SAFETY TIPS FOR RUNNERS

The Newport Marathon is just around the corner, so we can expect to see local and guest runners hitting the road on May 31st. Motorists should use extra caution, not only during special events like this, but throughout the year. Whether you are a well-seasoned runner or just beginning your running activities, there are some things you should consider to keep yourself safe while running. The time of day and weather impact not only how you feel on your run but can also be more dangerous depending on the situation. Before heading out on your next run, consider these tips.

Before the Run

• Run with another person or a group.
• Let someone know when and where you are running and when you will return.
• Carry ID and a cell phone. Consider adding a small card with an emergency contact and any allergies or known medical conditions.
• Take a whistle with you.
• Dress for the weather and running conditions. Wear layers and sturdy shoes.
• Wear reflective clothing or gear regardless of the time of day.
• Don’t wear headphones or anything that distracts you. This will help keep you aware of cars passing by and animals you may encounter on your route.
• Vary the route and the time of day that you run.
• If you must run at night, remember to wear a headlamp and a flashing red light on your back. Consider additional reflective gear.
• Remember to stretch! Stretching before running and regular flexibility and strength training help prevent future injuries.

During the Run

• Run against traffic so that you can observe the approach of automobiles.
• When possible, run on sidewalks or designated trails/pedestrian paths.
• Remember to hydrate. Runner’s belts and vests make it easier to carry water and snacks.
• Keep an eye on the temperature and how your body feels. If you start to overheat, feel dizzy, or otherwise unwell, take a break in the shade and drink water.
• Stay alert. When in doubt, follow your intuition. If something seems suspicious, do not panic, but run in a different direction.
• Do not approach a car to give directions. If you feel you must respond, do it while moving.
• Run in familiar areas. Note the location of neighbors or open businesses along the route.
• When in doubt call for help. For an emergency, call 911. Non-emergency dispatch can be reached at 541-265-0777, or call a friend and keep them on the phone until you feel safe again.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2026

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman were honored to be asked to be a part of the Roseburg VA Health Care System’s Third Annual Vietnam Veterans of America Welcome Home Event held today, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  A copy of the complete video presentation of the ceremony can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

The Third Annual Roseburg VA Vietnam Veterans of America Welcome Home Event included:

• A reception and luncheon for Vietnam Veterans and their families
• Memorial Veterans Wall, flag, and boot displays
• Welcome by Roseburg VA Health Care System (RVAHCS) Chief CDCE and Master of Ceremonies Traci Palmer
• Opening prayer by Acing Chief RVAHCS Chaplain Patrice Borne
• Presentation of the colors by the Umpqua Valley Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Chapter #805 Honor Guard.
• Opening remarks by RVAHCS Interim Director, Dr. Christina Hansel Cellura.
• Special Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans proclamation presentation by Douglas County Commissioner and Veteran Services Liaison Tim Freeman
• Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) presentation was presented by ODVA Appeals & Special Advocacy Director, Joe Glover
• Palmer invited VVA Chapter 805 President Bill Duncan to the podium to talk about the veteran Honor Flight program.  Southern Oregon Chapter Director for Honor Flights of Oregon, Ken Wilson was in attendance to talk about the program with veterans. 
• A beautiful patriotic musical medley including God Bless America, The Liberty Bell, Shenandoah, an Armed Forces Hymn Medley, Americana Medley and the Navy Hymn was performed by the Navy Band Northwest (NBN).  NBN also proudly played anthems for each of the United States Military branches while Vietnam Veterans were asked to stand during their respective branch anthem - Army: "The Caisson Song" (also known as "The Army Goes Rolling Along"), Marine Corps: "The Marines' Hymn", Navy: "Anchors Aweigh", Air Force: "The U.S. Air Force", Space Force: "Semper Supra", and Coast Guard: "Semper Paratus"  
• The story behind the significance of the challenge coin was shared by retired United States Marine Corps Major, Dr. Shawn Tyson.
• A special coining ceremony was held, during which each attending Vietnam Veteran received a specially designed commemorative coin in honor of their service. Coin presenters included ODVA Joe Glover, RVAHCS Interim Director Christina Hansel Cellura, Douglas County Commissioner Tom Kress, Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice, Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin, Douglas County Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, Douglas County Clerk Dan Loomis, and Dr. Shawn Tyson.
• A ceremonial 21-gun salute was presented by the Umpqua Valley Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Chapter #805 Honor Guard was followed by the playing of taps on the cornet performed by the Navy Band Northwest. 
• Palmer then invited Dennis “Ande” Anderson to the podium.  Ande, a Vietnam Veteran volunteered to provide a statement of response about the Welcome Home event from the Vietnam Veteran Community.  

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners proclamation was presented by Board Chair Commissioner Tim Freeman, on behalf of all three commissioners and proclaimed Sunday, March 29, 2026, as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in Douglas County. They continue to honor with somber reflection the United States of America’s 13-year Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War which concluded in 2025.  The proclamation encouraged all citizens to rightfully honor and thank our Vietnam Veterans and their families for their bravery, courageous military service, and sacrifice.  During the reading copies of the proclamation certificates were presented to Vietnam Veterans in attendance.    

"The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration is a vow that we as a nation will never again confuse personal disapproval of war with prejudice against those who honorably wear the uniform of our U.S. Armed Forces. With conviction, we pledge our enduring respect, our continuing care, and our everlasting commitment to all Vietnam veterans who were denied a proper welcome home upon returning to U.S. soil more than 50 years ago," stated Commissioner Freeman.

The Vietnam Veterans of America Welcome Home Event concluded with a door prize drawing and a sincere message from Palmer.  The Commissioners truly and sincerely Thank and Welcome Home our Vietnam Veterans.  The Douglas County Commissioners would like to thank the Roseburg VA for inviting them to be part of this amazing ceremony honoring our Vietnam Veterans. 

To learn more about the United States of America’s 13-year Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War visit https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached. Photos © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County. 

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfeild Fire responded to a house fire in West Eugene Wednesday Morning.  Just before 11:30AM on March 25^th, firefighters were called to a duplex in the 4400 block of Marcum Ln.  Callers reported heavy black smoke from one side of the duplex.  Engine 8 from the Danebo Station arrived in about 3-1/2 minutes after the dispatch to find a working fire and immediately went to work addressing the fire located in the kitchen.  Additional crew performed search and ventilation. One occupant was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.  The cause is under investigation and there were no other injuries reported. 

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Federal Forest Restoration Program (FFR Program) is awarding $3 million in planning assistance funding and separate grants of nearly $264,000 to forest collaboratives.

“These new investments reflect a simple strategy: invest in the people, science, and planning needed to deliver more forest restoration work on the ground,” said Kyle Sullivan-Astor, ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Program Lead.

The program also recently released a new report highlighting on-the-ground accomplishments, recent investments, and key program developments.

$3 million awarded to accelerate “A to Z” planning for large federal projects

The $3 million in “A to Z” Planning Assistance funding for the 2025–27 biennium is to help the U.S. Forest Service accelerate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning for high-priority, landscape-scale projects.   

“All landscape resiliency work on federal lands must comply with mandatory environmental laws,” said Sullivan-Astor. “That process is thorough, helps avoid and mitigate environmental harm, and often requires significant time and resources. This funding allows ODF to see projects through from A to Z, adding expertise and capacity to our federal partners and getting work done more quickly than it otherwise would.”

Awards include:

• Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest (Grayback) — $500,000
• Mt. Hood National Forest (The Dalles Watershed) — $500,000
• Malheur National Forest (Bogue Gulch) — $600,000
• Umpqua National Forest (Thunder Cat) — $650,000
• Wallowa–Whitman National Forest (Unity Point) — $750,000

One example of this funding at work is in the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest. The Grayback project proposes thinning and fuels reduction on approximately 4,000 acres to improve forest resiliency, reduce fuel loading, and improve public and firefighter access in a high-risk wildfire landscape. Treatments will include plantation thinning and fuels reduction along strategic fuel management zones, and opportunities for maintenance.

For an overview of all the funded projects and details on the associated work go here.

Planning assistance grants are a combination of state General Funds and federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds provided to ODF.

First-round Forest Collaborative Grant awards announced

ODF, working in partnership with the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), awarded $138,899 under the Forest Collaborative Grant program.

A forest collaborative is a local group of people and organizations with different perspectives on public forest management who work together to find common ground and support active management projects.

“The overarching goal of this program is to increase the number, acreage, and complexity of collaboratively planned restoration projects on federal lands in Oregon by strengthening governance, supporting zones of agreement, and supporting collective action where coordination help is needed,” said Sullivan-Astor.  

Those receiving the grants include:

• Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative—$76,709 for Rogue Forests in Transition: Building Collaborative Solutions.
• Wasco Soil and Water Conservation District—$62,190 for Mt. Hood East Zone Forest Collaborative Project supporting collaborative engagement around the South Wasco Ecosystem Restoration effort.

For an overview of the projects go here.

“These grants support the ‘people infrastructure’ that helps federal agencies and communities surface disagreements early, build shared understanding, and develop more durable restoration priorities over time,” said Sullivan-Astor.

$125,000 in Technical Assistance and Science Support awards for collaboratives

ODF also awarded $125,000 in Technical Assistance and Science Support grants to support project partnerships between forest collaboratives and external technical/science providers.

“TASS projects are designed to provide collaboratives with specialized expertise, such as scientific analysis, communications support, monitoring design, tools, and training, with a clearly defined public deliverable at project completion,” said Sullivan-Astor.

For an overview of the projects go here.

About the Federal Forest Restoration Program

The Oregon Legislature created the Federal Forest Restoration Program in 2013 to improve the resilience of Oregon’s federal forests. The FFR Program plays a role in the state’s ability to work across ownership boundaries to reduce the risk of stand-replacing wildfire, improve forest and watershed health, and create jobs in rural, forest dependent communities.

For more on the Federal Forest Restoration Program go here.

2026 Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

 and Policy Committee

Open Vacancy – Recruitments

The Board on Public Safety Standards & Training (BPSST) and established Policy Committees have open vacancies looking to be filled. The current vacancies are as follows:

BPSST: All Board applications must be submitted through Workday.com and are reviewed on a rolling basis

• One member who is a representative of corrections personnel recommended to the Governor by the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association
• One member who is a representative of the collective bargaining unit that represents the largest number of individual workers in the DOC
• One member recommended by and representing the private security industry
• Public Member

Policy Committees: All Policy Committee applications must be submitted by June 18, 2026.

Corrections Policy Committee:

• One non-management corrections officer employed by the DOC
• One public member who has never been employed or utilized as a corrections officer

Police Policy Committee:

• One person recommended by and representing the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association
• One non-management law enforcement officer

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

• One person representing the retail industry
• One person who is a private investigator licensed under ORS 703.430, and is recommended by the Oregon State Bar (will also serve on the PI Sub-Committee upon appointment)
• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a private security provider or investigator
• One person representing the manufacturing industry
• One person representing the hospitality industry

Private Investigator Subcommittee:

• Currently licensed private investigator

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• One person representing Emergency Medical Services & Trauma 

To inquire about a vacancy, please visit Department of Public Safety Standards & Training : Board on Public Safety Standards & Training and Policy Committees : Boards and Committees : State of Oregon.

If interested in applying for a Policy Committee position, please complete and submit the Policy Committee Interest Form found under the ‘Board and Committee Resources’ section of the website listed above.

If interested in applying for a BPSST position, please complete the online application at Workday Board and Commission Opportunities. (Please note that an account may need to be created if not already in Workday)

For further information regarding the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training or its respective Policy Committees, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Thank you,

DPSST Board & Committees Staff

Road Name: Old Mill Road

Location: Office Covered Bridge

Dates and Times: Saturday, April 4, 2026, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Alternate Routes: None

Reason for Closure: The Office Covered Bridge will be closed to vehicles for the annual City of Westfir Easter Egg Hunt

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Portland, OR — The America 250 Oregon Commission, in partnership with Oregon Heritage and the Oregon Historical Society, is proud to announce the recipients of its third round of grant funding, awarding nearly $60,000 to 21 organizations across Oregon for projects and programs that commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. These awarded grants are in addition to the previous two rounds of funding. To date, the program has awarded more than $184,000 to 59 organizations statewide across three funding cycles,

“With recipients in communities across all corners of Oregon, these grants represent Oregon’s commitment to commemorating America’s 250th birthday in ways that reflect the unique character of our state,” said America 250 Oregon Commission Chair Kerry Tymchuk. “From highlighting Indigenous histories to honoring the sacrifice of Oregon’s veterans to instilling a love of history in our youth, these initiatives provide an opportunity for Oregonians to engage in our shared story. We are grateful to the Oregon State Legislature for providing the funds that made these grants possible.”

The Oregon 250 Grant Program was established to help organizations create inclusive, community-focused projects that highlight Oregon’s diverse histories, traditions, and cultures. These grant awards of up to $3,000 will support programs that align with the mission of America 250 Oregon and one or more of its seven guideposts.

A fourth funding cycle will open on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 9am, and will remain open until all funds are expended. A total of $60,000 in funding is available in this fourth and final cycle, with 50% dedicated to rural communities. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible projects. Applications can be submitted via this online form, which will go live at 9am on April 13.

The following organizations were awarded grants in the Oregon 250 Grant Program’s third funding cycle:

Willamette Falls Trust, Clackamas County
Grant funds will support public programming at the annual Willamette Falls Lamprey Celebration in Oregon City, featuring cultural and educational activities, tribal and community speakers, and opportunities for visitors to connect with the Falls and its layered histories.

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, Wasco County
Grant funds will support the Archaeological Roadshow, a free public event bringing together archaeologists, tribal representatives, and community members to explore the deep human history of the Eastern Gorge through shared learning and dialogue.

Dallas Downtown Association, Polk County
Grant funds will support the “Stars, Stripes and Birthday Lights” community parade, expanding participation and cultural representation through diverse performers, music, and activities that celebrate both patriotism and the richness of local cultures.

Travel Salem, Marion and Polk Counties
Grant funds will support the creation of a large-scale outdoor mural at the Salem Area Visitors Center highlighting the region’s Indigenous heritage and broader historical narratives, encouraging exploration of local cultural sites and experiences.

Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology, Baker, Grant, and Jackson Counties
Grant funds will support a series of free public programs and pop-up exhibits during SOULA’s summer field school, sharing archaeological research with rural communities through events, performances, and accessible interpretive materials.

Oregon Children’s Theatre, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support the development of The Mountain & The Raven, a new intergenerational musical co-created with Native artists and youth, featuring community workshops and public presentations that center Indigenous stories and lived experiences.

City of Salem, Marion County
Grant funds will support the creation of interpretive signage and an Indigenous First Foods Plants Garden at the City of Salem’s Archaeology Lab, developed in collaboration with tribal partners to educate visitors about Indigenous land use and cultural traditions.

Umatilla County Historical Society, Umatilla County
Grant funds will support a community storytelling initiative culminating in a time capsule to be opened in 2076, preserving personal histories and perspectives from across the county for future generations.

Tualatin Historical Society, Washington County
Grant funds will support a cultural presentation and weaving demonstration by a Grand Ronde tribal member, sharing traditional ecological knowledge and the cultural significance of regional basketry with the community.

Portland Japanese Garden, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support the 50th anniversary celebration of the Garden’s annual bon-odori festival, featuring traditional dance, music, and cultural programming that honors Japanese heritage and community traditions.

Oaks Park Association, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support the Oaks Park Fourth of July Spectacular, a large-scale community celebration featuring family-friendly activities and a riverfront fireworks display accessible to the broader public.

Portland Panorama, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support Portland Panorama, an international film and arts festival showcasing global and regional voices through screenings, performances, and immersive experiences that highlight creativity and cultural exchange.

Marshfield High School, Coos County
Grant funds will support the creation of durable commemorative markers honoring local students who died in military service, enhancing a long-standing Memorial Day tradition that engages both students and the wider community.

Oregon Coast Trail Foundation, Statewide
Grant funds will support research and development of interpretive materials highlighting Indigenous histories along the Oregon Coast Trail, created in collaboration with tribal partners to educate visitors about the region’s cultural significance.

St. Paul Mission Historical Society, Marion County
Grant funds will support public tours of the historic Matthew O’Connor Murphy House, sharing objects and stories that illuminate early settlement, community life, and the region’s resilience through historical events.

Trajectory, Clackamas County
Grant funds will support a summer civics and local history camp in Sandy, offering youth hands-on learning experiences through walking field trips, creative projects, and engagement with community institutions.

Central Northeast Neighbors (District 1 Coalition), Multnomah County
Grant funds will support the Portland Archaeology Roadshow, a free “living museum” event in east Portland that highlights diverse histories through hands-on exhibits and participation from tribal and cultural organizations.

Archaeological Society of Central Oregon, Deschutes County
Grant funds will support the Archaeology Roadshow in Central Oregon, connecting communities with archaeologists, tribal representatives, and heritage organizations through interactive exhibits and educational programming.

Goose Hollow Foothills League, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support Goose Hollow Days, including a centennial celebration of the Vista Bridge featuring community events, historical exhibits, and cultural programming recognizing the area’s diverse histories.

Elgin Museum and Historical Society, Union County
Grant funds will support the development of an interactive exhibit exploring the history of the Elgin Bank and its role in the community, alongside broader themes in U.S. banking history and hands-on learning activities.

Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce, Columbia County
Grant funds will support Heritage Days, a community celebration featuring a Fourth of July parade, logging competition, cultural vendors, and fireworks that honor local traditions and bring residents together.

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

The America 250 Oregon Commission was created through Senate Bill 1531, which was signed into law by Governor Tina Kotek on March 27, 2024. Chaired by the Oregon Historical Society’s executive director, Kerry Tymchuk, 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.

ROSEBURG, Ore. — The Art Gallery at Umpqua Community College will present “Elemental Pacific Northwest: Rocks, Trees and Water,” a series of nature-based watercolor paintings by artist Christine Schulbach.

The exhibition will be on display March 30 through April 29 at the Whipple Fine Arts Center on the UCC campus. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

A reception and artist talk will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1. Admission is free and open to the public.

Schulbach, who grew up in Salem, Oregon, has been drawing throughout her life. She attended Salem public schools and Oregon State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual arts with honors, focusing on printmaking and painting.

During her youth, she spent summers working alongside her father, a horticulturist, observing and drawing plants and insects. Her plein air paintings reflect a lifelong curiosity about the natural world and her responses to the landscapes she encounters.

About the Art Gallery

The UCC Art Gallery is located in the Whipple Fine Arts Building at Umpqua Community College, 1140 Umpqua College Road, Roseburg, Oregon. The 1,100-square-foot exhibition space hosts six exhibitions annually, featuring a variety of media from emerging and established artists. The gallery’s mission is to present high-quality artwork for the educational and cultural enrichment of UCC students and Douglas County residents.

A previous version of this press release misidentified the photo location as Coos Bay, not Reedsport. We apologize.

Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow Returns to Oregon Coast
to Help Residents Prepare

Photo from the 2025 Tsunami Roadshow visit to Reedsport in Douglas County
 

SALEM, Ore. — March 23, 2026 — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) and the National Weather Service, is continuing the Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow, a long-standing public education effort designed to help coastal residents and visitors understand tsunami risks and how to stay safe.

First launched in 2012, the Tsunami Roadshow brings subject-matter experts directly into coastal communities to share practical, lifesaving information about earthquake and tsunami preparedness.

Community members are invited to attend these free sessions featuring expert presentations and actionable steps people can take before, during and after a tsunami or major earthquake event.

“You’ve heard about the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami risk—now is the time to learn what you can do to prepare,” OEM Geologic Hazards Program Coordinator Althea Rizzo, said. “These workshops are designed to give Oregonians practical information that can help save lives.”

What Attendees Will Learn:

• How tsunamis impact the Oregon coast
• How to recognize natural tsunami warning signs
• Where evacuation zones are located
• How to plan evacuation routes and family communication plans
• How to build emergency kits and be prepared to be self-sufficient

Participants will also hear directly from local and state experts, including:

• Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI)
• National Weather Service
• Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM)
• Local emergency management partners

Upcoming Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow Events

Manzanita

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Pine Grove: 225 Laneda Ave., Manzanita, OR 97130

Tillamook

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tillamook Library: 1716 3rd St., Tillamook, OR 97141

Newport

Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Newport Library Community Room: 35 NW Nye St., Newport, OR 97365

Lincoln City

Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Lincoln City Community Center: 2150 NE Oar Place, Lincoln City, OR 97367

Gold Beach

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Curry County Fairgrounds: 29393 Ellensburg Ave., Gold Beach, OR 97444

Coos Bay (Business Preparedness Session)

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Southwestern Oregon Community College: 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, OR 97420

Coos Bay

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Southwestern Oregon Community College: 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, OR 97420

Reedsport

Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Lower Umpqua Senior Center: 460 Winchester Ave., Reedsport, OR 97467

Prepare Before the Next Wave

As part of preparedness efforts, residents are encouraged to download the free NVS Tsunami Evacuation App, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, which provides evacuation maps and preparedness information.

OEM also encourages everyone—especially those living or visiting coastal communities—to Be 2 Weeks Ready, meaning households should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 14 days following a disaster.

Learn More

OEM encourages all Oregonians to Be 2 Weeks Ready, meaning households should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 14 days following a disaster. This includes having food, water, medications and a plan to stay connected with family members.

Learn how to build your emergency kit and make a plan on the OEM website.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Urban and Community Forestry Program has chosen Salem as the state’s Tree City of the Year. 

Scott Altenhoff who manages ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, said Salem was the perfect choice in 2026 both for its vigorous response to the threat from the tree-killing pest emerald ash borer and because it is marking 50 years as a Tree City USA.

“Salem has the distinction of being the first community in Oregon to meet the four criteria needed to become a Tree City USA, a national program of the non-profit Arbor Day Foundation that ODF administers in Oregon,” said Altenhoff. “They have been leaders, working to meet the many challenges facing Oregon’s urban forests using recommended best practices.”

Altenhoff said Salem earned the honor through:

• diversified tree plantings in natural areas, parks, and along streets
• maintaining professionally credentialed arborists to manage the city’s public trees
• working to increase its  tree canopy (the percent of land area in the city covered by trees) to 28 percent
• hosting an annual cherry blossom festival each spring (Salem is known as the Cherry City for its many ornamental cherry trees)
•  providing in 2025 opportunities for the next generation of urban foresters to develop their skills via Salem's Urban Forestry Internship program, which also accomplished great work in updating Salem's tree inventory.
• Salem’s Planning & Development Department implementation and enforcement of the Significant Tree Code, which protects Oregon white oaks over 20” and other tree species over 30” and has increased funds for tree planting through enforcement and fines

“Salem’s updated  tree ordinance and increased tree planting show Salem's commitment to both protecting existing canopy and growing the city’s urban forest,” said Altenhoff .”I also commend them for the work they’d done to inventory their trees using the Tree Plotter program, which is helping create a statewide database of urban trees in Oregon.”

Altenhoff said “We also wanted to recognize Salem for its leadership in responding to the threat posed by emerald ash borer. When Salem learned that this pest had been found barely 25 miles east in Woodburn, staff took immediate action to survey their street and park trees to find out how many were ash and what shape they were in.”

Salem’s Urban Forester Milan Davis said, “We wanted to treat ash in good condition and remove and replace those in poor condition or that were planted in the wrong space for their size.”

Of some 1,800 trees surveyed that were ash, 1,200 were in good enough condition to be protected with an injection of a systemic insecticide.

Davis said, “We don’t want to lose these healthy, mature shade trees. To that end we treated 600 of our ash trees last year, with another 600 planned to be protected this year.”

Matt Mills, one of ODF’s Emerald Ash Borer Support Specialists, said “Salem's EAB Management Plan is comprehensive and stellar. Salem is setting a great example for other Oregon communities.”

“We are preparing to combat and slow the spread of emerald ash borer in Salem, and in doing so help to shape the future of our urban forest,” said Meridith Greer, Salem’s Natural Resources Planning Manager. “Emerald ash borer will have a massive impact on the entirety of the Willamette Valley. Our goal is to protect the trees we can, prepare for the ones were going to lose and continue to create a vibrant and resilient urban tree canopy.”

Oregon’s original Tree City USA

Today, more than 3,500 cities and towns across the country are recognized as Tree City USA communities, including 69 in Oregon.

Acknowledging Salem’s status as one of the original Tree City USA communities since the program launched in 1976, the Arbor Day Foundation’s Chief Executive Dan Lambe said, “This 50^th milestone is more than a number. It reflects Salem’s leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to the health and vitality of the community.”

Lambe added, “Salem’s dedication has never been just about trees. It has always been about cleaner air, stronger neighborhoods and ensuring a more resilient future.”

Salem also has the most trees grown from seeds of trees that survived the atom bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. Six of these peace trees from Japan grow in Salem, from a persimmon in Pringle Park to a ginkgo each on the grounds of the Oregon State Penitentiary and the ODF campus, and three at the Unity Church of Salem.

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Prineville, Ore—The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is strengthening its statewide wildfire and emergency response capabilities with the addition of a new Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA). 

“This is a significant advancement in how the agency detects, monitors, and responds to incidents across Oregon,” said Sarah Prout, ODF’s State Aviation Coordinator.

This $13.23 million investment, including $12 million in legislatively approved bonds (2023) and $1.23 million from additional funding sources, builds on ODF’s long-standing aviation program that has enhanced wildfire detection and response for decades.

The new aircraft is a Twin Otter airframe that replaces the agency’s long-serving Partenavia P.68 Observer aircraft which is retiring after more than 30 years of service.

“This aircraft represents a major step forward for Oregon’s aviation program,” said Neal Laugle, State Aviation Manager for the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The new $7.8 million dollar aircraft brings improved endurance, range, and payload capacity, allowing it to remain airborne longer, cover more ground, and transport more personnel and equipment when needed. However, the most significant advancement is the integration of $5.4 million in advanced sensing technology and mission systems, transforming the aircraft into a true aerial intelligence platform.

Equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled wide-area mapping, high-definition thermal imaging, augmented reality mapping software, and night operations capability, the aircraft will allow ODF to identify and communicate emerging incidents more quickly, track fire behavior with greater precision, and maintain situational awareness during both daytime and nighttime operations.

“It builds on decades of experience while bringing new capabilities that allow us to detect fires earlier, understand conditions in real time, and provide critical intelligence to firefighters and decision-makers on the ground when every minute matters,” said Laugle.

During a typical wildfire detection mission, crews monitor weather forecasts and lightning activity to anticipate potential fire starts. As storms move through, lightning strike location data is captured and uploaded into the aircraft’s mapping software and mission planning tools. When conditions are safe, the aircraft is deployed to scan affected areas using onboard sensors and night vision goggles to detect new fire starts—often before they are visible to the public or reported through traditional means. Once a fire is identified, dispatch centers are notified so suppression resources can respond.

“What makes ODF’s Multi-Mission Aircraft unique is the combination of advanced mission systems with night vision capability,” said Laugle. “When operating at night, NVGs allow our crews to detect subtle visual cues—like the flicker of a new fire start—that are often difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye. Paired with our onboard sensors, this significantly improves our ability to find and respond to fires at night.”

Beyond wildfire response, the Multi-Mission Aircraft significantly expands Oregon’s all-hazards capabilities. The aircraft can support incidents such as floods, severe storms, search and rescue operations, and disaster damage assessment by rapidly collecting and sharing geospatial intelligence.

“This capability will improve coordination across state agencies, local responders, and incident management teams—helping ensure a faster, more unified response during emergencies,” said Prout.

The aircraft will support a wide range of mission sets, including:

• Wildfire detection and reconnaissance
• Real-time situational awareness and mapping
• Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) coordination
• Movement of personnel and equipment
• Support to non-fire and natural resource missions

It will also generate a suite of data products, including live-streamed video, recorded full-motion video, georeferenced imagery, and mapping data that can be rapidly shared across agencies to support decision-making.

“ODF is coordinating closely with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Oregon State Fire Marshal, federal partners, and local agencies to ensure the aircraft is fully integrated into Oregon’s emergency response system,” said Sarah Prout.

The new aircraft will be based at Prineville Airport in central Oregon. 

“We can easily reach all four corners of the state with relatively short flight times from Prineville,” said Laugle.  “Also, lightning storm activity, that the aircraft tracks closely, is typically more frequent in eastern and southern Oregon so it makes operational sense to base it there.”

The aircraft is currently undergoing final integration and testing in California. Once the aircraft is delivered, pilots and aerial observers will complete several weeks of training to ensure the aircraft and its systems are fully operational for the upcoming fire season.

As wildfire seasons grow longer and more complex, continued investments like the Multi-Mission Aircraft will be critical.

“The MMA positions Oregon to better meet evolving challenges—by leveraging advanced technology and decades of operational experience to protect communities, natural resources, and the landscapes that define the state,” said Sarah Prout.

For more on ODF’s wildfire prevention and suppression efforts see: Oregon Department of Forestry : Fire : Fire : State of Oregon

Note to media: Mark Smith's family has asked for privacy and are not available for interviews at this time.  

Josephine County, Ore. (24 March 2026) – The last known photograph of Mark Smith was taken at his sister’s wedding in September 1973. He left his home in Billings, Montana, to travel in 1974, and was not heard from again. On February 26, 2026, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office Human Identification Program confirmed that unidentified human remains found in Josephine County in 1978 were a match to Mark who had been missing since he was 19 years old. His sister shared with the medical examiner’s office that the family thought of him every day during the more than 50 years since his disappearance.

On May 9, 1978, a logging crew discovered the partial remains of a skeletonized young male near Williams, Oregon, in the area of Holcomb Peak. Only a skull and a scapula fragment were recovered. A piece of a shirt and remnants of a brown sweater were found near the remains and collected. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office responded to the recovery site; however, no further remains were located. Despite investigative efforts, the individual could not be identified. 

The recovered remains were examined by a forensic pathologist and odontologist who believed the remains may have belonged to a female between the ages of 16 and 18. Then in 2020, the State Medical Examiner’s Office submitted the remains to the University of North Texas for DNA extraction and analysis. While there was insufficient nuclear DNA to generate a CODIS-eligible STR profile, the analysis confirmed the decedent as male rather than female. The investigation was reinvigorated and missing male profiles were searched for a match. Unfortunately, no matches were made.

In the same year, the medical examiner’s Human Identification Program partnered with DNA Labs International (DLI) to pursue forensic genetic genealogy identification services. DLI is a private DNA laboratory accredited for forensic testing. The testing was made possible by a National Institute of Justice grant aimed at enhancing DNA testing for entry into CODIS. Initial attempts to use the available extraction for genealogical analysis were unsuccessful. DLI subsequently agreed to continue working on the case pro bono.

During this period, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) offered its assistance with the case. NCMEC is a national nonprofit organization that provides resources and support to law enforcement agencies working to identify unknown deceased children and locate missing youth. As part of their support, NCMEC commissioned a forensic artist to complete a facial reconstruction of the unidentified individual in hopes of generating leads. Despite these efforts, no new information emerged at the time.

Through 2023 into 2024, the first genealogical leads were produced by DLI and forwarded to the Human Identification Program. These included an ancestry summary indicating a blend of North Atlantic, Baltic, and Western Mediterranean heritage. Genealogists were able to identify an ancestor born in the early 1800s from whom the unidentified individual descended. However, the family line stalled shortly thereafter, and even whole genome sequencing could only identify distant lineage.

In September 2025, the Human Identification Program reached out to DLI for an update on the stalled case. The developing family tree was reexamined, and a recently uploaded DNA kit was discovered. This new match allowed the genealogist to extend a previously incomplete branch of the family tree and identify a family with several siblings, one of whom appeared to have disappeared from records after the mid‑1970s.

The Human Identification Program then collaborated with a Josephine County medicolegal death investigator who contacted the family to inquire about any missing relatives. The family confirmed their brother, Mark Smith, born October 4, 1954, had been missing since 1974.

Josephine County coordinated the collection of buccal swabs from Smith’s siblings, and the Human Identification Program provided an additional tooth from the remains, which was submitted to DLI for testing.

On February 25, 2026, DLI confirmed the family reference samples and tooth were a sibling‑level match, allowing the Human Identification Program and the State Medical Examiner’s Office to formally identify the remains as those of Mark Smith. Josephine County notified the family as soon as the positive identification was confirmed by a forensic pathologist.

With the identification complete, the State Medical Examiner’s Office and Josephine County are working with the family to ensure appropriate next steps and final arrangements. No evidence has been found to suggest foul play; however, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death remains open.

Hailey Collord-Stalder, state forensic anthropologist, said, “We are grateful that Mark has finally been returned to his family.” She continued, “This identification reflects years of persistence, scientific collaboration, and the evolving power of forensic genetic genealogy.” The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office is grateful for the dedication and assistance of DNA Labs International, the University of North Texas, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

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About the Oregon State Police

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

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Brandy Bird, age 15, who went missing from Beaverton on March 13. They are believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Brandy Bird and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Brandy.

Brandy Bird is suspected to be in Portland Metro Area.

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

Child Legal Name: Brandy Allison Bird

Child Preferred Name: Brandy Bird, aka Sky Flores (Florez)

Age: 15

Height: 5’3

Weight: 140

Hair color: Naturally blond, may be dyed multicolored currently.

Eye color: unknown

Specific Identifying Characteristics: Piercings on nose, eyebrow, and lip. Rose tattoo on left arm.

Washington County Sherriff’s Office report # WCSO 50-26-3482

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #:2081609

Date Missing: 3/13/2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Beaverton, Hillsboro, Portland

Following Pushback from Oregon Officials,
Federal BRIC Mitigation Funding Resuming 

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is providing an update on the status of Oregon’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program applications following new information issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on March 18, 2026. 

Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) announced today that the Oregon Department of Justice has secured a guilty plea by a Salem restaurant owner on three counts of tax evasion, each a class C felony, on February 19, 2026 in the Marion County Circuit Court.

While April 15 is well known across the country as “Tax Day,” the majority of taxpayers make their tax payments through withholding taken out of each paycheck throughout the year by their employer and paid to the IRS and DOR. This is how most Oregonians pay into our shared services. They trust that the money taken out of each paycheck goes towards funding public safety, public education, programs that care for Oregonians who need extra support, our beloved parks, and more.

The DOR works hard to ensure exactly that happens. So when a local businessowner, defendant Michael Richard Pfohl of Salem, Oregon, failed to file quarterly tax reports and  remit employee contributions, and refused to work with the DOR to pay down his delinquent debts, he was charged with 10 counts of tax evasion.

The plea agreement includes a sentence of supervised probation for 48 months, 80 hours of community service, and a criminal fine of $6,000. The defendant also served three days of jail starting February 20, 2026, the day after the court judgment.

“The plea agreement indicates that the defendant, Michael Richard Pfohl, must cooperate with DOR to pay outstanding debt owed to the state,” said Deborah Love-Wagner, DOR’s acting Collection Division administrator. “The plea deal lays out the defendant’s multiple failures to pay taxes that support the state and the essential services supporting our residents.

“Bringing tax delinquency issues to the courts may be a necessary step for some taxpayers who do not take steps available to resolve their debt with our department. The Oregon Department of Justice’s actions in partnership with DOR helped the state ensure our tax system works fairly when other pathways available to taxpayers are ignored. Businesses and workers can feel confident that our tax system is fair for everyone whose taxes pay for our roads, schools, housing, and community health.”

In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay $90,232 in restitution as a condition for his plea agreement, representing all tax obligations included in the indictment.

DOR works with taxpayers out of compliance

Jail time for state tax evasion is not commonplace. That is because the DOR considers individuals and businesses to be in compliance with Oregon tax laws if they are making a good faith effort to work with the department to pay what they owe and have filed all tax reports or returns that are required by law.

The department regularly works with individuals or businesses to resolve tax issues and tax debt. Taxpayers out of compliance may have missing tax returns that are required to be filed or may have an outstanding balance that remains unpaid and do not have a department-approved payment plan in place.

For each of the three guilty pleas for tax evasion, Mr. Pfohl failed to file quarterly tax reports. Mr. Pfohl admits in his plea to not filing tax reports, required by employers in remitting payroll taxes to Oregon, for the first quarter of 2021, the first quarter of 2022, and the first quarter of 2023.

DOR recognizes many taxpayers may have legitimate issues preventing them from fulfilling their tax obligations. DOR offers payment plans up to 36 months. Visit Revenue Online to set up a payment plan. Taxpayers who may be out of compliance should contact the DOR by phone at 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222, or by email at questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

Oregon’s tax system relies on taxpayers voluntarily filing returns and paying what they owe. Compliance efforts, such as audits, filing enforcement, and collection activity are essential tools to ensure Oregon receives revenue the state counts on to fund services for Oregonians. DOR will take enforcement actions for non-compliance to ensure state tax laws are administered fairly for all Oregonians.

DOR provides a tip line for the public to share suspected fraudulent activities. Those who suspect an employer is refusing to withhold taxes from a paycheck can report the issue as tax fraud to us online or by calling 503-945-8264. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

PORTLAND, Ore.— The owner of Oregon Clinical Laboratory in Klamath Falls, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with healthcare fraud after allegedly participating in a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare Advantage insurance plans for laboratory testing services never performed.

Jahangeer Ali, 34, a citizen of Pakistan, made his first appearance on February 27, 2026, in the Central District of California. A detention hearing was held on March 4, 2026, in the Central District of California and Ali was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

According to court documents, from June 2025 through January 2026, Oregon Clinical Laboratory submitted more than $46 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare Advantage plans. However, no providers actually ordered testing services and none of the Medicare Advantage beneficiaries on the claims actually received testing services from the company. As a result of the fraud, Medicare Advantage plans paid out over $28 million on the fraudulent claims.

On February 26, 2026, Ali was arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport prior to boarding a flight to Turkey with an ultimate destination of Pakistan.

A detention hearing was held today in the District of Oregon and Ali was ordered to remain in custody pending further court proceedings.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew T. Ho is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

SALEM, Ore.—Over the weekend, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) deployed 21 firefighters and an agency representative to North Carolina under state-to-state mutual aid agreements.

The state-to-state mutual aid agreements, along with other agreements like the Northwest Compact, are in place for fire management organizations to easily share resources with one another, creating a larger and more comprehensive fire management system.  

“These agreements help bolster Oregon’s complete and coordinated fire protection system and create a cache of reciprocal resources for all of us to call on when needed,” said Ron Graham, Deputy Chief of Operations for ODF’s Protection Division.

The firefighting crews arrived in Charlotte, NC last night and traveled to Ashville this morning for an in-brief from North Carolina fire leadership. Both crews will be integrated into fire operations today. The crews are comprised of firefighters from the Douglas Forest Protective Association, Coos Forest Protective Association and a variety of ODF Protection Districts including South Cascade, Western Lane and Southwest Oregon.

When wildfire activity is low in Oregon, firefighters can be spared to help in places experiencing high levels of wildfire. This two-week rotation with our partners is our firefighters’ chance to enhance existing skills, learn new ones, and continue long-standing relationships.

“Oregon has a strong relationship with North Carolina. They regularly send resources in our time of need, and we support them when we’re able,” said Graham. “Their wildfire season is earlier in the calendar year than ours, making for an effective partnership of sharing resources.”

Firefighting resources aren’t shared without appropriate vetting. Before committing to any out-of-state deployment, ODF ensures Oregon’s fire management system is still adequately staffed and ready to respond to fires here in Oregon. Serving Oregonians is our first and primary priority.

Oregon can and has called on its out-of-state partners to send resources when wildfires here exceeded our local and state response capacity, most recently in 2025 when ODF received firefighters and equipment from about 17 states, provinces and territories.

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MEDFORD, Ore. – The Medford-based non-profit Oregon Stewardship has been named Organization of the Year by Oregon Community Trees (OCT). Each year Oregon Community Trees honors one organization in the state for outstanding work to engage Oregonians in caring for their urban forests and natural areas.

This year’s recipient, Oregon Stewardship, works with school districts and teachers on watershed projects involving students in Jackson, Josephine, Curry, and Coos counties.

Oregon Stewardship leads students on hands on projects near their schools. On these projects they can plant trees and gardens and create nature trails.  Students design and build the trails, create an informational brochure, and place sign along the trails. Projects that students create are maintained in following years by later students at the same school.

High school students mentor younger students on nature hikes and field trips, helping them with art or writing classes associated with the projects. High school students that work with Oregon Stewardship are eligible for scholarships for college or vocational education. 

 Oregon Stewardship’s focus is:

• Watersheds: river, stream and forest ecosystems
• The ecological cycles and functions that sustain these ecosystems
• Indicators of ecosystem health, such as salmon

An example of a recent project was the planting in 2024 by South Medford High School students of 180 native plants next to the Panther Pride Trail along fire-ravaged Bear Creek in Medford.

Jim Gersbach, President of Oregon Community Trees, said his organization wanted to honor Oregon Stewardship for the work they do to encourage the community to provide stewardship for Oregon’s land. “They do a great job creating opportunities for students and adults to participate in grassroots care for our environment. At the same time, they are helping young people learn about and practice environmental restoration and gain leadership skills,” said Gersbach.

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Salem – The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) is hosting an educational conference May 7-8 for employers, insurers, attorneys, medical providers, union representatives, safety and human resource managers, and vocational assistance providers. People with a professional interest in the workers’ compensation system will benefit from this opportunity to learn, engage in professional networking, and refresh their skills.

The 22nd Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Portland – I-5 South (Wilsonville), 25425 SW 95th Ave., Wilsonville, Oregon. Conference topics include a state‑of‑the‑industry update, return‑to‑work program trends, and first payment of time‑loss.

WCD, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, is hosting the conference with the International Workers’ Compensation Foundation.

On Friday, May 8, the conference’s keynote is a session titled “A Guide to Claim Filing,” a collaboration by three members of WCD’s Audit, Employer Compliance, and Sanctions and Medical Resolution units. Auditor Sara Kessler, Senior Field Investigator Sarah Jones, and Medical Reviewer Sophie Serlin will cover the claims process – from the moment a worker becomes injured to the employer’s response and what medical providers must do.

The conference, which includes breakfast, lunch, and exhibits, offers many workplace safety and health topics. They include:

• Case law updates from the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board
• A session covering workers’ compensation basics
• An overview of Oregon’s nationally recognized return-to-work programs and the benefits to employers, insurers, and injured workers
• Oregon legislative update
• Progress report on the WCD Modernization Program
• Workplace recordkeeping and reporting
• Worksite modification
• “Effective solutions to prevent workplace stress and burnout,” presented by Oregon Health and Science University
• A deep dive into the first payment of temporary disability
• Oregon OSHA Consultation: Hazard identification and risk reduction

Conference attendees will have the unique opportunity to attend the Management-Labor Advisory Committee (MLAC) meeting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at the host hotel. This meeting is also open to the public. MLAC reviews issues in the workers’ compensation system and makes recommendations to the Oregon Legislature. To learn more, go to https://www.oregon.gov/dcbs/mlac/Pages/index.aspx.

Immediately following the MLAC meeting at 5 p.m., conference attendees are invited to attend a special networking event, also at the Holiday Inn, where they can meet workers’ compensation professionals in the region. Light refreshments will be served.

Registration for the two-day event is $350 until April 1, when the cost increases to $425. Register at https://workcompevent.com/oregon/oregon-workers-compensation-conference/. For more information about WCD conferences, go online, email is.p.sutter@dcbs.oregon.gov">chris.p.sutter@dcbs.oregon.gov, or call 971-286-0162.

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#OregonWCD

About Oregon WCD: The Workers’ Compensation Division administers and regulates workers’ compensation laws and rules in Oregon. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit wcd.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

On March 13, 2026, Mitchell Isham, a 58-year-old resident of McMinnville, was arrested after offering to meet with a minor for sex. Unbeknownst to Isham, the minor he initiated a sexually graphic conversation with was, in reality, an undercover officer posing as a minor. Isham was arrested and booked into the Lincoln County Jail for two counts of Luring a Minor and two counts of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child 2nd Degree.

Also on March 13, 2026, Richard Brotherton, age 63 of Amity, was arrested after initiating a sexually graphic conversation with an undercover officer posing as a minor. Brotherton was arrested and booked into the Lincoln County Jail for Luring a Minor.

LCPD Officers were assisted by the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and the McMinnville Police Department.

On March 19, 2026, a Lincoln County Grand Jury issued a True Bill Indictment against Isham and Brotherton for the crimes.  A “True Bill Indictment” is a formal indictment returned by a grand jury when they find sufficient probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime, authorizing the case to proceed to trial.

The Lincoln City Police Department encourages parents to monitor their children's social media activity and discuss with them the possible dangers of communicating with strangers online. These investigations are conducted in a continuing effort to protect our children from predators who target children for sexual exploitation and to reduce crime and further enhance the safety of our community.

On March 19th, Lane County Sheriff’s detectives contacted a suspect in an ongoing investigation at a residence in the 1400 block of Heckart Lane, Harrisburg.  

The suspect, Ryan Martin Smith, 20, of Harrisburg, was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree, 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 2nd Degree, and 10 counts of Encouraging Sexual Assault of an Animal. 

This arrest stemmed from an investigation by the Lane County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, focusing on child exploitation. 
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office received assistance during this investigation from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Lane County District Attorney’s Office and Oregon State Police. 

This arrest is part of an ongoing effort by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable members of our community. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at approximately 7:42 p.m., a deputy was traveling east on Highway 228 near First Avenue in Sweet Home, when they observed an oncoming vehicle traveling westbound.  The oncoming vehicle, a 2010 grey Mazda 3, passed the deputy at a high rate of speed with no lights on.  The Deputy observed the Mazda cross over into the oncoming lane and continued at a high rate of speed without lights on.

The deputy activated their emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop. The Mazda failed to stop and continued driving in the oncoming lane.   The deputy recognized the Mazda was a danger to the public before and after initiating the traffic stop and began pursuing the vehicle.  During the pursuit, the Mazda continued to enter the opposite lane of travel around blind corners and on blind hills, without their lights on.

As the vehicle continued, it forced three other vehicles off the roadway, nearly causing a collision.  The deputy was unable to stop and identify the drivers of the vehicles that were forced off the roadway and continued to pursue the Mazda as it posed a danger to the public.

The pursuit continued onto Upper Calapooia Drive, when the Mazda finally stopped in the middle of the road.  The driver, identified as Rachel Adams, 32 of Sweet Home, was taken into custody without further incident. The deputy found Adams showed signs of impairment.  Adams was transported to the Linn County Jail where a search warrant was obtained for a breath sample.  Adams blew a .20% BAC, over twice the legal limit. Adams was lodged at the Linn County Jail for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude (felony), DUII and Reckless Driving. 

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the drivers of the vehicles that were forced off the roadway on Wednesday evening to call in with additional information. Their statements are valuable to the investigation. Those with information are encouraged to call the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at (541)-967-3950.

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. (20 March 2026) – On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:49 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 97 near milepost 236 in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Dodge Ram pulling a trailer, operated by Sue Anne Evans (76) of Grants Pass, was traveling northbound on Hwy. 97 near Chiloquin when it crossed into the southbound lane for an unknown reason. The Dodge Ram collided head-on with a southbound gray Ford F550 towing a trailer and forklift, operated by Chad Everett Hayes (44) of Walla Walla (WA).

The operator of the Dodge (Evans) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Ford (Hayes) had reported minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

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

Asante accused of manipulating workers’ paychecks and stealing healthcare workers' wages.  

(MEDFORD, Ore.) –  On March 18, an Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) member leader filed a class action lawsuit against Asante for wage theft and violating Oregon law. Asante is accused of multiple illegal accounting practices including manipulating workers’ timecards, making unauthorized wage deductions, time rounding, refusing to pay workers’ earned differentials, refusing to pay missed meals and breaks, and failure to pay workers’ wages on time.

Nurses are suing to stop Asante’s illegal accounting practices, recover lost wages owed to healthcare workers, and ensure a fair and accurate accounting of all workers’ hours and pay.

“Nurses and healthcare workers show up every day to care for our community and we expect to be paid fairly for our work. When we clock in, we trust that Asante is paying us properly. That trust has been broken,” said Fred Katz, RN, an ONA bargaining unit chair at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center and ONA board member. “This isn’t an honest mistake. Asante is systematically manipulating timecards as a structure of fiscal policy and enforced work rules. It’s just wrong."

We know many workers are afraid to speak up. That’s why nurses are taking the lead. We are standing up for every hourly worker who relies on fair pay to pay their rent, cover their bills and feed their families. It’s time for Asante to take accountability for its actions. It needs to stop breaking the law and start paying frontline healthcare workers every dollar they’ve earned," Katz said. 

Class counsel estimates 6,000 hourly workers have been victims of Asante’s wage theft since 2020—including nearly 5,000 current employees. Plaintiffs estimate Asante owes workers $500,000 in unpaid wages. Asante is facing an additional $2 million in statutory penalties and damages plus interest and court costs.

“As a nurse with Asante for over nine years, the work we do matters deeply to me and my colleagues. We’re very proud of the care and attention we provide to our patients and our community. We’re asking Asante to bring that same level of care and attention to its payroll practices to ensure workers are paid accurately,” said Juniper Arthurs, RN, an ONA bargaining unit leader at Asante Rogue Regional, and a named plaintiff in the suit. “This case will provide a full and fair review of payroll practices and address any wages owed. All workers should feel confident they are being paid what they’ve earned.”

Wage theft is the failure to pay workers the full wages they are legally entitled to. It is the largest form of theft in the United States costing workers billions of dollars each year. Wage theft can take many forms, including requiring employees to work off the clock, denying workers their legal meal breaks or payment for missed breaks, illegal deductions and overtime violations among others.

Asante is accused of illegally “rounding” workers timesheets among other unlawful accounting practices. Rounding workers’ timesheets is illegal in Oregon. It can lead to providers working for free off the clock and working more hours for less pay. Oregon law requires companies to pay workers for all hours worked to ensure accurate timekeeping and fair compensation.

How rounding works:

Examples: A nurse clocks in at 5:53 a.m. and begins caring for patients. Asante rounds the time so it only pays the nurse starting at 6 a.m. regardless of the amount of work the nurse performed before 6. Alternatively, if a nurse clocks out of a shift at 7:07 p.m. due to work demands, Asante only pays them for work until 7 p.m.—refusing to pay the nurse for all hours worked.

While the individual daily impact can be small, illegal accounting practices like rounding compound and multiply—affecting every hourly worker on every shift every day. Asante’s illegal accounting has been going on for years, preventing thousands of workers from being paid fairly and costing them potential overtime payments, premium and differentials, and earned sick time and leave benefits.

One nurse alone already won more than $5,000 in earned backpay after successfully challenging Asante’s illegal accounting practices through union grievances.

In addition to rounding, Asante is accused of illegally modifying workers’ timecards to prevent workers from receiving earned premium and differential pay. In these cases, Asante would allegedly alter workers’ timecards after the worker and their supervisor reviewed and approved them.

Asante has also refused to correct workers’ timesheet when workers’ reported having to skip meals and breaks due to short staffing or other issues; preventing workers from receiving the full pay they earned.

The lawsuit is filed in Jackson County Circuit Court.

• Click here for a copy of the lawsuit.

Asante is a multimillion-dollar healthcare system that is the largest healthcare provider in 9 counties across Southern Oregon and Northern California. It has more than 6,000 workers in hospitals, clinics and offices throughout the region. Asante executives are already under fire for closing maternity and inpatient services at Ashland’s only hospital and racking up more than $684,000 in state fines for violating Oregon’s safe staffing law. Asante executives also face six unfair labor practice charges (ULPs) including for refusing to meet and bargain with frontline healthcare workers and mounting questions about their decision to outsource local healthcare providers.

The ONA represents more than 1450 registered nurses and technical workers at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford.

Roseburg, OR — The H.O.P.E. Adult Drug Court will celebrate its 112th graduation ceremony on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds – Cascade Hall, beginning at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be presided over by the Honorable Robert B. Johnson, who leads the adult drug court program.

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduation is a time of transformation, reflection, and community celebration. Attendees will hear directly from graduates as they share their personal journeys, stories of perseverance, healing, accountability, and hope. These moments highlight not only the strength and determination of each participant but also the commitment of the entire Drug Court team and the many community partners who support them along the way.

“These ceremonies remind us what recovery looks like in real life,” said Judge Johnson. “It takes hard work, accountability, and support. Drug court is built on the belief that people can change when they are given the structure, treatment, and encouragement needed to transform their lives.”

The Role of Treatment Courts

Treatment courts such as the H.O.P.E. Drug Court represent a shift in how communities address substance use and the criminal justice system. Rather than relying solely on incarceration, treatment courts recognize substance-use disorder as a complex health issue that requires treatment, supervision, and long-term support.

Participants in Drug Court follow a structured program that includes intensive treatment, frequent court appearances, regular drug testing, and close supervision. The program also provides access to counseling, peer support, employment assistance, and family resources. This comprehensive approach not only addresses addiction but also helps individuals rebuild stability in their lives.  For many participants, Drug Court becomes a turning point and an opportunity to break the cycle of addiction, rebuild relationships, and restore hope for the future.

A Proven Investment in the Community

Drug courts have demonstrated measurable success both locally and nationwide. By focusing on treatment and accountability, these programs significantly reduce repeat offenses and strengthen public safety. In 2024, the H.O.P.E. Drug Court celebrated 21 graduates, saving taxpayers an estimated $4.56 million in prison costs by keeping participants in a structured treatment program within the community. In 2025, four graduation ceremonies produced 20 graduates, resulting in over $4.22 million in additional taxpayer savings.

Beyond the financial savings, the program’s true impact can be seen in restored families, stable employment, improved health outcomes, and individuals who return to the community as productive and engaged citizens.  The success of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program reflects the collaboration of the judge, treatment providers, probation officers, peer mentors, community organizations, and local supporters who believe in second chances and long-term recovery.

This graduation group community projects helped:

• Brockway School
• CASA
• Chadwick Clubhouse
• Deer Creek Adolescent Treatment Center
• FISH Food Pantry
• Oxford Housing/TrueNorth Star Ministries Munson House
• Roseburg Dream Center
• Saving Grace Humane Society
• WIC

From these projects, 1,820 pounds of food was collected, 83 laundry baskets filled with fresh start items for new residents of Oxford and transitional housing, 203 cans of wet pet food, 11 bags of dry pet food, 10 weighted blankets for youth housed at the Deer Creek Adolescent Treatment Center, 4 large boxes of art supplies, $100 gift card to use at a local art store, 33 bags of clothes to Roseburg Dream Center, 23 pairs of shoes, 8 boxes of hygiene, 184 books for WIC and 57 jackets, 11 bags of trash from Thrive Umpqua’s section of the bike path cleanup, Gateway Community Garden at the Roseburg Senior Center restored and Fremont Middle School Woodshop class made a sign for the garden entrance, 109 monkey backpacks for kids with CASA and 96 duffel bags, and 100 pairs of pants for children at Brockway School.  In addition to the multitude of donated items from our generous community, the total money raised from these projects totaled $ 10,290.77.

Guest Speaker

This graduation’s guest speaker is Jason Cornutt, a graduate of the 105^th H.O.P.E. Dug Court program and a dedicated peer mentor with ADAPT. Through determination and growth, he has turned his life around and now helps others navigate their own recovery journeys. As the speaker for the 112th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation, Jason represents the strength and possibility of lasting change.

Event Details

• What: 112th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation
• When: March 31, 2026, at 5:15 p.m.
• Where: Cascade Hall, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg, OR
• Who: Open to the community; presided over by the Honorable Robert B. Johnson

As the program celebrates its 112th graduation, the message remains clear: recovery is possible, accountability matters, and communities grow stronger when individuals are given the opportunity and support to change. Community members are encouraged to attend the graduation ceremony and witness firsthand the power of transformation and recovery.

Learn more and view graduation project flyers:
https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court