On Monday, February 16^th, 2026 the Lincoln City Police Department K9 Nix was able to lend a paw to local Girl Scout Troop 10143 who are working on their Animal Helper’s Badge. K9 Nix, along with Curry of Guide Dogs for the Blind, demonstrated how animal partners can help keep people safe by relying on the connection between humans and animals.

K9 Nix continues to be a special part of our Department and local Community, which goes far beyond her abilities in tracking and apprehension. We are lucky to have her as an animal ambassador. It was only with assistance from financial contributions by the citizens of Lincoln City that we were able to launch our K9 Program in the first place and we continue to express our gratitude for their ongoing support!

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 42-year-old Michael Trevor Owen Naughton of Eugene. Naughton was reported missing earlier today after walking to get gas for his vehicle in the Vida area of McKenzie Highway, east Springfield. 

Lane County Sheriff's Search & Rescue is actively searching the area with assistance from Oregon State Police as well as drone operators from Mohawk Valley Fire and Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District.

His vehicle, a silver 2009 Ford Fusion with Idaho plates, has also not been located. Naughton may have driven or hitchhiked back into Eugene.

Naughton is described as a white male adult, standing approximately 5’10” tall and weighing about 170 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. It is unknown what he was last wearing. 

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 option 1.

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

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

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

The highway remained open during the on-scene investigation.

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

OSP was assisted by South Lane Fire and Rescue, Taylor’s Towing, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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

UPDATE: Arrests made in road rage shooting incident. 

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

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

Both suspects were lodged at the Marion County Jail.

No additional information is available for release at this time. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE 02/19/2026 3:15 PM

CANYONVILLE, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has located Hannah Olsen in the Azalea area alive and unharmed. Her family has been notified. The Sheriff's Office would like to thank the community for their assistance in locating her. No further updates are expected. 

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ORIGINAL RELEASE 02/19/2026 12:40 PM

ROSEBURG, Ore. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing person identified as 22-year-old Hannah Elizabeth Olsen of Canyonville.

Olsen, who also goes by the names “Quinn” or “Xavier,” was last seen on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at approximately 3:15 p.m. at her residence in the area of NE Canyon Drive in Canyonville. She is believed to have left the residence on foot later that evening.

Olsen is described as a white female adult standing at 5’6” tall, weighing 140 lbs with dark blonde hair and brown eyes. She was last known to be wearing purple-framed glasses, dark blue and grey zip-up hooded sweatshirt, pink t-shirt, blue sweatpants. She was seen carrying a small black backpack-style purse and a custom white a blue wolf-print blanked with the name Hannah on it.

Family members report that Olsen is currently experiencing a mental health crisis and requires routine medication to manage medical conditions.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Hannah is urged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 440-4471 referencing case number 26-0538.

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

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

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

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

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

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

OSP was assisted by the Lakeside Fire Department, Houser Fire Department, Winchester Bay Fire Department, Lower Umpqua Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

# # #

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 19, 2026

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Scouting America

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman issued a proclamation on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe the month of February 2026 as Scouting America Month.  Scouting America, formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, was incorporated on February 8, 1910, in Washington, D.C, by Chicago newspaper publisher William D. Boyce, and for 116 years has focused on youth development by building character, citizenship and outdoor skills.  Since its inception in 1910, they have engaged more than 130 million youth and 35 million adult volunteers.  A copy of the video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment, as well as on Douglas County’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-565_6S9VE&t=818s.

The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged, “Scouting America prepares youth to “Be Prepared for Life” - through values-based leadership training, personal development, and practical life skills that foster a pipeline of responsible, engaged citizens prepared to serve their communities.  Today, they have over one million youth members between the ages of 5 and 20 along with over 500,000 volunteers nationwide.” 

Commissioner Kress presented proclamation certificates to representatives, volunteers, and scouts from Scouting America’s Pacific Crest Council’s Doug Fir District right here in Douglas County, including Chris McCullough (Chairman Doug Fir District), Peter Sudduth (Executive Director Doug Fir District), Hannah McCullough (Oregon’s National Section Vice Chief/Eagle Scout/Troop 585), Troop 114, Katrina Rossbach (Committee Chair Troop 114/Pack 199), Scout Liam Rossbach; Troop 585, Scout Ana Lastra, Cub Scout Pack 199, Webelo Arthur Rossbach, Cub Scout Pack 697, Lion Ellie Hunt, Wolf Abraham Lastra, Bear Kieko Lastra, Troop 36, Scout Logan Standley, Gina Standley (Committee Chair Troop 36), and Lisa McCullough (Committee Chair Troop 585). 

“Commissioners thank you for having us.  Scouting is near and dear to my heart.  We moved to Douglas County 30 years ago when I was hired to be the professional supporter in the area,” stated Chris McCullough.  “Today I am Chairman of the Board and a Scout Master to a great group of scouts.  We are very excited to have a great year of scouting coming.  All of our scouts are going to summer camp and they are out there in the community doing great things.  As the proclamation mentioned, they log thousands of hours in community service projects each year in Douglas County.  We also have a handful of scouts working on their Eagle Scout Projects.  Most of scouting is intangible, you can’t touch it.  How do you measure character? How do you measure fitness?  But you can measure those little things that they have done like building bridges, trails, paths and the pounds of food they collect annually.  I’m proud to say that Scouting is still strong in Douglas County.”

After the presentation of certificates, Chris McCullough, Chairman of the Doug Fir District, Peter Sudduth, Executive Director of the Pacific Crest Council, Hannah McCullough and Katrina Rossbach were invited up to say a few words about Scouting America in Douglas County.  They thanked the Board of Commissioners for their support, encouragement, and recognition of Scouting America and the opportunities it provides for youth in our County.

“Doug Fir District has about 130 registered scouts and roughly the same number of volunteers.  Interestingly enough it takes just as many volunteers as scouts for scouting to survive and prosper.  We consider Scouting a family event from cub scout to eagle scout and beyond.  It takes a family to do this right.  A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. What else do children emulate to be the best they can be?  That is what scouting does. Thank you for Commissioners for this proclamation,” stated Peter Sudduth. 

Douglas County Commissioners proclaimed the month of February 2026 as Scouting America Month in Douglas County and encouraged all our citizens to observe this month by learning about and supporting local Scouting America’s programs.  According to their website, “Scouting invites every youth to a safe, fun place to learn, explore, and grow.”  To learn more about the Scouting America log onto their website: https://www.scouting.org/.

“I love having you Scouts here.  I went through scouting when I was a kid.  My Mom was a Den leader for a bunch of us, and I noticed that the uniforms haven’t changed much since I was a kid.  It’s great to see you and I’m glad you are all involved,” commented Commissioner Chris Boice. 

“Thank you all.  I participated in the Scouts program when I was young.  Great program.  I am glad it’s still very active and your ability to volunteer and help youth is amazing.  I appreciate you all being here,” remarked Commissioner Tim Freeman. 

“It’s definitely an honor for us to have you folks here.  Any of you that aspire to be an Eagle Scout, I know that is quite the effort and commitment from not only the scout but for the family as well.  My son became an Eagle Scout, and I commend all those that are or have gone through the program.” - Commissioner Tom Kress.

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

Assets Attached.  Photo: ©T.Howell/Douglas County.  Photos Available Upon Request

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

February 19, 2026  

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

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

With revolving balances topping $1.28 trillion, credit union shares practical guidance to use credit as a tool — not a trap

PORTLAND, Ore. – New data shows U.S. credit card debt has climbed to nearly $1.28 trillion, placing household revolving balances near record highs. As interest rates remain elevated, how consumers use credit matters more than ever.

“Credit itself isn’t the problem; it’s how it’s used,” says Meredith Bureau, Hillsdale branch manager at OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Good credit can support long-term goals and financial stability, while high-interest, revolving debt can undermine progress if it’s left unchecked.”

With the latest statistics from the Federal Reserve and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York showing American consumers have amassed about $1.28 trillion in revolving credit card balances, OnPoint encourages consumers in Oregon and southwest Washington to ask whether credit use is helping or hurting their financial health. OnPoint offers the following guidance to help navigate today’s credit landscape:

1. Understand the difference between good and bad credit. Good credit is typically tied to long-term goals such as education, a home or reliable transportation. It is managed with a clear repayment plan. Bad credit often shows up as high-interest, revolving balances that grow over time and strain monthly budgets.
2. Pay attention to interest rates, not just balances. With credit card rates remaining high, even modest balances can generate significant interest costs. Paying off higher-rate debt first can lead to faster savings.
3. Watch for warning signs. Relying on credit cards for everyday essentials, carrying balances near credit limits, or making only minimum payments can signal that credit is becoming a liability rather than a tool.
4. Create a payoff strategy. Listing balances, interest rates and due dates helps bring clarity. Focusing on the highest-interest balance first or setting up automatic payments can reduce stress and prevent late fees.
5. Consider consolidation — carefully. Options like personal loans or balance transfers can make sense as long as they have a clear plan and timeline to pay down debt, rather than simply extending it.
6. Use trusted financial guidance. Credit unions often provide personalized counseling, budgeting tools and member-focused products designed to help people manage credit responsibly and build stronger financial footing. OnPoint members can also access personalized financial counseling through the credit union’s GreenPath Financial Wellness partnership.​

“Credit should work for you, not against you,” Bureau adds. “Small, intentional steps, especially now, can make a meaningful difference in both credit scores and peace of mind. And OnPoint is here to support our members as they achieve their financial goals.”

MOVE OVER. IT’S THE LAW     
 

Every day, first responders take on personal risk to serve our communities and save lives. Even a routine traffic stop has become risky. The following information comes from the Oregon Department of Transportation (www.oregon.gov/ODOT) and can help keep first responders and commuters safer.

There have been many cases where officers are pulled over on the side of the road when drivers have then crashed into them at high speeds. That’s why there’s a strict law in Oregon designed to help prevent these situations from happening again.

The Move Over Law (ORS 811.147) states that if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated, you must:

• MOVE OVER into another available lane.
• If you can’t safely change lanes, SLOW DOWN to a speed that is at least 5 mph below the posted or designated speed of the roadway.
• In all cases, the driver must try to provide as much room as possible for the emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle.

The Move Over Law is in place to help protect law enforcement officers, emergency workers, tow operators and those who routinely provide assistance to motorists along the highways. This group of dedicated professionals face a deadly threat on a daily basis: speeding and inattentive drivers. But the law also exists to protect you. The flashing lights are your cue to move over and slow down.

If you are approaching the scene of a crash, carefully watch for emergency workers directing traffic and follow all of their instructions.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has continued its investigation into reported injuries to students in the Developmental Learning Center at Fremont Middle School.
 

During the course of the ongoing investigation, deputies reviewed additional evidence and conducted further interviews. Through that process, investigators developed information indicating that a teacher, 35-year-old Nathan Terrance Williams of Roseburg, initiated unwanted and offensive physical contact with several students in the Developmental Learning Center program between January 28, 2026, and February 6, 2026.
 

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Deputies contacted Williams regarding the investigation. Williams was ultimately taken into custody and transported to the Douglas County Jail, where he was lodged on six (6) counts of Official Misconduct in the First Degree and (6) six counts of Harassment.
 

The Sheriff’s Office has worked closely with school district administrators since the initial report, and the district has been cooperative and responsive throughout the investigation. That partnership remains ongoing as both entities continue to prioritize student safety and the well-being of those impacted by the investigation.
 

Anyone who believes to have information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 541-440-4471 referencing case #26-0476.

TODAY: Virtual media briefing on measles in Oregon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2026

Kurtz Honored with Four Chaplains Award

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman are excited to recognize and congratulate Douglas County Human Resources Director Michael Kurtz as the latest recipient of the prestigious Four Chaplains Legion of Honor award.  Kurtz was surprised with the award at a special presentation on February 18, 2026, at the Board of Commissioners Weekly Business Meeting held at the Douglas County Courthouse in Roseburg.  Kurtz joins four other 2025/26 Four Chaplains award winners who received awards on February 7, 2026, at the local Four Chaplains ceremony.

“The story of the Four Chaplains is a remarkable testament to human kindness and sacrifice. The idea of serving others sacrificially is the basis for what public service is all about.  We are excited that one of our own exemplary employees, and US Army veteran Michael Kurtz was presented with this much deserving award.” - Commissioner Tim Freeman

After the Pledge of Allegiance, Chair Kress invited Chief Warrant Officer Jim Little, US Navy retired to the podium to present the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award to Kurtz.  Little went on to state that on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Annual Four Chaplains service was held at Westside Christian Church, co-hosted by Douglas County Clerk Daniel Loomis, US Army retired and 1st Sergeant Jim Barnett, US Marine Corps retired. The story of the Four Chaplains was told about the courage, sacrifice and heroism of these four men of God and the sacrifice of 672 souls at the sinking of the USAT Dorchester during World War II.

“I must report to you that we made two errors during the service. Error number one; I thanked everyone involved with the service.  The error was I neglected to thank the Douglas County Board of Commissioners for the Four Chaplains Day Proclamation that was made the week prior to the service, honoring the four chaplains and the annual Douglas County Four Chaplains event. The proclamation was greatly appreciated and a huge part of the effort to keep this important story alive. I apologize for the error, and I give you my sincere thanks for the proclamation that I neglected to give during the service.  During service several awards were presented, and error number two is about to be corrected.  Now will Dan Loomis and Jim Barnett please come forward, and we will rectify our error,” stated Jim Little.

Little then invited Kurtz up front - and to his surprise his wife Carolyn, two children, and father Dale Kurtz joined him for the presentation.  Dan Loomis presented details of the award, Commissioner Freeman presented the award plaque and Jim Barnett presented Kurtz with a Four Chaplain’s Legion of Honor membership lapel pin and a 3-cent memorial Four Chaplains postage stamp.  Joining the ceremony to congratulate Kurtz were local Four Chaplains award winners including: Carol Hunt, Dan Loomis, Commissioner Tim Freeman, Jim Barnett, Jim Little, Bill Duncan, Heidi Wood, Neil Hummel, Sheriff John Hanlin, Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, Lonnie Shields, Rick Scaipiti and Commissioner Chris Boice. 

“I want to say thank you.  I am deeply honored and deeply humbled,” commented Michael Kurtz.  In a speech he thought he was preparing to present to Commissioner Freeman, Kurtz stated, “We veterans defend our nation against enemies to our freedoms, liberties, and constitutional rights.  And in return, all we really expect is that in times of peace, that our citizens live up to those ideals.  If those ideals we defended are preserved, our job was done and all the gratitude we ever need has been given."

The Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Awards are presented each year across the United States and are given in the spirit of the Four Chaplains (often referred to as the Immortal Chaplains), who, without hesitation gave away their life jackets during the attack and eventual sinking of the United States Army Transport Ship Dorchester on February 3, 1943, during World War II.  The Four Chaplain Lieutenants who sacrificed themselves so that others could live that day were Reverend George L. Fox (Methodist), Rabbi Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Reverend Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed Church in America) and Father John P. Washington (Roman Catholic). The Dorchester was one of three ships in an American convoy that was moving steadily across the icy waters from Newfoundland toward an American base in Greenland when it was torpedoed by an enemy German U-boat submarine.  672 young men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice in the attack that day.  The Legion of Honor Awards recognize a select group of individuals who embody the giving spirit and unconditional service to their community, their nation and to humanity.  This year marks the eighty-third anniversary of the sinking of the USAT Dorchester. 

Kurtz spent much of his childhood in Riddle, Oregon, in Douglas County. He served in the United States Army from 1989 to 1992, during which time he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his work as a military photojournalist during the Gulf War. As a senior editor, he was part of the team that received the prestigious Department of Defense Keith L. Ware Award for producing the most outstanding military newspaper.  Michael is the author of the fiction novel Burn to Black, inspired by his experiences as a wildland firefighter. He completed graduate studies and professional education programs at Willamette University and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and has previously done public speaking, drawing from his childhood experiences in the foster care system to educate and support foster and adoptive parents.  Currently, Michael serves as the Douglas County Human Resources Director, a position he has held since July 2012. He previously served as Deputy Director of the Douglas County Health and Social Services Department and as Policy Director for the Oregon Commission on Children and Families.  Michael has also previously served on the Board of Directors for the local chapter of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and Battered Persons Advocacy (now known as Peace at Home Advocacy Center). Michael has been a tireless advocate for veterans and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteered countless hours ensuring volunteers throughout the county were properly recognized and supported.  Michael is an invaluable asset to Douglas County governance and to the broader community. He consistently supports veteran-related issues and activities, is an aspiring screenwriter who hopes to one day see his words on film.  He is married to Carolyn and together, they have two children.

The 14^th Annual Roseburg Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award Ceremony was held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Westside Christian Church in Roseburg.  Chief Warrant Officer Jim Little, US Navy retired, 1^st Sergeant Jim Barnett, US Marine Corps retired, and Chief Warrant Officer Dan Loomis, US Army Retired organized and hosted the event.  All three are past Legion of Honor Awardees, with Little and Barnett recipients of the prestigious Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion. 

The ceremony on February 7th featured a color guard presented by United States Naval Sea Cadets – Roseburg Division, Zoe Robinson and Heaven Bodine; the presentation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by United States Naval Sea Cadet – Roseburg Division, Elianna Lantz; an invocation by Pastor Rick McMichael; a tribute candle lighting; recitation of the heroic story of the Dorchester and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Escanaba; the ringing of the ship’s bell by Carmen Little; the playing of “Amazing Grace” on the bag pipes by Josh Frazier; ‘Taps’ on the cornet by United States Army retired Lieutenant Colonel Tom Davis and a benediction prayer by Chaplain Patrice Borne, all in remembrance of the 672 soldiers and civilians who perished on that cold icy day over eight decades ago. Joining them in faith were United States Air Force retired, Chief Master Sergeant Pastor Rick McMichael of the Westside Christian Church in Roseburg; Reverand Father Dustin N. Busse, S.T.L. St. Joseph Catholic Church; Chaplain US Army Major Patrice Borne from the Roseburg VA Medical Center, and former United States Marine, Rabbi Russell McAlmond from the Center for Human Equality in Grants Pass. 

Following the recitation of the heroic narratives and the candle lighting presentation at the February 7th ceremony, Little, Barnett and Loomis announced and honored Jennifer Ellis and Lonnie Shields as the newest inductees into the Chaplains Legion of Honor with the 2025/26 Award.  In a surprise presentation they awarded a Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion to Carol Hunt.  The Bronze Medallion Award is a national level award and is the second highest honor given by the Chapel.  Carol was presented with the Bronze Medallion Award in recognition of her lifetime commitment to selfless service and societal advancement, which has positively affected the quality of life in our community.  Carol is a founding member of the Wings of Love organization, which works to locate veterans and infants who were long forgotten in mortuaries and ensure they receive proper and dignified burials. She also generously volunteers her time with the Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee, the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee, the Douglas County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Service, Douglas County Memorial Day Service, Vets Visit Vets Program at Mercy Medical Center, Operation Homefront, Garden of Innocence, VFW Post #2468 Auxiliary, NCOA Auxiliary, AVVA, Elks Lodge, ALA Unit 16, and serves as the National Guard Family Readiness Group Coordinator for the Roseburg National Guard Unit.  One more award was presented to Roseburg VA Chaplain Patrice Borne.  She received the Four Chaplains Appreciation Award.  Also, assisting with the ceremony and presentation of awards were United States Naval Sea Cadets – Roseburg Division - Trinity Dickie and Conner Berlier, Commissioner Tim Freeman, Mary Newman and Bill Duncan. 

The Four Chaplains Legion of Honor award is an honor awarded to people based on documented acts of selfless service. Nominations for the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor award must be submitted to and approved by the special Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation committee in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania each year.  Some notable recipients of this award are Presidents Truman, Eisenhower and Reagan, Luminaries Bob Hope, John Glenn, James Michener and Marian Anderson, as well as many other military veterans, and civilians from all walks of life.  Previous recipients from Douglas County government include Commissioner Tim Freeman, Commissioner Chris Boice, Sheriff John Hanlin, Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, former Undersheriff Jeff Frieze, former Commissioner Mike Winters, Veterans Service Officer, Mary Newman, Heidi Wood and Douglas County Clerk, Dan Loomis.  Additionally, Four Chaplains Appreciation Award recipients include Douglas County Public Affairs Officer Tamara Howell and former Public Affairs Specialist Kellie Trenkle.  Since 2012, our local Four Chaplains Chapter has awarded 4 Legion of Honor Bronze Medallions, 3 Legion of Honor Humanitarian Awards, 58 Legion of Honor Awards, and 11 Appreciation Awards.  To learn more about the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation and the Legion of Honor Award program, click here. 

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

Attached: Photos © T.Howell/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.

Shared by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2026

AOCC Encouraged by Interior’s Action to Revise BLM’s O&C Resource Management Plan

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Association of O&C Counties (AOCC) President Tim Freeman is excited to share the news that the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has issued a “Notice of Intent” to initiate the development of a revised Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Management Plan (RMP) governing the 2.5 million acres of O&C timberlands (Oregon and California Revested Grant Lands) in western Oregon. 

"This long-awaited announcement is fantastic news!  This is BIG news for the 18 O&C Counties.  It’s BIG news for everyone in Douglas County, as we look at the future providing very essential public services for future generations.  This resource management plan dictates to the BLM how they are to manage these wildly productive public lands.  It is also BIG news for citizens in western Oregon that more recently have had to live and breathe smoke every summer from the overstocked burning timberlands – all because they have not been properly managed,” stated AOCC President Tim Freeman.

AOCC, working in concert with many partners, including all AOCC members counties and partners like American Forest Resource Council (AFRC), Douglas Timber Operators (DTO) and Tribal Governments has worked diligently with the DOI and three prior presidential administrations to address the deficiencies and unintended consequences of the current management framework. Under the existing 2016 RMP, the BLM is prohibited from implementing sustained-yield management practices across approximately 80 percent of the O&C timberland base. Today, O&C timberlands hold 50% more board feet of standing timber, than when the land started being managed under the 1937 O&C Act.

The Oregon and California Revested Lands Sustained Yield Management Act of 1937, often called the 1937 O&C Act is a U.S. federal law establishing a sustained-yield forestry management system on lands once granted to the Oregon and California Railroad. It remains a foundational statute guiding timber and land management on millions of acres in western Oregon that supports family-wage jobs, provides funding for vital county services, and creates healthy, working timberland.

For the first 50 years, management under the O&C Act supported a broad spectrum of recreational opportunities, provided economic stability for vital county services, and ensured active timberland stewardship, including both pre- and post-fire management and timely reforestation. As management consistent with the 1937 O&C Act has declined, so too have these benefits. Campground closures, restricted road access, larger more destructive wildfires, extensive untreated fire scars, increasing sediment and debris in streams, and a broader decline in overall timberland health have sadly become commonplace.  AOCC President Freeman added, “The development of a new BLM Resource Management Plan signals a reversal of that trend and a future of health and productivity for the O&C timberlands."

Further, in a release issued today the BLM announced the launch of a public comment period for the proposed updates for the Resource Management plan that guides the unique 2.5 million acres of O&C Timberlands located in 18 counties in western Oregon.  

“Bringing timber production back to historic levels is essential for reviving local economies and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires,” stated Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy.

According to the release, “A notice will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register to open the comment period, which closes on March 23, 2026. Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments may be submitted through the “Participate Now” option. Written comments may also be emailed to LM_OR_Revision_Scoping@blm.gov">BLM_OR_Revision_Scoping@blm.gov or delivered to: Attention BLM OR930, 1220 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204.”    Read the original release about BLM’s public comment period here. 

AOCC President Freeman stressed that revising the Resource Management Plan represents a critical opportunity to restore stability to O&C timberland management by better aligning federal policy with statutory requirements and improve the economic realities facing rural Oregon communities. AOCC’s Board of Directors, Executive Director Doug Robertson, staff, and federal representation reaffirmed their longstanding commitment to working collaboratively with the Department of the Interior, the BLM, the 18 O&C counties, and stakeholders throughout the entire revision process.

“We appreciate the foresight of the US Department of Interior in initiating the development of a revised plan.  We have an important window to correct course and restore balanced management of the O&C timberlands, whose proper and sustained management safeguards our timberlands while funding county services and providing family-wage jobs in western Oregon.” – AOCC President Tim Freeman. 

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

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Contacts: Doug Robertson |AOCC Executive Director | Association of O&C Counties | Phone: (541) 430-8952 | Email: obertsonjd44@outlook.com">Robertsonjd44@outlook.com

Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman | AOCC Board President | Association of O&C Counties | Phone: (541) 440-4201 | eeman@douglascountyor.gov">tim.freeman@douglascountyor.gov

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Benton County Board of Commissioners announced Wednesday that Rachel McEneny has stepped down from her position as county administrator effective end of business that day. Board Chair Pat Malone notified County employees of McEneny’s resignation in an email to all staff. 

Assistant County Administrator Rick Crager routinely covered county administrator duties when McEneny was out of office, and he will act in that capacity while the County begins a search for her replacement.

Malone assured employees that the County will continue to provide the expected level of service to community members and partners throughout the transition.

McEneny’s resignation letter does not include specific reasons for her departure, but shares her heavy heart as she made the difficult decision to focus on her extended family and other opportunities.

Malone, who is in his eighth year as County Commissioner, remarked on how much McEneny accomplished in two and a half years in the role.

“I want to publicly thank Rachel for her service to Benton County,” said Malone. “She is leaving County operations in better shape than when she came. She identified and addressed areas that were overdue for change. She made hard decisions when they needed to be made.”

McEneny’s resignation letter expresses gratitude for the honor and privilege of being part of Benton County government. Above all, she is proud of the workforce she served and the relationships she built with hardworking colleagues, especially AFSCME leadership.

After the historic strike in November 2024, leadership and union-represented employees learned to listen to one another and remain committed to shared goals for the community.

With a wave of executive-level retirements in recent years, McEneny welcomed new leadership in several departments. She focused on recruiting leaders who understand today’s workforce and can build connected teams.

McEneny believes strongly in government transparency and empowering communities to engage. She supported the very successful switch to a new platform for the Board of Commissioners Meeting Portal, making decades of meeting minutes available online and easily searchable, and making it much easier to access materials for current and upcoming meetings.

She also built a team to bolster external communications and worked toward making County websites easy to navigate and accessible to all community members.

In 2025, changes at the federal level led to unforeseen cuts to health and human services that people of all ages and circumstances depend on. McEneny anticipated budgetary challenges by implementing a hiring freeze that avoided the staff layoffs other Oregon counties experienced.

Later that year, the County passed a responsible biennial budget that held the line on taxes and fees. 

Benton County made an unprecedented amount of progress on capital projects during McEneny’s tenure. She is proud of the teamwork that made these projects possible and the service improvements they bring to our communities.

The Barbara Ross Building opened in 2024 and was formally named and dedicated in 2025. The Benton County Crisis Center opened in July 2025 — one of only three such facilities in the state.

The County broke ground for the new County Courthouse and Emergency Operations Center in May 2025. The buildings are slated to open in spring 2027.

The historic McBee campground was generously donated to the County, and infrastructure improvements are currently underway.

In a challenging time for local governments, Malone appreciates the long list of recent successes and things to look forward to. “Rachel led County operations as we navigated both challenges and successes, and we are grateful for her impact.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JCSO Case 26-0801

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is no further information available for release.

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Roseburg, OR — February 18 2026 —

A Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduate phase participant is giving back to the community through Roxy’s Paws of Hope, a community project benefiting Saving Grace Humane Society.

Roxy’s Paws of Hope is focused on collecting cans of wet dog and cat food and regular pet food to help restock Saving Grace’s mobile pet food bank, which serves local families by parking at Stewart Park twice each month and participating in the First Thursday community events.  Zach Smith, Drug Court graduate phase participant, recently held a food event and will now be present at the Douglas County Co-Op on Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. seeking food or monetary donations.

In addition to physical donations, Saving Grace Humane Society has added an online donation page through their website to allow community members to contribute financially to support the project.

Roxy’s Paws of Hope is being completed as part of a graduate community project, one of the highlights of the Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court program. Graduate community projects allow participants in the final phase of the program to demonstrate personal growth, social development, and internal motivation through meaningful service. Poster boards highlighting each graduate’s community project will be displayed in the lobby prior to the graduation ceremony.  Graduate flyers and additional information about the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program are available through the Douglas County website via the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) at: https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 2, 2026) ~ March 4 is HPV Awareness Day, a time to highlight cervical cancer prevention and address persistent myths around Human papillomavirus (HPV), vaccination, and cervical cancer screening. Kaiser Permanente Northwest is offering interviews with Amanda Petrik, PhD, a Portland-based researcher whose work focuses on increasing education about the HPV virus, expanding access to HPV prevention, and reducing long-standing disparities in cervical cancer outcomes.

HPV causes cervical cancer and is also linked to six other cancers, including anal, oropharyngeal (mouth and throat), penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. The HPV vaccine is an effective cancer-prevention vaccine available today for both females and males. Yet screening gaps remain: more than half of cervical cancer cases occur among people who were never or rarely screened, with lower screening rates in safety-net clinics that serve low-income and racially diverse populations.

“Cervical cancer is largely preventable, but prevention only works if people can access tools that fit their lives,” said Amanda Petrik, PhD, investigator with the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland. “Whether it’s expanding HPV vaccination in school-based health centers or offering self-collected screening as an alternative to a Pap test, our goal is to reduce barriers and prevent cancer before it starts.”

Dr. Petrik is a health services researcher with more than 20 years of experience studying health systems, policy, and cancer prevention in real-world settings, including community and safety-net clinics. Her current National Cancer Institute-funded study, STEP-2, is testing FDA-approved HPV self-sampling kits as a cervical cancer screening option for patients who are due or overdue for screening. The study aims to identify the most effective and cost-efficient ways to implement programs that increase screening rates and reduce disparities as the technology rolls out nationally.

Interviews available:

Amanda Petrik, PhD, health services researcher with the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, is available for interviews on Tuesday, March 3 from 10 a.m. to noon and Wednesday, March 4 from 9-10:30 a.m. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Karen Vitt to schedule. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org">Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Petrik is prepared to discuss:

• How the HPV vaccine protects against HPV virus and multiple cancers

• Who should get the HPV vaccine and when it’s typically recommended (age 9)

• How HPV self-collection (cervical cancer screening) works and why it may improve screening rates

• Disparities in cervical cancer screening and outcomes

• What Cervical Health Awareness Month means for prevention and public health

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Roseburg, Oregon – February 18, 2026. 

A graduate phase participant in the H.O.P.E. Drug Court is making a positive impact on the Roseburg community through a service initiative called Thriving for Growth. The project focuses on beautification, sustainability, and community wellness through hands-on volunteer efforts.

As part of the initiative, the participant recently helped revitalize the Gateway Community Garden, located at the Roseburg Senior Center. Improvements included repairing and expanding raised garden boxes, adding fresh soil, and installing new weed-control tarp to enhance the garden’s usability and longevity. The garden project continues to welcome community support and donations, particularly additional soil, cedar lumber for garden boxes, and seeds for the raised beds.

A second component of the Thriving for Growth initiative will focus on a volunteer led cleanup on the bike path along Thrive Umpqua’s adopted stretch of the local bike path, running from the Duck Pond to the Tennis Center. The cleanup event is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, and community members are welcome to join in supporting a cleaner, healthier outdoor space.

A third component of this project is to assist Thrive Umpqua with the cost of their monthly classes for Eating Healthy on a Budget to support individuals utilizing the Progress Point facility operated by Adapt Integrated Healthcare.  This program focuses on practical skills for preparing nutritious, affordable meals and promoting long-term wellness.  To help fund the class, a community can and bottle drive is currently underway, and monetary donations are also welcome to expand program resources and reach more participants in need. 

Thrive Umpqua, formerly Blue Zones, plays an important role in promoting health and wellness throughout Douglas County. The organization partners with local Treatment Courts to provide education and practical resources that support long-term success and healthy living. Their programs include grocery shopping tours, cooking classes, purpose workshops, and other educational opportunities designed to empower individuals and families to make positive lifestyle choices.

Through projects like Thrive for Growth, participants in the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program demonstrate the power of community engagement, personal growth, and service. These efforts not only enhance public spaces but also strengthen connections between individuals and the broader Roseburg community.  “I’ve lived here my entire life and have done so many things to damage this community,” stated Kevin Davidson, Drug Court graduate phase participant.  “I just want to give back and help better the community.”

The Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court program is preparing to celebrate its 112th graduation on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in the Cascade Hall building. Presided over by the Honorable Judge Robert B. Johnson, H.O.P.E. Drug Court operates under the Douglas County Circuit Court.  Judge Johnson uses three rules with participants to follow, Honesty, Grace, and Accountability, and has stated it was not a clean and sober court, but a place to help provide the tools, guidance and treatment to overcome substance use and encourage them to reflect on their lives beyond their criminal actions.  Posterboards highlighting community project accomplishments will be displayed in the lobby before graduation.

Project flyers and additional information about the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program are available through the Douglas County website via the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) at:
https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court.

Thriving for Growth Project Contact:  Kevin Davidson at 458-802-8412.

CORVALLIS, Ore. — Benton County recognized the Day of Remembrance for Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II in the Feb. 17 Board of Commissioners meeting.

Dr. Janet Seiko Nishihara, director of the Educational Opportunities Program at Oregon State University, read a proclamation recognizing Feb. 19 as the Day of Remembrance of Japanese Americans Incarcerated During World War II.

The national Day of Remembrance commemorates the signing of Executive Order 9066 in 1942, which led to the forced removal and incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans. Communities across the United States hold events each February to honor those affected and reflect on civil rights and civil liberties.

Benton County Deputy District Attorney Kevin Hashizume joined Nishihara before the Board to share personal connections in his family’s history. A recording of the proclamation reading is available on the Benton County Board of Commissioners meeting video at the 14:30 mark.

Nishihara reflected on both injustice and resilience, emphasizing that sharing personal and family histories remains critical to helping the broader community understand the lasting impacts of incarceration and why the message of “Never Again” must continue. 

“Our stories are two of the thousands from the incarceration and can add greatly to the understanding of the larger community about the ramifications of what happened and why ‘Never Again’ is a theme that we must keep going,” Nishihara said.

She also emphasized that remembrance includes recognizing both the hardships faced and the strength communities demonstrated under confinement.

“Despite the conditions in which they lived, Japanese Americans were resourceful and stood up systems and structures that continued to bring their community together,” Nishihara said. “During this time, they created their own churches, post offices, security departments, fire brigades, schools, and recreational and educational activities for the many children in the camps."

"While all of these activities and internal structures were built by the incarcerated Japanese residents, they were still surrounded by armed guards and barbed wire, which were constant reminders of the denial of their civil rights.”

For Hashizume, this history hits close to home. His father, Naotaka “John” Hashizume, was a young child when his family was incarcerated at the Heart Mountain camp in Wyoming. Growing up, Kevin Hashizume said the experience was rarely discussed directly at home.

“We just called it ‘camp,’” Hashizume said. “As kids we thought it was like a summer camp or something.”

He said it was not until adulthood that he fully understood the emotional weight the experience carried for his father. Looking back, he began to notice patterns — including his father’s reluctance to travel outside California.

“He wanted to stay where he felt safe and comfortable, and he wouldn’t always say why,” Hashizume said. “It wasn’t until I was older that I realized how much it affected him.”

Hashizume said his own visit to Heart Mountain brought a new level of understanding. Seeing the location in person while his children were close to the same age his father had been at the time created a powerful emotional connection.

“I thought about what that must have been like and whether I would have been strong enough,” he said. “They had a comfortable life in Hollywood with a nice house. Everything was taken, and they left with only what they could carry.”

Watching preserved home movies and photographs of his family playing as children while at Heart Mountain added another layer of emotion. Hashizume said he is proud his grandfather intentionally documented and safeguarded that history.

“It’s something we were never taught in school,” he said. “To know my grandfather put real effort into preserving it means a lot to be able to bring that history back into focus.”

The Hashizume family maintains strong ties to the Japanese American National Museum and to the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center in Wyoming, where interviews, photographs and artifacts connected to the family are archived and shared with the public.

Hashizume also noted that some modern migrant detention facilities exist near or on the same sites as former incarceration camps, one reason many families and advocacy groups continue to speak out and work to keep the history visible.

Benton County District Attorney Ryan Joslin said Hashizume’s family connection makes him a valuable resource when discussing the topic. Joslin noted that Hashizume keeps several historic photographs and related items displayed in his office and willingly shares them to help others better understand the history. 

While D.A. Joslin does not have a personal family connection to wartime incarceration, the subject is meaningful to him. He lived in Japan from 1987 to 1989 and later majored in Japanese as an undergraduate, experiences he said gave him a lasting appreciation for the people of Japan, their culture and history.

An interview with Naotaka “John” Hashizume, conducted by the Japanese American National Museum when they brought part of the Eaton Collection to the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center in 2016, is available on Japanese American National Museum YouTube.

Amateur footage from the Hashizume family collection, including scenes from Heart Mountain, is available through Discover Nikkei.

Proclamations read before and adopted by the Benton County Board of Commissioners are a tool to formally acknowledge history and promote public understanding. The Hashizume family’s history serves as an important local example of the relevance of continuing to honor and learn from the past.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hepatitis B infant vaccinations, birth parent screenings decline 

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

What you should know:

Roseburg, OR – February 17, 2026–

A H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduate phase participant is giving back through the Fresh Start Project, hosting new dates for a community carwash to raise funds for local Oxford Housing, a vital resource for individuals rebuilding their lives in recovery.  

The carwashes will take place on Sunday, February 22 and Sunday, March 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Abby’s Legendary Pizza, located at 1661 NE Stephens Street in Roseburg. The event is open to the public and is donation-based, with no set fee.  This participant will also be out in front of the Roseburg Dollar Tree on February 21 and February 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for those who would like to donate items from his list.

Funds raised will be used to purchase essential household and personal items for individuals newly accepted into Oxford Houses, including bathroom towels, shower supplies, shower caddies, house slippers, and other basic necessities needed for day-to-day living.

Oxford Housing plays a critical role in the recovery process and works closely with the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program. It is often the first stable housing option available to participants transitioning out of treatment or custody. Oxford Houses provide a structured, substance-free living environment where residents are held accountable, supported by peers, and guided by clear rules that promote long-term sobriety and personal responsibility.

For more information regarding this project, reach out to Jack Salberg at 541-817-7494.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eligible THGF program activities include:

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

Visit the THGF webpage for more program details.  

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

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

OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education recognizes inspiring educators and schools with financial support, including paying four mortgages or rents for a full year

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union is asking the public to nominate exceptional educators for its 17^th annual Prize for Excellence in Education. The program will award $193,000 to eight outstanding educators and five schools across Oregon and southwest Washington.

“OnPoint was founded by teachers more than 90 years ago, and we honor our roots by celebrating educators in our community who inspire future generations,” said Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Every day, educators help students build confidence, curiosity and opportunity. We invite the community to once again help us recognize these educators by nominating them for the OnPoint Prize.”

Four winning educators will have their mortgage or rent paid by OnPoint for one year. Four runners-up will each receive a $5,000 cash prize. The OnPoint Prize also includes the Community Builder Award for innovative school projects. Four schools will receive $2,000, and a fifth school selected by community votes will receive $5,000.

About the Nomination Process

Anyone can nominate an outstanding educator or apply for a Community Builder award at onpointprize.com. Educators may also nominate themselves. Applicants must be full-time or job-share classroom teachers, counselors, school administrators or librarians for grades Pre-K-12. They must work in an accredited public, private or charter school located within any county that OnPoint serves. OnPoint also accepts applications for the Community Builder awards within those same counties. The nomination period closes at 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, April 7. Educator of the Year finalists and Community Builder winners will be announced on May 6.

Since 2010, the OnPoint Prize has awarded more than $1 million in prizes to 347 local educators and schools.

This year’s awards include:

• Educators of the Year: Four educators will have their mortgage or rent paid for one year and receive a $2,500 donation to their schools for resources and supplies. One educator from each category below will be chosen:
  • Grades K-5
  • Grades 6-8
  • Grades 9-12
  • Gold Star: This category recognizes one educator who is a pre-kindergarten teacher, school counselor, substitute teacher, librarian or school administrator.

Runners-up: Four educators, one from each of the above categories, will receive a $5,000 cash award and a $1,500 donation to each of their schools for resources and supplies.

• Community Builder Awards: One school, selected by community votes, will receive $5,000 for a project that will meaningfully improve that school or community. Four additional schools will each receive $2,000 for special projects.

About last year’s winners

The winners of the 2025 Educators of the Year who had their mortgage or rent paid over the last year were:

• Ricardo Barber, 3^rd grade teacher at Faubion Elementary, Portland, Ore.
• Rhiannon Young, 6^th-8^th grade teacher at Corbett Middle School, Corbett, Ore.
• Sophia Aguirre, 9^th-12^th grade English Language Development at Aloha High School, Beaverton, Ore.
• Hang Jones, Social Worker at Marysville Elementary School, Portland, Ore.

OnPoint awarded five Community Builder grants in 2025 to fund innovative school projects that inspire students, foster community, demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and reach a broad segment of the school community.

The $5,000 Community Builder Award, selected by community votes, went to Morningside Elementary School in Salem, Ore. The award funded new portable risers for the school’s choir program, giving every student a safe, visible place during performances and community events. Four schools received the $2,000 award:

• Abiqua School: Nature Trail – A Path to Outdoor Learning (Salem-Keizer School District, Salem, Ore.)
• Innovation Academy: Community Garden (Medford School District, Medford, Ore.)
• Sherwood Charter School: H.E.A.R.T Care Closet (Sherwood School District, Sherwood, Ore.)

Skyridge Middle School: Flood Recovery for Books (Camas School District, Camas, Wash.)

For information about the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education, additional qualifications and contest rules, please visit onpointprize.com. 

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, with assets of over $9.5 billion and serving more than 633,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University announced on Monday that the Beacons will add two new varsity programs with men's and women's wrestling officially joining the sport offerings in the fall of 2027. Bushnell athletics cites the recent rise in popularity in youth wrestling as a contributing factor in the decision to add both men's and women's programs at Bushnell. High School wrestling participation nationally is at its highest in over 50 years with nearly 375,000 boys and girls competing. Additionally, Bushnell will be the seventh four-year university in Oregon to sponsor the sports.

"We are thrilled to be adding to our athletic offerings with the addition of our wrestling program," said Athletic Director Corey Anderson. "Girls Wrestling is the fastest growing high school sport in the country, and USA Wrestling has launched national campaigns to increase the popularity of the sport. National trends for high school and collegiate programs are on an upward trajectory."

Anderson added, "We have quickly learned that there is a strong passion for men's and women's wrestling in Eugene, Lane County, Oregon and beyond. Once we started talking to a few, key contacts in the region about the idea of us adding an NAIA collegiate wrestling program, we immediately started having knowledgeable and passionate people reach out to us to celebrate the idea but also wanting to know how they can help.  I am excited about these new relationships and partner opportunities that Bushnell Wrestling will provide us while continuing to do The Kingdom's good work!"

The addition of two new teams will bring Bushnell's total number of varsity teams to 19 and are the first programs to be added since Baseball came on board in 2021. The Wrestling teams will begin play in the 2027-2028 season, joining the Cascade Conference which boasts 11 men's and eight women's programs.

"What an exciting day for Bushnell University, the Cascade Conference, and wrestling in the West," stated CCC Commissioner Robert Cashell. "The program immensely strengthens men's and women's wrestling for the conference and represents continued growth and evolution of Beacon Athletics. It is wonderful to see more opportunities for young men and women to compete in the sport they love at the collegiate level, while also pursuing an outstanding education like the one they will receive at Bushnell."

A number of individuals and groups have made significant contributions to the launch of the Bushnell wrestling program through their knowledge, advice, and resources. Anderson said, "We are very grateful for the assistance we have received throughout our discernment process as we made the decision to move forward with our new programs. Thank you to Mike Ritchey, Roger Rolen, Doug Caffall, Tony Overstake, Kurt Davis, Larry Bielenburger, John Kowalewski, Buck Davis, Mike Moyer, Thurston High School Coach Mike Simon, Oregon State Associate Head Coach Josh Rhoden, Restore Oregon Wrestling, and the countless others who have helped us in the process."

When Bushnell Wrestling official begins in the fall of 2027, the Beacons will host home wrestling meets in the Morse Center on the Bushnell University campus, which also serves as the home for men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball. A planned practice facility and home for Beacons Wrestling will be developed, located within campus property that was recently acquired by Bushnell University.

"We are excited to add men's and women's wrestling as our 18th and 19th intercollegiate sports on campus," said Joseph D. Womack, Ed.D., Bushnell University's president. "Bushnell Wrestling will complement the educational and co-curricular activities at a Christ-centered University like ours because each practice and each competition provide the student-athlete with an opportunity to gain in wisdom, faith and service."

Bushnell will immediately open a national search to fill Head Coach positions for both the men's and women's programs. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Athletic Director Corey Anderson (son@bushnell.edu">canderson@bushnell.edu) or visit the job listing at bushnell.edu/careers.

Current high school and junior college athletes interested in joining Bushnell Wrestling are encouraged to complete the player interest form located at bushnellbeacons.com/wrestling.

About Bushnell University

Founded in 1895, Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell. 

Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant University District. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and hybrid formats. More information about the University is available at bushnell.edu.