaining units received donations of food and snacks to keep them going.  

 

The proposals received by ONA from Providence do not reflect any meaningful movement on their previous offers or caregivers’ core priorities of safe staffing, market-competitive wages and employee health insurance. Along with the proposals, Providence sent a request for bargaining dates. Both are being reviewed and discussed by the bargaining units. 

 

Striking workers also congratulated nearly 120 Labcorp laboratory professionals at Providence Portland who filed their intent to form a union. The lab professionals organized with ONA’s sister union, Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP). 

 

Friday, January 17, 2025, will be a busy day on the line at Providence Portland. At 8 a.m. newly sworn-in Congresswoman Maxine Dexter will meet with striking members. Then at noon, striking nurses, physicians, and advanced practice providers from across Oregon will join a unity rally. 

  

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031) 

Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222) 

Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045) 

Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132)  

Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138) 

 

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers: 

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 Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line 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. 

 

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.    

 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.  

### 

 

FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY: 
 
Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to an ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.  
 
FRIDAY, JAN. 17: 8 AM 

U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter Visits Strike Line at Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

FRIDAY, JAN. 17: Noon 

Unity Rally at Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

 

SUNDAY, JAN. 19: 12:30 PM 

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden Visits Strike Line at Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

 

Additional dates and events will be shared as they become available.  

 

SALEM, Ore. — The Compliance Monitoring Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Thursday, Jan. 30, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Communication plan (Reforestation study)

• Update from Mt. Hood Environmental on roads & steeps slopes protocol

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing ta.L.FriasBedolla@odf.oregon.gov">marta.l.friasbedolla@odf.oregon.gov.

 

The CMP Committee assists efforts to monitor compliance with Forest Practices Rules. The committee advises ODF regarding monitoring projects and procedures. View more information on the CMPC webpage.

 

 

The FBI is asking the public to report any information related to the series of dangerous attacks in October at ballot box locations in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon.

 

As law enforcement continues to investigate, we ask you to report unusual behaviors or the presence of materials and tools that could help law enforcement identify the person responsible before they act out again. Specifically, law enforcement is looking for someone who is unusually knowledgeable about explosives or incendiary devices, particularly thermite, and/or has an interest in grinding or welding metal.

 

We need your help to identify the person responsible for placing these devices to ensure that they will not harm themself or others. The thermite devices they have created can cause severe injuries and damage to structures.

 

To date, no one has been injured by these devices, but they are extremely dangerous and could cause serious injury.

 

Observations to consider between October 8, 2024, and now:

• Did someone brag or show approval or admiration for the person who placed the devices on the ballot boxes?
• Did someone follow the story of these ballot box fires very closely or exhibit an unusual response to the reporting of this story?
• Did someone show increased anxiety about the topic or express fears about being identified as a suspect? 
• Did you notice unusual packages or storing of metal shavings or unexplained fire damage to a home or other structure, a field, or a wilderness area?
• Did you notice unusual behaviors such as someone researching thermite, grinding metals, and obtaining small scraps of metal (including pipe endcaps, nuts, and bolts) or welding small projects?Did someone you know recently dispose of or stop using a Volvo S-60 sedan?

Reward

 

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible for these crimes. Anyone can view or download the FBI’s Seeking Information Poster and the surveillance video from the Portland incident.

 

CrimeStoppers of Oregon is offering a separate reward on behalf of Portland Police Bureau of up to $2,500. (CrimeStoppers of Oregon and Portland Police Bureau will be responsible for determining any payment for this separate reward.)

 

Background Information

 

The FBI has been working with our partners at the Portland Police Bureau and Vancouver Police Department to positively identify the person responsible for placing homemade thermite devices on ballot boxes. 

 

Incidents:

1.     October 8, 2024 – Ballot box located at the intersection of W 14^th Street and Esther Street in Vancouver at approximately 3:45 am.

2.     October 28, 2024 – Ballot box located on the north side of the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center in Vancouver near the SE 164^th Avenue entrance at approximately 2:35 am.

3.     October 28, 2024 – Ballot box located at the intersection of SE Belmont Street and SE 11^th Avenue in Portland at approximately 3:08 am.

 

Vehicle:

The suspect was driving a black or dark grey 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan with a light-colored interior. The car has a sunroof and dark after-market wheel rims, and, at the time of the crime, is missing the Volvo logo normally affixed to the front grill.

 

Devices:

The suspect welded the three devices using metal for the exterior and inserted thermite into the devices. Thermite looks like metal shavings and/or a metal-based powder. The amount of shavings/powder can be small.

 

Tips

 

If you have any information on this suspect or these crimes, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit your information online at tips.fbi.gov. Tips can remain anonymous.

 

###

January 16, 2025

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

Tribes, 34 organizations, receive $23 million to support home repairs

OHA’s Healthy Homes Grant Program seeks improved housing conditions, health outcomes for low-income residents to prevent displacement

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has awarded $23 million to repair and rehabilitate homes of low-income residents to eliminate risks to residents’ health to the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon and 34 local organizations. The funds are from the Healthy Homes Grant Program (HHGP), established to improve health by rehabilitating living environments in Oregon.

“Research has shown there is an inextricable link between a person’s health and housing status, and that quality of housing is a social determinant of health,” said Oregon Public Health Division Director Naomi Adeline-Biggs, MBBS, MPH. “With the Healthy Homes grants, Oregon is helping to prevent and reduce short- and long-term negative health outcomes by addressing the quality of housing as a public health issue.”

People living in poverty are more likely to live in substandard housing that is not healthy or safe and are at higher risk of losing homes that are not well-maintained or repaired. Older and substandard housing is more likely to contain hazards such as peeling or deteriorated lead-based paint. Delaying maintenance can lead to leaking roofs or pipes, which can cause mold. Uninsulated homes can be drafty and uncomfortable for residents and result in higher energy bills.

Homes that are not well-maintained or repaired can also lead to lead poisoning, asthma and other respiratory diseases, cancer, unintended injures, increased stress, poor school attendance for children and missed workdays for parents. Improved housing conditions for low-income families can prevent illness and reduce their health care costs, improve safety, conserve natural resources and reduce energy costs for occupants.

The organizations—nonprofits, local housing authorities, community action agencies and local governments serving communities in all areas of the state—are each receiving between $199,980 to $750,000 to use over a three-year period. The grants are intended to help homeowners and landlords repair and rehabilitate homes inhabited by low-income residents, including renters, to improve their environmental health and safety.

The Oregon Legislature established the HHGP in 2021. It directs OHA to provide grants to local organizations serving low-income residents to repair and rehabilitate homes, including rental properties, throughout the state.

Funding recipients

OHA is awarding nearly $20.4 million in HHGP funds to 34 organizations through a competitive grant process and were selected from a pool of 75 applicants. The grantees with the strongest proposals for meeting the priorities set in state law include organizations experienced in improving the health or safety of occupants of residences, maximizing energy efficiency or extending the usable life of homes which serves eligible households in Oregon; and organizations serving historically unrepresented and underserved communities, including people of color, those who are low income, and American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

In addition, OHA has set aside $3 million in HHGP funds for the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, honoring government-to-government relationships. OHA is working with each Tribe to award this funding.

For a video highlighting this work and to hear from recipients themselves, visit this link.

A full list of competitive grant recipients are available on the HHGP website, www.oregon.gov/healthyhomes.

Project examples

Examples of funded projects include home assessments to identify priority structural, health and safety repair needs; energy efficiency updates to protect against extreme temperatures; roof replacements; making homes less susceptible to wildfire damage; and abatement of radon, mold, mildew, and lead-based paint.

The projects will use HHGP funds to fill gaps and leverage other state and federal funding, such as Community Development Block Grants, Weatherization Assistance Program funding and the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.

Grant funding schedule

OHA sent letters of intent to successful grant applicants in August and has been working with individual organizations to finalize grant agreements. The agency hopes to finish executing the grant agreements by the end of January. Grant recipients will have up to three years to complete their projects.

###

SALEM, Ore. —  The Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) is a new component to Oregon’s statewide land use planning system intended to facilitate housing production, affordability and choice to meet housing needs for Oregonians statewide. Three state agencies have vital roles in implementing the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA). Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) are undertaking various tasks outlined by House Bill 2001 (2023).

 

The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) unanimously adopted the first set of rules DLCD will use to implement comprehensive, system-wide housing planning reforms to make meaningful progress in addressing Oregon’s housing crisis in December 2024. DLCD aims to reform the implementation of housing planning from a narrow focus on zoning and land capacity towards a more comprehensive framework that considers the state’s specific housing needs. The new approach emphasizes the role state and local governments play in taking action to promote housing production, affordability, and choice within communities across Oregon. LCDC will adopt additional rules associated with the legislation by January 2026. Information about this rulemaking effort is available on the DLCD website.

 

"Our department looks forward to rolling up our sleeves and working closely with local governments and our partner agencies to implement this critical reform to our state’s land use planning program,” said DLCD Director Brenda Bateman. “The factors that have contributed to our state’s current housing shortage are complex, I am proud of the role that DLCD and our commission is playing to get closer to a future where all Oregonians have access to housing that meets their unique needs.”

 

DAS developed a methodology to estimate the state's total number of housing units needed over a 20-year time period and set housing production benchmarks for cities with 10,000 or more people.  DAS published the methodology and production targets at the beginning of the month and will do so annually.

 

“OHNA represents a deeply analytical approach toward statewide land use planning for both housing and urbanization,” said Carl Riccadonna, state chief economist. Carl leads the Office of Economic Analysis at the Department of Administrative Services. “This is the first time that a statewide methodology has been implemented and considers more components than prior methodologies enacted at the local level. In balancing priorities of responsible land stewardship and equitable economic development, Oregon state government takes an important step toward alleviating a nation-wide housing affordability crisis and securing the economic future of all Oregonians.”

 

OHCS developed a housing production dashboard to monitor local governments' progress towards its housing production targets. Additionally, OHCS established indicators for monitoring equitable housing outcomes by local governments. OHCS will publish the production dashboard and the housing equity indicators annually, starting with the first release on Jan. 1.

 

“We are incredibly proud of the collaboration with other state agencies, local partners, and nonprofit organizations that helped us create these tools to measure housing progress in Oregon,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Creating affordable housing is not just about building structures, it’s about communities coming together with the collective goal to help one another.”

 

About the Department of Land Conservation and Development

 

Oregon's statewide land use planning program, established in 1973 under Senate Bill 100, aims to protect farm and forest lands, conserve natural resources, and support livable communities. The program helps guide the development of land for housing, industry, commercial use, transportation, and agriculture, ensuring that growth is sustainable and well-coordinated. Administered by the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), the program is overseen by the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC), a seven-member volunteer board. Cities and counties in Oregon are required to adopt comprehensive plans that meet state standards, which are outlined in 19 Statewide Planning Goals that address land use, development, housing, transportation, and natural resource conservation.

 

About the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and Office of Economic Analysis (OEA)

 

The Department of Administrative Services is the central administrative department of Oregon state government. The DAS mission is to lead state agencies through collaboration in service of Oregonians. The Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) within DAS provides objective forecasts of the state's economy, revenue, population, corrections population and Youth Authority population. These forecasts are used by the Governor, the Legislature, state agencies and the public to achieve their goals.

 

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.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - When Providence finally agreed to return to negotiations with nearly 5,000 striking frontline caregivers, the bargaining teams from the Oregon Nurses Association moved quickly and sent proposals to Providence from all 11 bargaining units. More than 24 hours later, and Providence has not responded. 

 

Providence claims to be ready to resume negotiations but their lack of response and urgency demonstrates they may not be as serious about negotiations as they previously claimed.  

 

Instead of responding to ONA’s proposals, Providence spent the day trying to divide frontline caregivers with coercive messages about crossing the strike line. The Oregon Nurses Association is calling on Providence to take negotiations seriously so we can reach a fair contract and end this strike. 

 

The strike lines are strong and getting stronger as frontline caregivers are resolved to reach fair contracts that address the systemic issues facing Providence like chronic understaffing, high turnover rates, and lower standards in patient care. 

 

ONA’s proposals include language on the following:

 

Safe Staffing – ONA proposes that each hospital incorporate patient acuity into all units and hospital staffing plans to determine the appropriate number of patients a nurse can be assigned. Nurses caring for patients with higher acuity, who require more attention, should be assigned fewer patients to ensure they can spend more time with those with the greatest need. 
 
Providence, however, has rejected proposals to have acuity factored into staffing plan ratios. This will ultimately limit the amount of time nurses can spend with patients who require the most care and could negatively impact patient outcomes.

 

Market Competitive Wages – Frontline caregivers are not asking for exorbitant wages; we are asking for market-competitive compensation that recognizes our experience, hard work, and value to the communities we serve. It is crucial to remember that wages are also key to recruitment and retention of staff which, in turn, impacts chronic unsafe staffing conditions that put both patients and healthcare workers at risk. ONA is asking for wage increases that will bring Providence more in line with market leaders.  

 

It is important to note that these wage offers from Providence, if agreed to, would still mean their frontline caregivers would be far behind the market on wages. Specifically, by 2026, Providence nurses with 15 years of experience would earn approximately $8,000 less annually than their counterparts at OHSU, based on Providence’s current wage offers.    

 

Employee Health Insurance -– Providence employees can pay upwards of $6,300 dollars in out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles while employees at Kaiser, the market leader in employee healthcare, pay only $10 out of pocket for procedures and doctors' visits.  

 

ONA has proposed lowering health care premiums and copays for employees or an Aetna Impact Fund to make up for the cost increases because of Providences transition to Aetna to manage their employee health insurance. ONA has also proposed a Letter of Agreement to convene a regional task force to explore new ways to provide health insurance to ONA members, including exploring a healthcare trust. 

 

Providence has rejected any changes to health insurance benefits. 

LAKEVIEW, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management today announced the release of the record of decision and approved resource management plan for the Lakeview planning area, which covers 3.2 million acres of public lands in Lake and Harney counties. The amendment updates the 2003 plan, providing management direction for livestock grazing and off-highway vehicle use to protect important landscapes while providing continued public access. It also preserves natural landscapes and protects 415,000 acres of lands with wilderness characteristics.

 

“These expansive, natural landscapes are special places that provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive, unconfined recreation,” said Lakeview District Manager Todd Forbes. “This update will help shape BLM’s management of these lands and resources for the next two decades.”

 

Tribal governments, local and state agencies, the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council, and members of the public provided valuable input and feedback during the planning process. The BLM considered approximately 1,300 comments while developing the plan amendment. The BLM’s updated analysis responds to requirements of a 2010 settlement agreement on the Bureau’s management of lands with wilderness characteristics, off-highway vehicle use, and grazing management.

 

To preserve unique and special landscapes, cross-country off-highway vehicle use will be limited to about 70,000 acres within the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes and other areas scattered across the planning area where cross country use is already occurring. Vehicular use will be allowed on existing or designated routes across 3.1 million acres in the planning area.

 

The amendment also provides additional guidance on the implementation of Standards for Rangeland Health and processing of voluntarily relinquished livestock grazing permits.

 

The resource management plan and associated final environmental impact statement is available at the BLM National NEPA Register.

UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST, Ore.— This summer, the Lone Rock Fire, driven by 30 mph winds, scorched more than 137,000 acres of the Umatilla National Forest and adjoining lands, leaving many of the trees burned and lifeless. 

“The fires this year have decimated our forests, and we will be working hard for years to re-establish them,” said Brandon Ferguson, Forest Resource Manager for the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) John Day Unit. “However, in part of the Kahler Basin where the forest was treated through the work of the Federal Forest Restoration (FFR) Program it is a different story. Most of those trees have more than 40 percent of their live crown intact and will not only survive but should thrive in the coming years,” said Ferguson who oversees a group of ODF foresters who assist private landowners manage their forestland in a five-county area.

The multi-year Kahler Dry Forest Restoration Project treated 33,000 acres of federal land. Of that, 1,220 acres were impacted by the Lone Rock Fire but fared significantly better thanks to proactive treatments.  

“Forest treatments included commercial and non-commercial thinning of the trees, prescribed burning of activity fuels, improvements to forest roads, fire line construction, and more,” said Kyle Sullivan-Astor, ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Program Lead. 

The FFR program aims to create healthier, more resilient forests capable of withstanding threats like wildfire, insect outbreaks, and disease, while reducing their impacts in treated areas.

“The FFR program was created to accelerate the pace, scale and quality of forest restoration and resilience across Oregon's federal forests,” said Sullivan-Astor. “ODF plays a key role by providing local expertise and capacity to federal landowners, in this case the U.S. Forest Service.”

 

A Long-Term, Collaborative Effort

The Kahler Dry Forest Restoration Project planning started in 2011, with on-the-ground implementation starting in 2016. Most of the work was completed by the end of 2022.

 “For the Kahler Project, the FFR Program provided $512,000, with $268,686 going to crew funding and the rest for planning and capacity building,” said Sullivan-Astor.

The planning and capacity building is where ODF and its people make a big difference.

“We used our seasonal firefighting crews to perform a wide range of fieldwork, including marking trees, cruising, flagging, and prepping for commercial thinning” said Mike Billman, ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Unit Forester in the La Grande office. 

For the Kahler Project, crews worked in unusual weather conditions.

“It was brutal. Our crews had snowmobiles and show shoes, and it was 30 below a couple of nights,” said Billman of the one-time extreme early weather event for the project. “They were staying in a guard station out in the forest, so it was bare bones accommodations and not very pleasant.”

Despite the challenges, ODF crews completed the fieldwork on schedule, laying the groundwork for the next phases of the project.

Partnerships Build Success

Collaboration with local partners was critical to the project’s success.

“At the same time ODF crews were doing field work, we worked with local partners to help build expertise, capacity and community support for this project and future ones,” said Sullivan-Astor.   “The Umatilla Forest Collaborative (now the Northern Blues Forest Collaborative) was critical to build public support and for the planning of the project. They received two grants; one was a capacity grant and the other was a Technical Assistance and Science Support (TASS) grant.”  

These investments strengthen local forest collaboratives, helping them develop shared agreement on vegetation management in federal forests managed by the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management.

 

Economic and Community Benefits

In addition to improving forest health and fire resilience, the FFR Program delivers economic and community benefits.

“Commercial thinning provides timber to local sawmills, work for timber operators, and the lumber needed to build homes,” said Sullivan-Astor. “In Eastern Oregon, infrastructure and training opportunities are limited. These projects not only create immediate work but also help build long-term expertise and capacity to continue this important work.”

In addition, most of the work is done on federal forests that border or are near private and ODF wildfire protected areas.

“If we can help our federal partners treat more forestland more effectively, it benefits ODF’s firefighting efforts and helps protect public and private resources,” said Sullivan-Astor. “This includes not just timber and wildlife habitat, but also critical infrastructure like utility lines and private buildings.”

 

Impact on Wildfire Resilience

While forest treatments cannot prevent wildfires entirely, they do reduce fire severity and improve landscape resilience, giving firefighters opportunities to suppress fires more effectively and protect nearby communities.

“The program is a win-win for everyone,” said Sullivan-Astor. “For relatively modest costs, we can greatly reduce wildfire impacts, protect lives and property, and cut the cost of fighting large, severe wildfires.”

For more information on the FFR Program see its recently released report or visit ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Program webpage.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Upon hearing that Providence was ready to restart negotiations with all bargaining units, bargaining team members from 11 striking units submitted proposals late Tuesday through federal mediators. The proposals address the systemic issues impacting Providence hospitals and clinics across the state like chronic understaffing and competitive compensation packages to recruit and retain more staff. Bargaining teams are awaiting a response from Providence. We have not heard a response from Providence, and we hope they are taking this process seriously so we can reach a fair contract. 

 

Healthcare workers proved once again that even though they are off the job, they aren’t off duty. On Wednesday, nurses and hospitalists at Providence St. Vincent took part in an all-day mobile blood drive across from the hospital. Another blood donation event will take place on Monday, Jan. 20 and is an opportunity to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr.  

 

On Thursday, Jan. 16, firefighters from Local 43 will host a barbecue at Providence St. Vincent. This will be the second time firefighters have shown support for striking nurses. The last time was June 2024, when nurses held a three-day limited-duration strike followed by a two-day picket because of an illegal lockout by Providence.  

 

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031) 

Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222) 

Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045) 

Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132)  

Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138) 

 

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers: 

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 Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line 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. 

 

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.    

 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.  
 

### 

 

FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY: 
 
Schedules are subject to change. Please contact the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.  

 

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES  
 
THURSDAY, JAN. 16: 8 – 9:30 AM 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) - Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org 

 

THURSDAY, JAN. 16: 11 AM – 1 PM 

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) - Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) - Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

 

Additional dates and events will be shared with media members as they are available.  

January 15, 2025, 16:06:17; Structure Fire; 36xx block Lakeshore Drive, Selma. The Illinois Valley Fire District initially responded to a reported vehicle fire. While en-route, dispatch upgraded the incident to a structure fire, prompting the dispatch of additional units, including Rural Metro Fire - Josephine County and AMR-Josephine County. Upon arrival, crews encountered a single-family dwelling fully involved in fire. IVFD successfully contained the fire, subsequently releasing Rural Metro Fire to cover the district. The fire was visible from adjacent roadways and was successfully contained. No injuries were reported among civilians or fire personnel. Concurrently, Rural Metro Fire - Josephine County responded to a separate medical aid incident in conjunction with AMR.

Portland, OR– State agencies will meet by teleconference on January 30 on a proposed chemical process gold mine in Malheur County.

 

The Technical Review Team (TRT) will meet by teleconference on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST.

 

The public notice and related documents are available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/mlrr/Pages/Calico-GrassyMtn_projectDocuments.aspx

 

The public and media can listen to the meetings by joining the Zoom Meeting online, or by phone. For online meeting details and call-in instructions, see the meeting agenda in the public notice. For further information, contact the DOGAMI Albany office at (541) 967-2083 or email: mation.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov">information.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov.

 

The TRT is an inter-disciplinary team of state agencies that reviews information and concerns related to a proposed mine during all phases of the application process, and ultimately develops consolidated permit conditions that conform to Oregon regulations.

 

###

January 15, 2025

Media Contact: Tim Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

State program urges testing during National Radon Action Month in January

Colorless, odorless gas is second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urging home radon testing during January, when winter heating season is at its peak and tightly closed windows and doors increase people’s exposure to the odorless, tasteless, invisible gas.

January is National Radon Action Month. Each year, OHA promotes the annual observance by encouraging people in Oregon to take steps to reduce their exposure to radon by testing their homes for the gas and, if necessary, hiring a professional to reduce radon to a safe level.

Many parts of Oregon remain at risk of high radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes up from the ground and is drawn into buildings, where it can build up to dangerous levels.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates radon is responsible for around 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and it’s the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

“During the heating season or colder months, when windows and doors are closed for long periods of time, people have more exposure to potentially high radon levels because they are spending more time indoors,” said Brett Sherry, program manager for OHA’s Healthy Homes & Schools Unit, which oversees the Oregon Radon Awareness Program.

“That exposure could significantly increase with so many people working from home,” he said.

National Radon Awareness Month is a great time to remind folks that the only way for them to know if they have high radon levels in their homes is to test.

The Radon Awareness Program monitors which areas of the state have the potential for high radon levels and identifies regions where educational outreach efforts need to be focused. The program is offering a free radon test kit to residents whose homes are in ZIP codes with fewer than 20 radon test results. Residents can learn more about the free radon test kit program and how to apply at www.healthoregon.org/radon. Free test kits are available while supplies last.

Home testing kits can be purchased at hardware or home improvement stores, with prices ranging from $20 to $30. You can also order a radon test kit online from the American Lung Association. If you would prefer to have a professional test your home, contact a certified radon measurement company.

For more information on radon, including which areas of the state are at moderate to high risk of elevated radon levels, radon testing and mitigation options, or to order a test kit online, contact OHA’s Radon Awareness Program at adon.program@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">radon.program@oha.oregon.gov or visit www.healthoregon.org/radon.

###

Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  Registration is now open for the 2025 Run for the Trees at www.orparksforever.org.

 

Participants can run, walk, hike, skate, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15.

 

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.

 

Gather your friends, family and/or colleagues and create your own walk or run. Make it fun!

 

Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

 

As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its fifth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include ten other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland and Virginia will “lock arms” as they help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

 

“We are thrilled to partner with Bob Ross, Inc. and these other ten states on the Happy Little 5K concept as a way to honor the late Bob Ross and create a legacy event to plant trees,” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.”

 

Oregon Parks Forever joined this event as an expansion of our efforts to fund the replanting of trees killed by wildfires, heat domes and invasive insects.  Over the past three years, Oregon Parks Forever has been able to fund the replanting of more than 800,000 trees across Oregon.

 

“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.”

 

Learn more about the program at  www.orparksforever.org.

 

 

 

SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Forest Resources Division update
• Small Forestland Owner Office update
• Legislature update
• Intro and discussion with potential industry representative – Jake Ryan
• Board of Forestry update
• Discuss upcoming meeting schedule and agenda topics

Agenda item added:

• Informing Small Forestland Owners

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 24 hours before the meeting by emailing estlands@odf.oregon.gov">committee.of.family.forestlands@odf.oregon.gov.

 

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. View more information on the CFF webpage.

Salem, OR—Oregonians looking for assistance in electronically filing their taxes for free, could find help as close as their local library this tax season.

 

Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will be traveling to libraries in 17 different communities across the state in February, March, and April to assist taxpayers in using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to complete their returns.

The one-day tax help clinics are planned at libraries in:

 

Bandon	North Bend
Burns	Prineville
Coquille	Pendleton
Cornelius	Roseburg
The Dalles	Salem
Klamath Falls	Seaside
Lebanon	Sweet Home
McMinnville	Toledo
	Tualatin

 

Dates, times, and addresses for each clinic can be found on the Free Direct File assistance at local libraries webpage.

 

Last year, more than 140,000 taxpayers in 12 other states filed their federal tax returns using a limited IRS Direct File pilot program while nearly 7,000 Oregon taxpayers filed their state returns using the free, state-only Direct File Oregon option.

 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in May that it would make IRS Direct File a permanent option for taxpayers and invited all 50 states to participate. Oregon was the first of 13 new states to accept the invitation from the IRS in June creating a seamless free e-filing system for both federal and state taxes.

 

With the two direct file systems connected, the IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon taxpayers will be able to e-file both their federal and state returns for free in 2025.

The department believes that offering free assistance will help maximize the number of Oregonians who choose to use the new free option and make it possible for many who don’t have a filing requirement to file and claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families.

 

For example, the IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.

 

Taxpayers should use the IRS eligibility checker to see if they’ll be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Eligible taxpayers should set up an IRS online account and an account with Oregon’s Revenue Online before they come to an event. Taxpayers attending an event should bring the following information with them.

 

Identification documents

• Social security card or ITIN for everyone on your tax return
• Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (such as driver’s license or passport)

Common income and tax documents

• Forms W2 (wages from a job)

• Forms 1099 (other kinds of income)
• Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)

 

Optional documents to download

• Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
• Last year’s tax return

Taxpayers can signup for the new “Oregon Tax Tips” direct email newsletter to keep up with information about tax return filing and how to claim helpful tax credits. 

 

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Allen Lamont James, died the evening of January 14, 2025. James was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

 

James entered DOC custody on June 26, 2007, from Washington County with an earliest release date of October 2, 2031. James was 77 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

 

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

 

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

 

 

####

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Another day of strong strike lines as nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates and certified nurse midwives held the line at eight Providence hospitals. That pressure combined with community and elected support resulted in Providence announcing that it is ready to get back to bargaining – with all 11 bargaining units. Providence has been spending an estimated $25.39 million per week on replacement nurses - approximately $1,400 per replacement nurse per day. This does not include the immeasurable cost of the replacement hospitalists and other caregivers from Providence St. Vincent and the Providence Women’s Clinics. Healthcare workers remain united and committed to negotiating in good faith to secure fair contracts and improve care for their patients. This strike is about achieving lasting, meaningful change for workers and patients alike.

Always willing to help where they can, on Wednesday nurses and hospitalists at Providence St. Vincent will participate in an all-day mobile blood drive across from the hospital. Those who organized the event felt that it was a small way to help the community, especially since the country is in the middle of a shortage.  

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers:
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 Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line 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.

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org. 
###
 
FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:
Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews. 

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15: 8 – 10 AM
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

THURSDAY, JAN. 16: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) - Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) - Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) - Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

Additional dates and events will be shared with media members as they are available.