PORTLAND, Ore.—Four defendants made their first appearances in federal court today after committing various offenses—including assaulting federal officers and possessing a destructive device—during ongoing protest gatherings near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Riley Freeman, 26, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offenses of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
Andrew Marcum, 22, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.
Jeremy Hummel, 27, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanor offense of depredation of government property.
Ian Joseph McCarthy, 35, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offenses of assaulting a federal officer and depredation of government property.
According to court documents and information shared in court, on July 4, 2025, several individuals gathered near an ICE office in South Portland where, for weeks, individuals have repeatedly targeted the building and federal law enforcement officers with threatening statements, discharging pepper spray, and throwing rocks, trash, and bricks.
At approximately 8:00pm, federal officers observed an individual defacing the ICE building guard shack with graffiti. As an officer began to pursue the individual, Marcum ran toward the officer and kicked the officer in the leg, causing the officer to trip.
At approximately 8:41pm, officers observed another individual, later identified as Hummel, defacing the ICE building with black spray paint.
At approximately 11:16pm, as federal officers cleared a group of people off federal property, Freeman threw an incendiary device towards the officers that detonated near them. Freeman attempted to flee but officers pursued him and Freeman was arrested.
The same evening, federal officers observed McCarthy using bolt cutters to attempt to damage a proximity card reader near the vehicle entrance of the building. McCarthy had also been observed removing and damaging the fiber optic cable system to the ICE building, interrupting internet and communication service for the building. While being placed under arrest, McCarthy kicked and punched several officers assisting in the arrest.
All four defendants made their first appearances in federal court Monday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. They were released on conditions pending future court proceedings.
Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison, and assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Felony possession of an unregistered destructive device and depredation of government property over $1,000 are punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. Depredation of government property under $1,000 is a class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in prison.
These cases are being investigated by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). They are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Since June 13, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged 22 defendants with offenses committed at the ICE building including assaulting federal officers, arson, possession of a destructive device, and depredation of government property.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
# # #
SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will consider appointing Kaitlin Lovell of Colton, Ore. as the Oregon Department of State Lands director during a special 30-minute virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 9, at 10 a.m.
A scientist and lawyer, Lovell has led habitat protection and restoration efforts for the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services since 2007. Her work includes oversight of environmental regulation, permitting, and land use. Recent focus has included developing a publicly owned and managed mitigation bank in Portland and establishing a financing strategy for critical environmental projects.
Lovell previously served as salmon policy coordinator and counsel for Trout Unlimited, where she sought effective science-based state and federal policy solutions and helped draft Oregon's first recovery plans for Oregon Coast Coho and for Lower Columbia and Willamette coho, chinook, and steelhead. Prior to that role, Lovell served as assistant university counsel at Cornell University.
Lovell holds a J.D. from Cornell Law School with a focus in public law and a B.S. in environmental science from Bucknell University.
She has served on multiple DSL advisory groups, including the Elliott State Research Forest Board and a committee reviewing Oregon’s rules for wetlands and waterway permitting and mitigation.
Under Oregon law, the State Land Board appoints the DSL director to a four-year term.
Vicki L. Walker, who served as DSL director from 2018 until her retirement on June 30, announced her intent to step down in December 2024.
At Wednesday’s meeting, the Board will also consider appointing Deputy Director Bill Ryan as interim director and setting a bond amount for the position, as required by statute.
Meeting Details and Agenda
Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 10 a.m.
This special meeting of the Land Board will be held virtually only. Watch the meeting livestreamed online on the DSL YouTube channel. The full meeting agenda and materials are available on the DSL website.
The public may submit written testimony or sign up to provide spoken testimony (by phone or virtually) during the meeting. Advanced sign-up is required. The deadline is 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9.
If you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact Arin Smith at 503-986-5224 or in.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov">arin.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov at least two working days prior to the meeting.
About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State Tobias Read, and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.
###
On June 7, 2025, the Newport Police Department arrested Jacob Busch, 41, after investigating an alleged assault in front of the Newport City Hall during a political protest. Video footage of the incident showed Busch quickly exiting his parked car, running over to the protesters before using his chest to push a 74-year-old Army veteran. The male victim fell backwards, striking the back of his head against the concrete sidewalk and was later transported to the hospital for injuries. Busch was arrested later that day on one count of Assault in the Fourth Degree (misdemeanor). Busch was initially held in custody with security set at $75,000.
Given the extent of the victim’s injuries and Busch’s past criminal history, Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Thornicroft presented this case to the Lincoln County Grand Jury for additional charges. On July 1, 2025, Busch was indicted for Assault in the Second Degree - Felony (serious physical injury); Assault in the Fourth Degree – Felony (three prior convictions); and two counts of Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree. Busch was force released by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on July 3, 2025 and was later arraigned out-of-custody on the indictment on July 7, 2025. Busch remains out of on release and will return to court on August 25, 2025 for an early resolution conference.
The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Newport Police Department for their swift response and extensive investigation into these allegations to ensure safety for all those who participate in lawful, orderly assembly.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: July 7, 2025
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net
Suspect arrested in connection with May 2025 shooting
Salem, Ore. — After an extensive investigation stemming from a shooting incident in May 2025, Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit Detectives with the assistance of the Salem Police S.W.A.T. team, served a search warrant in the 300 block of Cornwell St in Woodburn, Oregon this morning, July 7. During the warrant service they arrested Jovani Bravo, 24, at his residence for his involvement in the case.
The related incident occurred on May 17, 2025, at approximately 1:15 a.m., when officers were dispatched to the call of a gunshot wound that had occurred in the 1200 block of State St. The original disturbance started at a bar in the downtown Salem area. Persons involved in the disturbance left in two separate vehicles and eventually traveled east on State St. Bravo, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles, shot several rounds at the other vehicle striking a 24-year-old female victim in the leg. The victim was treated and released at a local area hospital.
Bravo was lodged at the Marion County Correctional Facility on multiple charges related to this case and will be arraigned today at 2:30pm at the Marion County Court Annex 4000 Aumsville Hwy SE.
All further inquiries into this investigation should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
# # #
Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Winter & Spring 2025 Grants Report. The report announces:
101 total grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $28,109,090.
This includes $5,753,500 through 21 grants to nonprofits serving the Oregon community.
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.5 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org.
7/7/25 - UPDATE
The deceased as been identified as Steve Dwaine Simmons, 66, of Marcola. Investigation by detectives determined the death was not suspicious.
--
On June 21, 2025 Deputies responded to the report of a body that was found near the 92000 block of Marcola Rd. and close to the river. When deputies and Marcola Fire arrived they located a deceased male near the river at a makeshift camp. There were no obvious signs of suspicious activity. The medical examiners office was contacted and they took control of the deceased male. No further information will be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation and next of kin notifications.
H.O.P.E. Drug Court Participant Partners with ODHS for Family Reunification
ROSEBURG, OR – A H.O.P.E. Drug Court participant has partnered with ODHS (Oregon Department of Human Services) to collect needed items for families going through the reunification process through a community project called “Families United in Hope” emphasizing the importance of having items to assist with the bonding process.
Ashley Alexander, HOPE Drug Court participant, chose to help the Child Welfare Division through ODHS. “I am doing this project as I was once in the shoes of those parents feeling worthless like there was no way possible to get through the beginning stages of recovery, but as long as we stay willing and accept the help and support we are given, it is possible. I am here to help the parents believe in themselves and rebuild their relationships with their children,” stated Alexander.
About the Project: Supporting Family Visits
The mission of the Child Welfare Division is to ensure every child and family is empowered to live a safe, stable, and healthy life. One key part of that mission is supporting meaningful connections during family visits, especially when parents are visiting their child(ren) in an office setting.
“The ODHS, Child Welfare Program is honored to assist H.O.P.E. Drug Court Participant, Ms. Alexander in meeting her goal of supporting quality family time between parents and children in foster care. Maintaining the critical bond and relationship between parents and children as they experience the trauma of family separation is of paramount concern, and her investment in supporting and encouraging parents while they are on this difficult journey could not be more supported and welcomed by us,” stated Jessia Hunter, ODHS Child Welfare Program Manager.
This project aims to provide support for parents who may not have anything to bring with them during these visits. Each participating family will receive a bag of items designed to assist with the bonding process, making the visit more engaging and comforting. Additionally, a photo of the child(ren) and parent(s) will be taken during the visit and given to both parties to keep, helping maintain connection while they are apart. Mary Guthrie, Recovery Support Team Coordinator, ODHS Child Welfare – Douglas County, added, “Ms. Alexander is giving back to other parents for them to understand how important they are and know “They Matter”. Change is possible with honesty, open-mindedness and willingness.”
For more information about the Child Welfare Division, please visit the Oregon Department of Human Services: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/children/pages/index.aspx.
Ms. Alexander is hosting a car wash event on Saturday, July 12, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. in Sherm’s Thunderbird parking lot to raise funds for her upcoming project during the Graffiti Cruise weekend. All proceeds will go toward purchasing the remaining items needed to complete the project.
If you'd prefer to donate items instead of funds, three community drop box locations are available:
Items Needed to Support Family Reunification Visits
Ms. Alexander is collecting new items to help strengthen the parent-child bond during family visits. These items will be included in take-home bags for families and used during visits to create positive shared experiences.
She hopes to receive donations of the following:
□ Children’s Books
□ Baby Activity Items
□ Puzzles
□ Card Games / Small Board Games
□ Matchbox Cars
□ Coloring Books and Crayons
□ Activity Books
□ Fruit Snacks / Bottled Water
□ Play-Doh / Bubbles
□ Small Toys / Action Figures
□ Stuffed Animals / Small Dolls
□ Building Blocks
□ Sensory Toys
Your generosity makes a lasting difference in the lives of children and families during a challenging time.
The Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court program is preparing for their 110th graduation on August 26, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in the Cascade Hall building. Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court, with Honorable Judge Robert B. Johnson, operates under the jurisdiction of Douglas County Circuit Court. The structure is designed to reduce recidivism, address substance use disorders and encourage participants to reflect on their lives beyond their criminal actions. It emphasizes personal transformation and future potential. Graduate Community Projects, which take place during the final phase of the program, offer participants a chance to demonstrate their personal growth, social development, and the internal shift that motivates them to reach a higher level of achievement.
Graduate flyers are placed on the Douglas County website through the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) under H.O.P.E. Drug Court, go to https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court.
Salem – Training and educating Oregon workers is essential to creating and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. To help expand training and education opportunities, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) offers a grant program that funds ideas to improve the safety and health of Oregon workers in high-hazard industries. And we are ready to help you transform your ideas into results.
The division is accepting grant applications to create innovative workplace safety or health training or education projects. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Oregon OSHA prioritizes projects that engage workers on essential workplace safety or health topics. Projects may include an immersive training video or a well-designed safety publication or a multi-media package of best practices for a specific job task.
Go online to learn about how to apply or contact Theodore (Ted) Bunch at 971-375-8001 or email e.bunch@dcbs.oregon.gov">theodore.bunch@dcbs.oregon.gov.
The grant program focuses on high-hazard industries in Oregon, including forestry, construction, and agriculture. A grant application may concentrate on a specific work process, targeting a reduction or elimination of related hazards. Any labor or employer group, educational institution that is affiliated with a labor or employer group, or other nonprofit entity may apply.
Grants may not be used to pay for projects that are purely for research, ongoing activities, or for activities required by law. Only new or substantially expanded projects will be considered for funding. Oregon OSHA is seeking project ideas that advance workplace safety and health training or education. We are not looking for ideas that handle concerns that have already been addressed. Materials produced by grant recipients cannot be sold for profit. All grant materials become available to the public. Depending on the type of project, some materials will be housed in the Oregon OSHA Resource Center while some will be available online.
Some examples of past grant projects include:
The Oregon Legislature launched the Occupational Safety and Health Education and Training Grant Program in 1990. Award recommendations are made by Oregon OSHA’s Safe Employment Education and Training Advisory Committee, a group with members from business, labor, and government.
###
About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Colin Fogarty, Director of Communications
Oregon Community Foundation, cfogarty@oregoncf.org
DON’T LET ANYONE DIM THEIR LIGHT
Black Education Elders Honored for Their Legacies Supporting Students
PORTLAND, Ore. — Believe in Black children. Draw inspiration and strength from your ancestors, elders and community. Build the school system students deserve. And don’t let anyone dim their light.
These were the messages from visionary Black educators honored this summer by Oregon Community Foundation. Some honorees led sweeping institutional change. Others built community organizations from the ground up. And many worked within the system to inspire and educate generations of Oregon students.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
The event “Honoring Our Legacy, Investing in the Future” marked Juneteenth and recognized 13 educators for contributions spanning more than 50 years. It was hosted by OCF’s Black Student Success Initiative.
“My grandmother’s mother was born into slavery. So this is not a theory for me,” said Ron Herndon, honored for his advocacy for Portland children and nationally recognized early childhood education leadership. “We have to build upon the strength that has been given to us through our ancestors.”
Herndon recommended that anyone working with Black students familiarize themselves with the works of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington and Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
With those educators and authors in mind, Herndon co‑founded the Black Education Center and led the Portland chapter of the Black United Front, which helped end harmful student‑busing practices in Portland Public Schools in 1979 and influenced the selection of the district’s first Black superintendent, Dr. Matthew Prophet, in 1982. He later became director of Albina Head Start and president of the National Head Start Association.
“Honoring these leaders shows where we’ve been, how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go,” said Marcy Bradley, chief community engagement and equity officer for OCF. “Their work improved education for Black children and for all Oregon students.”
Stories of Courage and Commitment
The evening featured tributes from leaders inspired by those honored, including Joe McFerrin, president and CEO of Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center and Kali Thorne‑Ladd, CEO of Children’s Institute and co‑founder of KairosPDX. Marsha Williams, also a co‑founder of KairosPDX, served as emcee.
During a panel moderated by OCF President and CEO Lisa Mensah, Herndon and fellow honoree Dr. Harriet Adair shared personal reflections.
Adair recalled that her own mother was barred from teaching in Portland Public Schools. While her family and community believed in her, the system often did not.
When Adair was a high school senior her counselor expressed surprise that she intended to attend college after she’d been offered a scholarship to Bryn Mawr College, adding that Adair lacked the math classes to attend. Adair said she vowed never be the adult who kills a child’s dream.
Adair became a middle school teacher then principal of King Elementary School in a historically Black Northeast Portland neighborhood. She later earned a doctorate and served as assistant superintendent of PPS. Her former high school, once named for slave‑owning President James Madison, is now named for Leodis V. McDaniel, a Black principal who once led it.
Innovators Who Opened Doors
Another honoree reflected on how her grandfather inspired her.
“If my grandfather could get an education when it was against the law then I could learn to do anything,” said Renee Anderson, who battled racism to become a mathematics teacher in the 1960s and founded and led Oregon MESA for 40 years. The organization offers science, technology, engineering and math education and mentoring to students of color, girls and non‑binary students, low‑income students and those who are the first in their families to attend college.
“Now we call it STEM education but Renee Anderson did this long before it had a name,” Bradley said.
Advancing Equity in Education
Honorees included Dr. Darrell Millner, professor emeritus and former chair of Portland State University’s Black Studies Department, and Lolenzo Poe, who launched Multnomah County’s Schools Uniting Neighborhood program and co‑chaired the Portland School Board.
As chief equity and diversity officer for PPS, Poe developed the district’s Racial Educational Equity Plan. The initiative helped raise Black student graduation rates.
“Lolenzo has been a giant force for equity in Portland and Multnomah County,” Thorne‑Ladd said, calling Poe “the Black godfather of Portland’s electoral and political scene.”
Solutions Rooted in Community
Many of those honored were instrumental in advocating for the Oregon Legislature's landmark investments in Black student success. They pushed for policies requiring community voice in how funds are spent and urged OCF to get involved.
Since 2019 OCF has invested more than $6 million in the Black Student Success Initiative and a network of 25 Black‑led, Black‑serving organizations that provide direction to funders on best practices from early childhood through post‑secondary.
“When you let the community that knows the challenge create the solutions what you get are practices that work for all children. Best practices spread out from one group of children to the next,” Bradley said.
Looking Forward, Looking Back
For Bradley, the event was as much about looking forward as looking back. Black student achievement continues to lag other groups in Oregon.
“Improving student achievement it’s a tough nut to crack,” she said. “There’s not just one place for educators to learn how to do it. The people we honored are bold and brilliant educators. We can all learn from them and draw courage for the challenging work that lies ahead.”
See a full list of the honorees and their biographies below.
Honoree Biographies
Ms. Barbara Ward
Believer. Cultivator. Guide.
“Belief doesn’t just happen. It comes from understanding who you are and that you have unlimited potential to change this world, just by being your unique self.”
Ms. Barbara Ward understands the power of belief. Serving as De La Salle North Catholic School’s counselor for 16 years, she believed in the future of thousands of young people who walked through her door. Guiding them on a journey into the rest of their lives, Ms. Ward is known by countless students as someone who not only knew they were destined for great things, but helped them discover it for themselves.
Born in 1952, Ms. Ward learned how to cultivate her own belief in herself at an early age, and in a time when every door to success was firmly shut. Facing the daily realities of oppressive systems that had no place for her, Ms. Ward would not be dissuaded, and she created her own. Her love of education not only flourished, but later became infectious, and she would spend the next decades of her career pouring into generations of students, illuminating their path to college and beyond. Thousands of North and Northeast Portland students credit Ms. Ward for opening up their futures and showing them that the world was waiting for the unique contribution only they could bring.
Ms. Cynthia Richardson
Champion. Path-maker. Mobilizer.
“No matter where you are, you go in, know who you are, and stand for what's right.”
The first African American high school principal of Salem-Keizer school district, Cynthia Richardson spent the last 44 years opening and walking through doors that had been closed for too long. And she taught her students that they could do the same.
Serving as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, district Director of Student Equity, Access, and Advancement, Vice Chair of the state Board of Education, and currently, the Chair of the Salem-Keizer School Board, Ms. Richardson has inspired thousands of young people to discover and live in their unique identities. Building deep and lasting relationships with students and families over the years, and nurturing their personal and academic success, Cynthia’s impact on her community and beyond will continue for generations to come.
Dr. Darrell Millner
Truth-teller. Activist. Future-builder.
“We can’t change what happened in history ... the only thing we can change is what happens now."
As Professor Emeritus and former Department Chair of Black Studies of Portland State University, Dr. Darrell Millner is a widely recognized expert and preeminent scholar of the early 19th-century western movement of African-Americans, specializing in the Oregon and California trail experiences.
With a doctorate in education, Dr. Millner spent the last 50 years awakening students to the complex and largely unrecognized truth of the racist exclusionary laws of early Oregon, the richness of Afro-American Literature and Black cinema, and much more. Uplifting diverse histories in his scholarly work, Dr. Millner's equally profound contributions as Director of Multicultural Education for the Portland Public Schools have impacted thousands of young Oregonians. Dr. Millner's legacy points us all to the deep truths of history, and that when we acknowledge them, we have the power to revolutionize our future.
Dr. Ernest Hartzog
Activist. Pioneer. Transformer.
“Learn the value of forgiveness, of love, and of brotherhood, as we work in the trenches to bring about equality in our nation.”
In 1969, following a massive ten-day student walkout, Dr. Ernest Hartzog was named San Diego’s first African-American high school Principal. Rooted deeply in the civil rights movement and with over 40 years in public and private education, ranging from Michigan and Pennsylvania to Washington D.C. and Oregon, Dr. Ernest Hartzog left an indelible mark across our nation’s educational landscape.
As he trailblazed the journey for equal rights in Oregon, including the desegregation of our state’s schools, Dr. Hartzog’s vision to widen avenues for those coming after him led to him founding the Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators and served as President of the National Alliance of Black School Educators. Today, as part owner of MJOD Consulting, a leadership and organizational development organization, Dr. Hartzog continues to invest his wisdom and leadership in his community.
Mr. George Russell
Advocate. Powerhouse. Wayfinder.
“With the right mindset, the right belief system, and the willpower, we can find a way to do what’s best for our kids.”
Named Oregon’s Superintendent of the Year in 2005, George Russell served the Eugene 4J School District for over a decade, but his presence and influence in the educational system extend far and wide. Contributing to the Danforth Foundation’s Forum for the American School Superintendent and Harvard University’s Superintendent Leadership program, Mr. Russell has been recognized for his ability to mobilize great minds and action on behalf of this country’s young people.
His belief in the innate possibilities of all children has always driven his vision for and definition of success. As former President of the NAACP’s Education Committee and Executive Board Member with Blacks in Government, Mr. Russell’s influence in education and civic service has created multiple pathways for, and uplifted the dreams of, thousands of children and families and entire communities across Oregon.
Dr. Harriet Adair
Firebrand. Activator. Trailblazer.
“With the right kind of energy and level of support to students, they’ll do all sorts of phenomenal things.”
The self-proclaimed daughter of a “door-opener,” Dr. Harriet Adair confidently strode into Portland Public Schools in 1970 as a middle school teacher. Serving a district that at one point barred her own mother from teaching because of her race, Dr. Adair never doubted that she belonged in every room she entered. She spent the next 47 years making sure every child she met knew they belonged too. Moving to the rank of Principal and finally to Assistant Superintendent of the district’s Office of Early Learners, Schools and Student Supports, Dr. Adair’s imprint on the lives of children, from preschool to high-school graduation is unmistakable.
As her family’s sixth generation with a master’s degree, Dr. Adair earned her doctorate from Brigham Young University, and in turn, wove this legacy into mentoring the next generations of teachers and leaders of color. Awarded the President’s Award from the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, Dr. Adair will go down in history as someone who changed the landscape of education — and the future of thousands of Oregon youth.
Mrs. Joyce Braden Harris
Groundbreaker. Revolutionary. Leader.
“Culturally responsive education means using history and culture as bridges to children’s learning — making sure that you enter into their world.”
In 1969, Joyce Braden Harris came to Reed College on a full academic ride as one of only 17 African American students — and she never looked back. Recognized for her groundbreaking work in the national civil rights movement and education, Harris co-founded the Black Education Center, which provided free summer education to African American children in Portland. In 1974, the center became a full-time private school.
Awarded the Woman of Excellence in Education Award, among many others, Harris’s Baseline Essay on African-American Traditions in Language Arts has been recognized and adopted by hundreds of school districts across the country. Her years of teaching, activism and consultancy within the Portland Public Schools district and beyond have revolutionized curricula and ensured generations of children receive the equitable education they deserve.
Ms. Linda Jean Harris
Visionary. Dedicated Principal. Coach.
Linda Jean Harris is a retired educator who served for 33 years with Portland Public Schools, including as Assistant Superintendent. She holds degrees in Language Arts, Psychology, and School Administration, and earned her Superintendent’s Certification from Lewis & Clark College.
Following her PPS career, Linda spent 13 years at Self-Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) Academy as principal and administrative coach. Under her leadership, Woodlawn School earned state and national recognition, including the Title I Program of Merit for Math and a five-year national grant for High Performing Learning Communities. At SEI Academy, she helped the school receive the National Center for Urban School Transformation Award and the National Title I Distinguished School Award.
A firm believer in instructional leadership, Linda champions the belief that all students can learn at high levels.
Mr. Lolenzo Poe
Culture-shifter. Organizer. Justice-seeker.
“In our focus on educational equity, you cannot waver. If you commit resources, we can ultimately close the gap.”
Born and raised in North Portland, Mr. Poe’s pursuit of justice and equal access to education has marked a decades-long service in communities across the state. Earning his Bachelor’s degree and then Master’s of Public Administration at Oregon State University, Poe spent the next 32 years at Multnomah County, first directing the Department of Community & Family Services, and later as director of the Department of School & Community Partnerships. A founder of the acclaimed Schools Uniting Neighborhoods program, Mr. Poe’s influence and impact extend across communities throughout the state.
As the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Chief Equity and Diversity Officer and Director of Partnership Development for Portland Public Schools, Mr. Poe was instrumental in developing and driving the district's Racial Equity Plan, which resulted in astonishing achievements. In his own words, a “product of a community that took care of and loved its own,” Mr. Poe’s life and service have left a lasting and unwavering reflection of this love in action.
Mr. Ray Leary
Overcomer. Empowerer. Legacy-maker.
“By embracing the unknown, seeking relationships and building connections, you can create a momentum so great, you cannot be denied.”
Mr. Leary’s multifaceted leadership in the city of Portland has had a sprawling and sustained impact on its educational landscape as well as economic and civic development. A graduate of Jefferson High School in the 1970’s, and co-captain of one of the first ever all-Black Oregon State Championship winning teams, Mr. Leary blazed an early path of pioneering places, initiatives and accomplishments most had only dreamed of. As Director of Development of the Urban League of Portland, and the first African American commissioner on Metro’s Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission, Leary’s advocacy has always been rooted in his unwavering belief in the power of resilience, mentorship and empowering youth.
Co-Director of Self Enhancement, Inc., a nationally acclaimed youth empowerment program with a decades-long presence and impact in Portland public schools, Mr. Leary has brought forth his own deeply personal experience of persevering against all odds to create a future for all Portland children where dreams have the power to turn into legacies of change.
Mrs. Renee Anderson
Creator. Advocate. Firebrand.
“If my grandfather could get an education when it was against the law, then I could learn to do anything.”
Mrs. Renee Anderson’s journey to Portland came by way of San Francisco, where, as a young girl in the early 1960s, she was forced to fight through blatant racism and daily obstacles to pursue her dream of teaching mathematics. Not only did she achieve this dream, teaching at Berkeley and later as Director of the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program at San Francisco State University, she made it her goal to do the same for thousands of young people coming after her.
In 1985, Anderson was recruited to launch the MESA Program for Portland Public Schools. She built the program from the ground up, and the results of her investment and commitment to equity in STEM over the last 40 years are incalculable. Today, her role on the Board of Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators, and as Co-Chair of the African American/Black Student Success Advisory Group for the Oregon Department of Education, Anderson’s deep belief in the endless possibilities of Oregon’s youth knows no bounds.
Mr. Ron Herndon
Provoker. Uplifter. Reformer.
“Whatever I have been a part of in my life has been because of the influences of adults who pushed us towards excellence in education.”
Mr. Ron Herndon came to Reed College in 1968 on a Rockefeller scholarship and discovered entrenched racist and discriminatory systems as deep as he’d ever encountered. He and his colleagues spent their tenure at Reed involved in constant activism, and it was here that he co-founded the widely acclaimed Black Educational Center. In 1975, Herndon was named director of the Albina Ministerial Alliance Head Start Program, and later, organized the Portland chapter of the Black United Front to reform and eventually abolish harmful busing practices in Portland.
Instrumental in the hiring of the city’s first Black school superintendent, Herndon established himself as a leader in Portland’s educational system, but his advocacy for equality and justice can be seen across sectors of society. A recipient of the Gladys McCoy Award for “outstanding lifetime volunteer service dedicated to improving the [Multnomah] county community,” Mr. Herndon’s dogged determination to uplift community power has made, and continues to make, a lasting difference.
Mr. Tony Hopson Sr.
Agitator. Pursuer. Radical.
“Because our young people were taught to see themselves as leaders, today they are in leadership positions themselves, in Portland and beyond.”
When Tony Hopson Sr. started a summer camp for Black students in Northeast Portland 44 years ago, he could never have imagined the organization it has become, serving approximately 17,000 Portland youth every year, and changing the trajectory of a generation of Portland families’ futures. Today, Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) is known for its wide-reaching presence in Portland’s public schools, providing opportunities and mentoring students to succeed in academics, leadership and life through college and beyond. A graduate of Jefferson High School and member of the historic 1972 basketball state championship team that faced insurmountable odds, Hopson’s personal and professional fight for justice began early in life and has never stopped.
Hopson not only fought back the closure of Jefferson High School in 2010 but, through the work of SEI, achieved staggering results by moving the graduation rate from 54% to well over 93%. Though retiring as the organization’s CEO in 2024, Hopson’s commitment to empowering youth and holding Portland’s leaders accountable to unconditional and equal educational opportunities has no end date.
About Oregon Community Foundation
Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 million in grants and scholarships in every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.
###
WHAT: Informational picket and rally for a fair contract at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.
WHERE: Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center (3600 NW Samaritan Dr., Corvallis, OR 97330)
WHEN: Tuesday, July 8 from 1 – 3 p.m. Speeches start at approximately 2:15 p.m.
Nurses will be available for interviews before and after speeches.
WHO: Local frontline nurses and healthcare providers, patients and families.
WHY: Nurses at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center are holding an informational picket and rally Tuesday, July 8. More than 700 local nurses are currently fighting for fair contracts at both Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center–Samaritan’s flagship hospital in Corvallis–and Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital in Lebanon. Nurses at both hospitals have been bargaining since March in an attempt to reach a fair contract agreement with Samaritan Health System executives. Nurses’ contracts at Good Samaritan and Samaritan Lebanon expired June 30, 2025.
Nurses at both facilities are committed to reaching a fair contract agreement that includes safe staffing and safe workplaces, fair wages, affordable healthcare, and a stronger voice for providers to improve local healthcare and prevent job cuts and department closures.
ONA nurses in the Samaritan system have led public opposition to Samaritan’s reported proposals to cut birthing centers at hospitals in Lebanon and Lincoln City and eliminate local emergency surgery teams among other cuts.
The community has joined nurses and rallied to defend the birth center and emergency surgery team with patients and elected leaders including U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04), among those publicly calling on Samaritan Health Services to maintain rural and coastal Oregonians’ full access to labor and delivery services.
Community members are encouraged to attend nurses’ informational picket on July 8 to hear directly from local nurses, ask questions, and share concerns and stories about their community’s healthcare.
Media members are encouraged to attend to capture the voices and stories of frontline nurses, healthcare workers and patients.
NOTE: An informational picket is not a strike or work stoppage. It is a demonstration of solidarity and an opportunity to educate the public about their community’s healthcare.
Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 20 grants totaling $300,000 for historic properties and archaeology projects. Six of the grants were awarded in the Diamonds in the Rough category. This grant funds façade enhancements that restore the historic character of the property. The other 14 grants were in the Preserving Oregon category for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and for archaeology projects.
Funded projects:
These grants are approved by the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation, a nine-member group that reviews nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The members are professionally recognized in the fields of history, architecture, archaeology and other related disciplines.
For more information about the grant program, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.
Portland, OR — The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) is excited to announce its inaugural KTP (Keeping the Promise) Summer Soirée, a family-friendly open house event on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at The Aerie at Eagle Landing in Happy Valley.
The event celebrates 100 years of Lions service inspired by Helen Keller’s historic 1925 address to the Lions International Convention. In her call to action, she urged Lions to become “Knights of the Blind in my crusade against darkness.” This century-long commitment remains the heart of OLSHF’s mission, ensuring all Oregonians have access to essential vision and hearing care.
The KTP Summer Soirée will offer an informal, welcoming environment designed to introduce friends, family, and community members to OLSHF’s mission. Attendees can expect: Drinks and small bites, Mini golf and family-friendly games, Interactive program tables showcasing OLSHF’s impact, and Networking and celebrations of dedicated volunteers and supporters.
This summer's event also highlights a major milestone: OLSHF’s 2 millionth school vision screening. Since 1994, the School Vision Screening (SVS) program has grown into the largest of its kind in the nation, screening nearly 200,000 Oregon students annually and helping uncover vision issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
“More than a party, this event is a celebration of a century of service and the community partnerships that make our mission possible,” said Kate Mayne, Marketing & Events Manager. “We invite everyone to join us, meet our team, and see firsthand how we’re keeping the promise to Helen Keller.”
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: The Aerie at Eagle Landing, Happy Valley, OR
Tickets: On sale through July 24 at olshf.org/ktp-summer-soiree
Transportation: Lyft discount codes available upon request; free parking on site.
For media inquiries or more information:
Kate Mayne
Marketing & Events Manager
Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation
Email: kate@olshf.org
Website: olshf.org
Follow us on social media: @olshf
Springfield, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire’s water rescue crews responded to a rescue call just above Bellinger boat landing on the McKenzie in the evening of July 5th. The call came in just before 6PM and five people were rescued, three in a drift boat boat that got swamped, and two bystanders that tried to help and ended up getting in trouble. The Captain on Boat 5 had to jump in to rescue one off a strainer that had their arm stuck in the strainer with their head barely above the water, face down and water running over their head. The Captain ended up breaking a branch and pushing them under the strainer and grabbing them on the other side. Crews were surprised how dangerous of a situation the individuals were in because it was never relayed to dispatch or crews until they got out on the water. There were ultimately no injuries on this call.
Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of a fire at a West Eugene manufacturing facility. Just before 2 PM on July 5th, ESF responded with full first alarm to report of a commercial structure fire at the original Archimoto building in the 1800 block of West 2nd Ave. Crews from Station 2 arrived in about 2-1/2 minutes from dispatch, to find heavy fire and smoke from the exterior of the building. With concerns that the fire had gotten in to the building, additional resources were called as part of a second alarm. Crews quickly discovered that the fire was burning manufacturing stock in the back parking lot with no building involvement and turned the additional resources away. Fire crews brought the fire under control quickly and the cause is under investigation.
Updated to add the time of the crash.
COOS COUNTY, Ore. 5 July 2025 – On Friday, July 4, 2025, at approximately 1:06 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a four-vehicle fatal crash in Coos County near Lakeside.
The preliminary investigation indicated a beige Kia Optima, operated by Manual Samuel Starr (38) of Coos Bay, was traveling northbound when it crossed the centerline for unknown reasons. The Kia sideswiped a southbound black Toyota Corolla, operated by Kent McQuillen (61) of Florence, before colliding head-on with a black Dodge Ram, operated by Jose Maria Rodriguez Garcia (55) of Coos Bay. A southbound silver Subaru Outback, operated by Lori Priest (61) of Lake Stevens, Washington, was unable to avoid the crash and also collided head-on with the Kia.
The operator of the Kia (Starr) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Kia’s rear passenger, Shatara Rosemarie Holmes (39) of Coos Bay, was also pronounced deceased at the scene. A seven-month-old female infant, the operator and passenger’s child, did not appear to be injured, but was transported to a local hospital.
The operator of the Dodge Ram (Rodriguez Garcia) was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The front passenger, Nicole Virginia Rodriguez (44) of Coos Bay, was transported to a local hospital by air ambulance with serious injuries. Passenger Jose Rodriguez Chase Jr. (20) of Coos Bay, a three-year-old male passenger, and a 14-year-old female passenger had reported minor injuries.
The operator of the Subaru (Priest) had reported minor injuries. Passenger Nanette Myra Priest (55) of Lake Stevens (WA) and a 10-year-old passenger were not injured.
The operator of the Toyota (McQuillen) was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Hauser Fire Department, North Bay Fire Department, Lower Umpqua Ambulance, Bay Cities Ambulance, Coos County Medical Examiner, North Bend Chapel, 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.
MORROW COUNTY, Ore. 5 July 2025 – On Thursday, July 3, 2025, at approximately 10:28 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash in Morrow County near Boardman.
The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Honda Odyssey, operated by Timothy W. Nelson (50), unknown address, was traveling eastbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 162 when it left the roadway and struck the end of a guardrail.
The Honda operator (Nelson) was declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately 30 minutes during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Boardman Police Department, Boardman Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
# # #
About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU)
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.
Lebanon Fire District Receives Priceless Donation from Local Business
LEBANON, Ore. – In a powerful show of community partnership, ENTEK—an advanced materials company founded and headquartered in Lebanon, Oregon—has stepped up to support the Lebanon Fire District in a big way.
The Fire District will be sending a 2007 Pierce fire engine to Fire Trucks Unlimited, located in Henderson, Nevada, where it will undergo a complete refurbishment. The work will include a full rebuild of the engine, transmission, and pump, along with new paint and upholstery to restore both the interior and exterior. With the cost of new fire engines increasing by 17–21% annually since 2020, budgeting for replacements has become increasingly difficult. Refurbishing the engine will extend its service life at roughly one-third the cost of purchasing a new unit.
The collaboration began with a family conversation between Battalion Chief Blaine Suing of the Lebanon Fire District and his father, Marty Suing, ENTEK’s Director of Fabrication. When Blaine mentioned that the District needed to transport the truck to Henderson, Marty saw an opportunity to help.
“When my son told me they were planning to drive it down themselves, I remembered ENTEK has a manufacturing facility in Henderson,” Marty explained. “I brought the idea to our owner, Larry Keith, and he didn’t hesitate—he immediately saw it as a chance to give back.”
What would have been a costly and logistically challenging trip was transformed into a generous act of local support.
“This is a wonderful example of a public-private partnership and helps us be fiscally responsible to our taxpayers,” said Lebanon Fire District Fire Chief Joseph Rodondi. “Getting that vehicle to Henderson would have been a significant expense for the District. ENTEK’s support saves us thousands of dollars—resources we can now dedicate elsewhere.”
“This fire truck will serve communities for years to come thanks to this refurbishment,” added Chief Rodondi. “And that wouldn’t be possible without the support of hometown partners like ENTEK.”
At approximately 7:19 AM, the Lebanon Fire District responded to a reported structure fire in the 1600 block of 2nd Street. A total of 19 personnel responded to the scene.
Crews arrived quickly and were able to bring the fire under control in a short amount of time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
An investigation determined the cause of the fire to be a faulty toaster.
Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a water rescue on the Willamette River downstream from the Knickerbocker Bridge Thursday evening. Just before 6:30 PM on July 3rd Firefighters were called to a swimmer in distress. The caller reported the individual lost their floatie and was floating down stream struggling to keep their head above water. When the crew on Boat 5 arrived, they found an unhoused person performing CPR for the victim on a shallow gravel bar in the middle of the river. Firefighters took over and worked the resuscitation on the boat while transporting to the launch where Medic 1 was waiting. The individual was transported to RiverBend in critical condition after being submerged for about 10 min.
Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a water rescue on the Willamette River downstream from the Knickerbocker Bridge Thursday evening. Just before 6:30 PM on July 3rd Firefighters were called to a swimmer in distress. The caller reported the individual lost their floatie and was floating down stream struggling to keep their head above water. When the crew on Boat 5 arrived, they found an unhoused person performing CPR for the victim on a shallow gravel bar in the middle of the river. Firefighters took over and worked the resuscitation on the boat while transporting to the launch where Medic 1 was waiting. The individual was transported to RiverBend in critical condition after being submerged for about 10 min.
On Thursday, July 3rd at 9:23 PM, Lebanon Fire District (LFD) responded to a water rescue in the 31000 block of 1st Street in Waterloo. A disoriented individual was reported on the river after dark. LFD and Linn County Sheriff’s Office initiated a joint search, locating the victim approximately 15 minutes later near the upper end of the park.
The individual was safely assisted to an ambulance and transported to a hospital for evaluation. Seven LFD units and 17 personnel were involved in the response, with the Albany Fire Department covering medic services for the city during the incident.
LFD reminds the public of the importance of wearing personal flotation devices and informing others of your river plans, including departure and estimated arrival times.
As your Sheriff, my primary focus has always been on fostering a dedicated and highly professional public safety organization. We uphold stringent hiring standards to meticulously assess applicants, aiming to identify any traits inconsistent with the values of a Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy. While our process isn't flawless, nor are all individuals perfect, I hold every member of the Sheriff’s Office to the highest standards.
When a deputy violates their oath or breaches the public's trust, I take swift and decisive action. Upon learning of the incident last Sunday, I immediately engaged the Roseburg Police Department to conduct a thorough investigation. Simultaneously, I placed the employee involved on administrative leave. Today, immediately following his arrest and the completion of the criminal and internal investigation, I have terminated his employment.
It's crucial to recognize that this incident reflects the actions of one individual, not the values of our organization. Each day, the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office work tirelessly to earn and maintain your trust and respect, even during challenging times.
I am grateful for the prompt and thorough investigation conducted by the Roseburg Police Department.
Note: This statement is in response to the press release issued by the Roseburg Police Department on July 3, 2025.
On June 29, 2025, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Roseburg Police Department asking for assistance with an incident that occurred within the Douglas County Jail on the same date. Based on that request, Roseburg Police Detectives initiated an investigation. The investigation revealed probable cause to arrest Corrections Deputy Jeremiah Heredia for Official Misconduct in the First Degree and Assault in the Fourth Degree. These charges allege Heredia assaulted a 31 year old adult in custody, after the man allegedly propelled excrement and/or urine from a toilet onto Heredia’s face and onto another adult in custody while inside the correctional facility.
On July 3, 2025, Roseburg Police contacted and arrested Heredia. He was lodged at the Douglas County Jail.
An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Charles Edward Vermillion, died the afternoon of July 3, 2025. Vermillion was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at a regional hospital while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.
Vermillion entered DOC custody on April 20, 2017, from Klamath County with an earliest release date of November 5, 2034. Vermillion was 60 years old. Next of kin has been notified.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.
####
Salem, Ore. – Since Monday, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southern and Eastern Oregon Area firefighters have responded to over 100 new fire starts, both lightning and human-caused, and anticipate more to come during the holiday weekend. Through the agency’s aggressive initial attack tactics, most of the fires have been contained to an average of about half an acre.
In the Southern Oregon Area (all ODF-protected land from around Eugene down to the California border west of the Cascades), ODF firefighters and resources have responded to 10 lightning-caused fires and 43 human-caused fires since Monday.
In the Eastern Oregon Area (all ODF-protected land east of the Cascades), ODF firefighters and resources from the Klamath-Lake, Central Oregon, and Northeast Oregon Districts have responded to over 65 new fire starts, most of which were caused by lightning. Alongside the lightning, firefighters in this area have faced the added difficulty of dry and windy conditions, making the fires more difficult to catch and suppress.
On top of their initial attack efforts, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District responded to and supported the extended attack operations for the Grizzly Flat fire (624 acres) and the Larch Creek Fire (92 acres). Both fire’s forward progression has been stopped. In addition, the Klamath-Lake District went into extended attack and suppressed the Bowers Bridge Fire (40 acres).
Fire managers anticipate these numbers will double over the weekend due to human activities like fireworks, which are prohibited in state forests and on ODF-protected land.
With the recent lightning in both areas, it’s important for Oregonians to help prevent wildfire by checking local restrictions before bringing fire hazards onto the landscape and actively practicing wildfire prevention while they recreate.
We can’t prevent lightning-caused fires, but by preventing human-caused fires we can help reduce the strain on Oregon’s firefighters and other resources.
In an ongoing effort to improve services for Oregonians, the Department of Corrections (DOC) has modernized its public records request process by implementing new software to streamline access and communication.
Effective July 7, 2025, DOC will launch Granicus GovQA, a cloud-based platform designed to efficiently manage and process public records requests. Public records requests can be submitted through the DOC website: Department of Corrections : Public Record Requests : Research and Information Requests : State of Oregon.
As the volume and complexity of requests have grown, DOC adopted GovQA to provide a secure, centralized, and highly customizable solution. The new system enhances transparency and improves tracking and communication—leading to better customer service.
Through the new public records portal, requesters can:
For DOC staff, the system standardizes workflows, increasing internal efficiency and consistency in handling requests.
Granicus GovQA is the largest provider of cloud-based services for government compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It supports numerous state and local governments across the country, including other agencies within Oregon.
DOC employs 4,600 staff members at 12 institutions, two community corrections offices, and several centralized support facilities throughout the state. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of over 12,000 adults sentenced to more than 12 months of incarceration, and direct or indirect supervision of 24,000 offenders on felony supervision in the community. DOC is recognized nationally among correctional agencies for providing adults in custody with the cognitive, education, and job skills needed to become productive citizens when they transition back to their communities.
####
July 3, 2025
Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is updating its food package today for participants to enhance nutrition and expand choice for families statewide.
The updated WIC food package reflects the latest nutrition science and aligns with healthy dietary patterns recognized around the world. This marks the third update to WIC foods in the program’s 50-year history of promoting family and child health.
The last update to the WIC foods was in 2009 and introduced improvements such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The new update builds on that progress by expanding access to healthy foods for families across Oregon.
“The changes bring increased flexibility, variety and choice, allowing families to honor cultural traditions, enjoy shared meals and have healthy and whole food options,” said Tiare Sanna M.S., RDN, Oregon WIC director. “There are even better supports now for special dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan and allergen-free options.”
Enhancements to the WIC Food Package include:
See the WIC food package changes website for more details.
In response to WIC’s nutrition standards, food manufacturers have improved the nutritional content of products available to all consumers.
Sanna explained that when WIC increases choices and options for WIC participants, it improves choices and access for the whole community.
“When grocery stores improve access to more nutritious food options for WIC participants, it has a positive ripple effect on the entire community,” Sanna said. “For the stores, that means more customers.”
Sanna added that WIC conducts a price and availability survey throughout Oregon to ensure participants in every community across the state have similar access to food.
Starting today, July 1, Oregon WIC participants can shop for foods on the updated list using their benefit card at any of the 426 WIC-authorized grocery stores across Oregon.
The Oregon WIC Program improves nutrition security for families by providing healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and connections to community resources for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding individuals, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC serves families in all 36 Oregon counties through more than 100 clinics
###
On July 2nd, 2025, 60-year-old Steven J. Brady of Otis, was arrested by Lincoln City Police Detectives for crimes related to an overdose death that occurred in Otis in early 2025. After investigation into this matter by Lincoln City Detectives, the case was brought before a Lincoln County Grand Jury where Brady was subsequently indicted for Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Criminally Negligent Homicide, and related drug offenses. Searches for Brady spanned over two weeks and multiple counties before Brady was located in Lincoln City shortly after returning to the area.
Brady was well known to the Lincoln City Police Department for two separate search warrants that were executed in March of 2025 at his residence, 336 N Deer Valley Road in Otis OR, related to Brady’s delivery of illegal narcotics throughout northern Lincoln County.
During the initial search warrant operation substantial quantities of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine were recovered along with scales and packaging material used for the sale of narcotics. Brady was subsequently charged with Unlawful Delivery of Fentanyl, Unlawful Possession of Fentanyl, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. A second search warrant operation was conducted when information was received that Brady was continuing his drug trafficking operation. This search led to the discovery of additional substantial quantities of Fentanyl, along with scales and packaging materials. Between both search warrant operations, nearly $10,000 in cash was seized.
During the second search warrant operation, 32-year-old Dylan Wright of Otis, was charged for Possession of Methamphetamine. 38-year-old Casey Overturf, of Lincoln City, was charged for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Fentanyl. Brady was charged for Unlawful Delivery of Fentanyl, Unlawful Possession of Fentanyl, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine.
Through these investigations, the Lincoln City Police Department Narcotics Detective has worked to address the ongoing distribution of illicit drugs in unincorporated Lincoln County which are directly related to both violent and non-violent crime affecting City residents. We commend his efforts to protect our broader community.
Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Out of respect for the Decedent and their family on this case, their name is not being released at this time.
Portland, OR — The America 250 Oregon Commission invites community members to get involved in the state semiquincentennial commemoration, in anticipation of the official observance on July 4, 2026.
Created by Oregon Senate Bill 1531 and chaired by OHS’s executive director Kerry Tymchuk, the America 250 Oregon Commission’s mission is “to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial.”
“America’s 250th anniversary offers an opportunity to celebrate our successes, honestly reckon with our setbacks, and inspire all of us to participate in and shape the ongoing American experiment,” said Tymchuk.
Learn more about how you can get involved in this once-in-a-lifetime commemoration.
America 250 Oregon Community Calendar
The America 250 Oregon Commission invites individuals, organizations, and communities across the state to participate in our state’s official 250th commemoration by hosting events that reflect the diversity, creativity, and history of Oregon. Whether you’re planning a lecture, festival, exhibition, performance, community conversation, or something entirely unique — the commission wants to hear from you!
To be featured on the America 250 Oregon community calendar, your event must align with at least one of the commission guideposts — the foundational values guiding our semiquincentennial commemoration effort in Oregon.
Fill out the Event Submission Form if you would like your event included on the America 250 Oregon community calendar. All submissions will be reviewed and could take up to 3 weeks for response. Please submit a separate form for each program, project, or event you plan to host. Approved events will receive the “America 250 Oregon Official Event” logo for inclusion on promotional materials.
America 250 Oregon Traveling Exhibitions
The America 250 Oregon Commission is currently offering two traveling exhibitions that are available to rent at no cost!
The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries.
The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state.
Both exhibitions are also available to view for free online here.
Get Involved
If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact egon.250@ohs.org">oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.
About the America 250 Oregon Commission
The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.
Salem, OR – The Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) commissioned a third-party vendor, Baker Tilly Advisory Group, to conduct an independent audit of the Oregon Motor Voter (OMV) program at the direction of Governor Tina Kotek and SOS last fall. The independent audit was one of many accountability measures initiated in response to the data entry errors discovered in OMV.
The audit found that the steps taken by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and SOS to close the gaps in the OMV program were largely effective. ODOT and SOS are acting on additional recommendations from the audit to further support the program.
"I take any error that undermines Oregonians’ confidence in their election system incredibly seriously," Governor Tina Kotek said. "From the moment the errors were caught, I committed to ongoing accountability and continual improvement of the Oregon Motor Voter program. This report underscores the strength of that work."
“This independent audit is one of many things we are doing to lock down and root out errors in the Motor Voter system and earn back Oregonians’ trust. My team is already acting on these recommendations, and I’m glad to hear that what we’ve done so far is effective. We are committed to running fair, secure, accessible elections here in Oregon,” said Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read.
The audit assessed the effectiveness, accuracy and security of the OMV program, focusing on compliance, internal controls and data integrity. The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) division of the ODOT and SOS elections division actively participated in the audit.
The audit concluded that new processes and internal controls at DMV and SOS improved areas where errors were previously identified, although some gaps remain and additional improvements could be made. Those additional improvements are focused on reviewing OMV related rules, manuals and trainings; creating formal processes for tracking and evaluating errors in the system; and conducting more regular oversight of data and error logs.
The findings and recommendations from the audit are intended to enhance the integrity, compliance and operational efficiency of the OMV program, earning public trust and assuring access to a fundamental right through the automatic voter registration process.
For additional information on this audit, visit ODOT Motor Voter Program Audit website.
###
TUALATIN, Ore. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, a cruel and calculated piece of legislation that strips health care, food assistance, and health insurance from working families so billionaires can get a tax break. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) condemns this bill in the strongest possible terms and calls out Rep. Cliff Bentz for his disgraceful vote in support of it.
H.R. 1 will gut the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), our state’s Medicaid program, putting as many as 280,000 Oregonians at risk of losing coverage. It slashes critical funding that supports rural hospitals, services for seniors and people with disabilities, and care for hundreds of thousands of Oregon children. It adds punishing new bureaucratic barriers designed to kick people off Medicaid, not help them thrive.
Rep. Bentz had a choice. He could have stood up for rural hospitals. He could have stood with the thousands of children, working parents, and caregivers in his district who rely on OHP to survive. Instead, he stood with billionaires and lobbyists. He failed his constituents. And the cost of that failure will be measured in lost lives, devastated families, and shattered communities.
Oregon’s nurses know what’s coming. We will see more patients showing up in crisis, having lost their coverage and delayed care. We will see more hospitals slash staff, close departments, or shut down altogether. We will see more burnout, more moral injury, and more nurses forced to leave a profession they love because the system is breaking around them.
And make no mistake; this was a choice.
ONA will continue to work with our union partners, advocacy allies, and state leaders to fight back. We will do everything in our power to protect our patients and preserve care for Oregon’s most vulnerable. But even with that work, we know this bill will do damage that can't be undone.
H.R. 1 is a disaster. It is a betrayal. And, thanks to Cliff Bentz and his allies, working Oregonians will pay the price.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 23,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.
###
HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR HOUSE NUMBER
Having visible house numbers to identify your address is important for guests, mail delivery, and of course, emergency personnel. It is much harder for emergency responders to find your home if your house number is not clearly displayed. Depending on the lighting and placement, your house numbers may not be visible from the street, especially at night. A poorly placed number can cost precious time in an emergency. Consider the following guidelines to help increase visibility as you display your house number.
On Your House
On Your Mailbox
Address Signs
Following these guidelines can save valuable time in the event of an emergency by allowing emergency responders to find your home faster. Help us help you!
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
Oregon has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to extend the 10 day time period allowed to request replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits that was lost or destroyed due to the Rowena Fire (June 11, 2025) in Wasco County and the Alder Springs Fire (June 16, 2025) in Deschutes and Jefferson counties.
New deadline for SNAP replacement benefits
Households in the approved counties below now have until the following dates to report food losses and request replacement benefits:
What about other counties?
For individuals who live in a county not listed above, the standard 10 day rule remains in effect. Replacement requests must be made within 10 days of the incident, and verification may be required.
How to request SNAP replacement benefits:
Individuals who experienced food losses due to the fires can submit a request for replacement benefits using one of the following methods:
The information necessary to make a request is available in the form 347D: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/de0349d.pdf
When does the waiver end?
The waiver remains in effect until:
After these dates, the standard 10-day reporting rule will apply.
About the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP provides monthly food benefits to help low-income households buy healthy food. If you qualify, the SNAP program allows individuals and families pay for groceries at authorized stores, learn about nutrition and get job training and support. For more information or to request SNAP replacement benefits, contact your local office or visit the Oregon SNAP benefit website or call 800-699-9075.
UPDATE: Corrected to state the Mercedes van was traveling westbound.
LAKE COUNTY, Ore. – July 2, 2025 – On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at approximately 3:49 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash in Lake County near Lakeview.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white Mercedes Sprinter van, operated by Daniel Klinkert (48) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was traveling westbound on Highway 140 near milepost 1 when it entered the intersection with a southbound commercial motor vehicle towing double trailers. The southbound red Kenworth commercial motor vehicle, operated by Nicholas Cardoza (61) of Lakeview, swerved to avoid a collision with the van, left the roadway, and rolled over.
The operator of the Kenworth (Cardoza) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Mercedes van (Klinkert) was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The crash remains under investigation.
Oregon State Police was assisted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lakeview EMS, Lakeview Fire Department, and Thomas Creek-Westside Fire Department.
# # #
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.
SALEM, Ore. – A quick, wind-driven fire in Umatilla County prompted the Oregon State Fire Marshal to mobilize four task forces and an incident management team. The Cold Springs Fire was reported on Wednesday afternoon and raced to more than 1,000 acres as of late afternoon, according to Umatilla County Fire District 1. The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office has issued levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices for those living near the fire.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal initially sent help through immediate response on Wednesday afternoon, with two structural task forces from Clackamas and Washington counties and air support through agreements with the Oregon Department of Forestry. To provide additional help, the agency is mobilizing its Green Incident Management Team and two more task forces.
The OSFM Green Incident Management Team will take command of the fire Thursday at 9 a.m.
“The latest wildfire forecast for July and August is extremely concerning,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Over the last 48 hours, we saw thousands of lightning strikes across the state, and Red Flag Warnings issued for critical fire danger. I’m calling on everyone to pay attention to the conditions and take the necessary steps to prevent sparking a human-caused fire.”
For fire updates until the Green Incident Management Team takes command, please follow the Umatilla County Fire District 1. For evacuation information, please follow the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office.
This is the third time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked in 2025, and the third immediate response for the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
About the Oregon State Fire Marshal
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.
July 2, 2025
Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
PORTLAND, Ore.—Following reports of lead poisoning cases in two counties, Oregon Health Authority is urging parents and caregivers to avoid using a baby food that has been recalled by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Two cases of elevated blood lead levels in babies were detected in Oregon. During interviews with the families, investigators determined the children consumed the flavor affected by the recall.
The cases followed a recall alert in March of more than 25,000 packages of a baby food called Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale, Thyme Vegetable Puree. The product was sold in 4-ounce containers. No other flavor of the product has been subject to recall.
Good & Gather is a Target store brand, and the product was sold nationwide at the company’s stores. The FDA has since labeled the recall a Class II event, which means that use of or exposure to this product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” but the probability of serious health impacts is low.
While the FDA recall is considered “terminated,” the product has a best use date of December 2025, so there may be families with the product still in their homes.
Lead is of special concern for babies, toddlers and children because even small amounts of lead may affect behavior, cognitive development and academic achievement, according to American Academy of Pediatrics.
“While lead is toxic for all people regardless of age, small children are especially at risk because they’re still growing and developing,” said Ryan Barker, OHA’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program coordinator. “Continued exposure over time can permanently damage their central nervous system, which may result in long-term health problems, such as learning disorders, impaired speech and brain damage.”
Signs of lead poisoning are not always easy to see and can be mistaken for other illnesses. Without a blood test, lead poisoning may go undiagnosed, especially since affected children often don’t look or act sick.
Possible signs of lead exposure and symptoms in children include:
More information on blood testing and lead can be found on the following pages:
Oregon health care providers and laboratories are required by law to report certain diseases and conditions, including elevated and non-elevated lead test results, to local health departments or OHA.
Last year Oregon had 361 lead poisoning cases in children, with 237 affecting children younger than 6. The most common cases are due to ingesting paint and paint dust containing lead, but exposures from traditional cosmetics, glazed pottery, and informally imported spices have been identified.
For more information, visit OHA’s lead poisoning in Oregon page, and visit the CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program page.
###
PORTLAND, Ore.—Hugo Gomez-Soto, 50, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Portland, made his first appearance in federal court today after being charged for distributing fentanyl that was linked to the fatal overdose of a Portland man.
According to court documents, in January 2024, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) Narcotics and Organized Crime (NOC) Unit began investigating a suspected fentanyl overdose of an adult male victim in Southwest Portland. Investigators identified Gomez-Soto as the individual who allegedly sold fentanyl to the victim and, on January 25, 2024, he was arrested on state charges. At the time of his arrest, Gomez-Soto was in possession of both fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
On June 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Gomez-Soto with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Gomez-Soto made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a four-day jury trial scheduled to begin on September 9, 2025.
If convicted, Gomez-Soto faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and PPB’s NOC Unit. It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.
# # #
July 2, 2025
Media contacts: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8843, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
High bacteria levels prompt OHA recommendation to avoid water contact
PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing a public health advisory today for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Nye Beach in Lincoln County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted.
Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.
Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.
Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including:
Even if there is no advisory in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.
Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted.
While this advisory is in effect at Nye Beach, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.
For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).
EUGENE, Ore.—A suspected child abuser is facing federal charges today for enticing and sexually abusing a minor in Oregon and Washington.
Leonias Juber Ramos-Garcia, 25, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Culver, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
According to court documents, in 2024, Ramos-Garcia met the minor at a business in Jefferson County, Oregon. In February 2025, undeterred by the minor’s age, Ramos-Garcia gave the minor a note which contained cash and professed his affection for the minor.
In March 2025, Ramos-Garcia is alleged to have engaged in sexually explicit communication with the minor and, despite the victim’s reluctance, Ramos-Garcia persuaded the minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct at a hotel in Central Oregon. In April 2025, Ramos-Garcia traveled from Oregon to Washington and took the victim to a second hotel where he again sexually abused the minor.
Ramos-Garcia was arrested Tuesday in Culver, Oregon, and made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Madras Police Department. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
# # #
North Bend School District Public Meetings – July 2025
Below are North Bend School District public meetings currently scheduled for July:
July 1, 2025
Regular Board Meeting
North Bend City Hall Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m.
835 California Ave., North Bend, OR
July 10, 2025 (New Meeting Added)
Work Session
North Bend School District at 6:00 p.m.
1913 Meade Street., North Bend, OR
The schedule is subject to change.
Please email rix@nbend.k12.or.us">mbrix@nbend.k12.or.us or visit the NBSD Website: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1573 for agenda information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: July 2, 2025
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net
One pedestrian stuck, killed in northeast Salem
Salem, Ore. — Salem police responded to the intersection of Pine St NE and Brooks Av NE at approximately 7:26 a.m. today, on the call of a single vehicle collision involving a pedestrian.
A Dodge Ram pickup, driven by Patrick Neufeld, 38, of Salem, was headed eastbound on Pine St NE when it collided with a pedestrian, Nina Elsom, 71, of Salem, who was attempting to cross the street. Despite live saving measures being attempted, Elsom was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Neufeld remained at the location and cooperated with investigators. Pine St NE was closed between Portland Rd NE and Cherry Ave NE for approximately two and a half hours, while officers conducted the investigation.
No arrests have been made or citations issued. The collision investigation is ongoing and as such, no other details are available for release.
The incident is Salem’s fifth fatal traffic collision this year, resulting in five fatalities.
# # #
An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Stuart Ross Anderson, died the morning of July 2, 2025. Anderson was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.
Anderson entered DOC custody on June 22, 2004, from Deschutes County with an earliest release date of January 4, 2040. Anderson was 72 years old. Next of kin has been notified.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.
####
July 2, 2025
Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is launching a summer Rethink the Drink campaign this week to encourage people in Oregon to consider their alcohol use.
The state’s Excessive Alcohol Use Prevention Program is urging people to come together to prevent the harms of excessive alcohol use and make communities safer. People may see or hear advertisements, including on TV, radio, online and social media.
Independent evaluation data from Rethink the Drink’s recent campaigns show 92% of Oregonians agree excessive drinking causes community harm, and 66% believe alcohol should have less presence in their communities. Those exposed to the Rethink the Drink campaign were significantly more likely to have conversations about their drinking. The full evaluation report is available online.
More than 2,500 people in Oregon die from alcohol-related causes every year. During summer months, the state sees liquor sales increase, which means there is more alcohol in communities and people may be drinking more.
“Whether you’re at home, attending an event or outside at a gathering, it can feel like many of our favorite summer activities encourage drinking,” says Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at OHA. “With an increase in summer drinking, we see an increase in the harms as well.”
Jeanne adds that the immediate harms include motor vehicle crashes, boating injuries, drownings and heat deaths. “On top of these, alcohol contributes to cancer, heart disease, poor mental health, and many other health harms all year long,” he says.
Luis Pimentel, alcohol and drug prevention coordinator at Lane County Public Health, says, “We appreciate Rethink the Drink and this round of summer messaging reminding people to have conversations about alcohol.”
“We have so much interest in safe drinking messages from our partners in law enforcement, transportation and those who plan summer events, that we truly value Rethink the Drink’s presence in our community,” Pimentel adds.
Rethink the Drink, an OHA initiative, aims to build healthier communities by decreasing excessive drinking and the harm it causes to individuals, families, and communities. Rethink the Drink raises awareness of the effects of excessive alcohol use across Oregon. It aims to start conversations about alcohol’s role in our own lives and communities. Rethink the Drink is committed to OHA’s larger goal to end health inequities in our state by 2030.
Resource Links:
If you or someone you care about is suffering from alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder, free confidential resources and support are available online or by calling or 1-800-923-4357.
###
Without proper protection, the sun can cause serious damage to the health of Oregonians. Oregon has a high rate of melanoma—ranking 16th in the country as of 2021.
The good news is a broad-spectrum sunscreen helps guard against the effects of the sun’s harmful UV rays. But how does sunscreen actually work? SAIF’s new video looks at how sunscreen, sunburns, and the sun’s rays work. It’s part of a new series looking at the science behind safety.
The video can be viewed at saif.com/ScienceofSafety.
“Unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is a major risk factor for skin cancer,” says Wendy Boughton, SAIF occupational safety and health nurse consultant. “That’s why cancer and other skin concerns often show up on places such as forearms, face, neck, and tops of ears that are exposed to the sun on a daily basis and not typically covered by clothing.”
Here are some tips on protecting your skin every day:
For more information about sun protection, visit saif.com/SunSafety.
About SAIF
SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, we’ve been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.
Last April, the Marine Board authorized agency staff to convene a rule advisory committee (RAC) to gather information concerning motorboat operations on the Siletz River. The RAC is having its first meeting on July 10 from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Marine Studies Building, Room 176, located at 2030 SE Marine Sciences Drive, in Newport.
For background, the Marine Board received a petition from the Confederated Tribe of the Siletz Indians to prohibit motorized watercraft upstream of Jack Morgan Park in February 2025. Jet-propelled boats have been prohibited from operating in this area since 1987.
Agency staff will use the RAC to gather information related to the petition through the summer and fall and will present draft rules to the Board during its January 2026 quarterly meeting. If the Board approves the draft rules, a public comment period will follow and will include a hearing in the Siletz community. The Board could consider adopting rules by April 2026.
To learn more about the approximate timeline of the rulemaking process, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Rulemaking-and-Public-Notices.aspx.
To view the agenda and meeting materials, including the public meeting link, visit: https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx.
###
Salem, Ore. – In support of Oregon’s wildland firefighters on National Wildland Firefighter Day, Governor Tina Kotek has issued a proclamation declaring July 2, 2025, Wildland Firefighter Day in the state of Oregon.
“In a state with such prevalent wildfire, we are so thankful to the firefighters, dispatchers and support personnel who work long hours, day after day, protecting our communities and natural resources. And we remember those that have fallen in the line of service,” Michael Curran, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Protection Division Chief, said.
The Oregon Department of Forestry would like to thank the thousands of local, state, tribal, federal, and contract firefighters, along with all the dispatchers, map creators, IT specialists, equipment operators, radio technicians, prevention specialists, and everyone else who has a role in Oregon’s wildfire response.
Wildland Firefighter Day occurs every year during the Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance (June 30-July 6). The Week of Remembrance was established in 2014 and is bookended by the dates of two significant tragedies in the wildland firefighter community: Yarnell Hill fire in Arizona on June 30, 2013, and the South Canyon fire in Colorado on July 6, 1994. On the Yarnell Hill fire, 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots were killed when a weather shift intensified the fire and cut off the firefighters’ escape route. On the South Canyon fire, 14 wildland firefighters were killed on Storm King Mountain when they were entrapped by spot fires. This week honors those lost in the line of duty while also focusing on improving wildland firefighter safety to mitigate risk as best we can in an inherently dangerous career field.
Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: July 2, 2025
Contact: Kandi Young, Public Information Officer
kandi.young@puc.oregon.gov, (503) 551-5290 cell phone
PUC SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON PACIFICORP’S CPCN APPLICATION
FOR A TRANSMISSION PROJECT
Application approval impacts securing of land along the proposed transmission line
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is hosting two events to provide opportunities for the public to comment on PacifiCorp’s application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN). PacifiCorp’s request is part of its proposed construction of a transmission line that would connect the Lone Pine and Whetstone substations in Jackson County, known as the Lone Pine to Whetstone Project.
PacifiCorp has asked the PUC to issue a CPCN for this project. If granted, PacifiCorp would use this certificate in court proceedings where it seeks to condemn an interest in land along the transmission line’s path. The certificate would demonstrate to the court that the transmission line is a public use and necessary for public convenience. View Docket PCN 8 for more information and a map of the proposed transmission line on the next page.
Ways to Comment
Interested members of the public may participate and provide comments on PacifiCorp’s CPCN application in various ways. Individuals may attend an in-person or virtual event listed below to provide verbal comments to the Commissioners and the Administrative Law Judge presiding over this case. Individuals may also submit comments by email, online form, phone, or mail.
Comment in person – Medford, Oregon
When: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 6 p.m.
This meeting will remain open until at least 7 p.m. If at 7 p.m. there are still members of the public waiting to comment, the meeting may continue to allow as many people to comment as time permits.
Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 1000 Welcome Way, Medford, OR 97504
Comment via Zoom or phone
When: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 6 p.m.
This meeting will remain open until at least 7 p.m. If at 7 p.m. there are still members of the public waiting to comment, the meeting may continue to allow as many people to comment as time permits.
Access the Zoom link and phone-in details at: https://bit.ly/4kAaYJv
Other ways to comment
Please submit comments by July 24, 2025, in one of the following formats:
Stay Informed
To stay informed throughout this process, individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents. Submit requests by email to ings@puc.oregon.gov">puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or by calling 503-378-6678. Please specify docket PCN 8 in the request.
PORTLAND, Ore. (July 2, 2025) ~ As families gear up for long summer days and the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, Kaiser Permanente Northwest offers expert advice to help parents keep kids safe while they enjoy the season. From sunburns to swimming safety, hydration to helmets, there are many simple steps families can take to avoid common summer health hazards -- and have more fun in the process.
“Summer is a time when kids should be out playing, exploring, and making memories,” said Dr. Denike. “But it’s also a time when we see more injuries and preventable health problems. The good news is, there’s a lot parents can do to keep kids safe -- simple precautions like using sunscreen, making sure they stay hydrated, and always keeping an eye on them near water.”
While summer is a time of fun, it can also be a time of food insecurity for many families. With school cafeterias closed, children who rely on free or reduced lunch programs may struggle to get enough nutritious food. The Summer EBT program (known as “SUN Bucks” in many states) provides $120 per eligible school-aged child to help families buy groceries during the summer months.
“Proper nutrition is essential for a child’s development, physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said Dr. Denike. “We want families to know that help is available, and encourage them to explore programs like Summer EBT." Families can check eligibility and apply for Summer EBT at www.summerebt.org.
Interviews available:
Lisa Denike, MD, pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Wednesday, July 2 from 3-5 p.m. en.a.vitt@kp.org" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: blue;" title="mailto:karen.a.vitt@kp.org">Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.
Dr. Denike is prepared to discuss summer health and safety tips every parent should know:
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