CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Drug Take Back Event on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. This event allows the public to safely dispose of expired or unused medications.

This is a one-day drive-thru event at 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis. Those interested in dropping off at this location are asked to enter the parking lot off Research Way and follow the signs and directions of the volunteers.

Some items are not allowed at the event. For safety reasons, these include thermometers, intra-venous solutions, needles, EpiPens®, or medical waste of any kind. Vitamins and illegal drugs are also not accepted. Prescription and over-the counter medications can only be accepted from individual households, not from businesses such as nursing homes, doctor’s offices, or veterinary clinics. A complete list of restricted items is posted on the Sheriff’s Office website at https://sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/drug-take-back.

This event is offered as a public safety service to help keep prescription drugs out of the hands of kids or others who might abuse them. Misuse of prescription drugs is a serious problem, especially with teens and young adults.

Additionally, improperly disposing of medications, by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, can lead to contamination of our drinking water. While most drugs can be treated at wastewater treatment plants, some cannot.

Community partners, Oregon State University Pharmacy Program and the City of Corvallis, are helping support this event, sanctioned by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as part of its National Take-Back Initiative. The Sheriff’s Office is able to offer this service with volunteer support from Reserve Deputies, Auxiliary Team, and Benton County Emergency Management Volunteer Corps. For more information, visit Benton County Drug Take Back Event. 

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ REGULAR MEETING NOTICE

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Winston Dillard Fire District will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St., Winston, OR on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-679-8721 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday March 16, 2026 for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1. Monthly Financials

The meeting location is accessible to person with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to administration at 541-679-8721.

 BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ REGULAR MEETING NOTICE

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Douglas County Fire District No. 2 will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday March 16, 2026 at 5:30 pm. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 pm on Monday March 16, 2026 for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1.  Monthly Financials

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to administration at 541-673-5503.

 BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ REGULAR MEETING NOTICE

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Central Douglas Fire & Rescue Authority will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday March 16, 2026 at 5:30 pm. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 pm on Monday March 16, 2026 for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1.  Monthly Financials

   2.  Umpqua Aggregate Resources Paving Contract at 653

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to administration at 541-673-5503.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – A Roseburg man is in custody tonight charged with the murder of his 11-month-old son.

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was placed by 27-year-old Jared Scott Jeremy Stoller of Roseburg. Stoller reported to dispatchers that his 11-month-old son, Jaxson, was missing from his hotel room at the Relax Inn in Sutherlin, Oregon. Sutherlin Police Officers responded to the call and determined there to be suspicious circumstances involved. The Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated to assist in the investigation.

Stoller was interviewed by detectives from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and eventually confessed that he had murdered Jaxson days earlier at a location in Roseburg. Stoller told detectives that he had disposed of the child’s body in the South Umpqua River.

Divers from the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, assisted by boats from the Oregon State Police and Douglas County, located Jaxson’s body just before 6:00 p.m. in the river near the 3500-block of Old Melrose Road. His body was turned over to the care of the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy is expected to take place in the coming days.

Detectives arrested Stoller and lodged him in the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

• Murder in the First Degree
• Abuse of a Corpse in the First Degree

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is continuing to investigate the homicide. The Sheriff’s Office has been assigned as the lead investigating agency. The Major Crimes Team consists of investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney's Office.

Additional assistance was received from Douglas County Search and Rescue, Sutherlin Police Department, Winston Police Department, Myrtle Creek Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Welfare Division.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details are expected to be released at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at 541-440-4471 referencing Case #26-0836.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office contacted a male in the woods in the area known as Long’s Ranch near Melqua Road who had an established a camp. After a records check, the deputy took the male, 28-year-old Robert Emilo Macias, a transient, into custody on an active warrant for Sex Abuse in the Third Degree.

While the deputy was attempting to place Macias in the back seat of a patrol vehicle, Macias pushed past the deputy and fled on foot down an embankment while still in handcuffs. The deputy gave chase but eventually lost sight of Macias and requested assistance from additional units and a K9 team to search the area. An extensive search of the area continued throughout the afternoon and into the evening, prompting notification to residents within a four-mile radius.

At approximately 7:50 p.m., Macias was located in the 6400 block of Hubbard Creek Road, nearly three miles from the initial location. He was still wearing the deputy’s handcuffs. Deputies learned that during the time he had fled, Macias retrieved firearms he had previously stashed in the woods.

Deputies took Macias back into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Douglas County Jail and lodged on the following charges:

• Warrant – Sex Abuse in the Third Degree
• Escape in the Second Degree
• Resisting Arrest
• Theft in the Third Degree

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Douglas County Dog Control Advisory Board will hold a meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, Room 216, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, Oregon 97470.

The agenda meeting agenda can be located at: http://www.dcso.com/dogboard. Click or tap if you trust this link.">www.dcso.com/dogboard. 

To view the live stream or post-meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to submit public comment related to specific agenda items. Members of the public who wish to comment can do so: (1) In person, (2) by submitting via email at kaylee.tucker@douglascountyor.gov or (3) by virtual format via Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 231 251 615 228 (Passcode: md3oF6dW)

As part of public policy, Douglas County will attempt to provide public accessibility to services, programs, and activities. If accommodation is needed to participate at this meeting, please contact Kaylee Tucker (541) 440-4449 or by email at kaylee.tucker@douglascountyor.gov at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a small structure fire near Valley River in Eugene late Sunday night.  Fire crews were dispatched to a reported dumpster fire at the Valley River Court Apartments in the 4300 block of Goodpasture Lp at 11:33 PM on March 15th. Callers reported the dumpster fire had extended to the structure and the call was upgraded to a first alarm response.  

Engine 9 arrived four minutes after teach reporting a fully involved shed attached to a row of single car garages.  Crews were able to quickly contain the fire and limit involvement of the adjacent structure which sustained some damage.  There were no injuries reported and the cause is under investigation. Aerial photo credit to Barnard HQ Professional Aerial Operations. 

Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an apartment fire in downtown Eugene Sunday evening. At 6:39 pm on March 15th, fire crews were dispatched to a fire at the WestTown on 8th Apartments in the 200 block of W 8th Ave in Eugene. The resident reported a fire in the kitchen with smoke filling the unit. Crews from Station 1 downtown arrived in under 4 minutes as part of a high life hazard response that brought eight fire crews (five engines and three ladder trucks), two chiefs, two ambulances, two deputy fire marshals and one support unit.

Crews quickly located a kitchen fire and made access with a hoseline via a stairwell.  Firefighters evacuated neighboring units, while Truck 1 completed a search of the fire unit. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews performed extensive overhaul to ensure all hot spots were out. 

There were no injuries reported and the Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. The fire was contained to the apartment unit of origin with smoke affecting up to five other units.

ODOJ Case CJD2081-25

TALENT, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice’s (ODOJ) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force served a search warrant early this morning in Talent. Investigators served the search warrant after discovering Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) images were uploaded from the address. Investigators interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing.

SOCET served the search warrant Thursday, March 12 at a residence on Taylor Street in Talent. SOCET began the investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence. 

SOCET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Medford Police Department (MPD), ODOJ ICAC, Talent Police Department, and the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF). During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by SOHTCTF for further evidence of child exploitation. 

SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO, MPD, ODOJ ICAC, and HSI, as well as prosecutors from our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County. SOHTCTF is a joint inter-agency task force that consists of investigators from JCSO, HSI, and MPD.

Investigators continue to examine seized devices and interview witnesses as the investigation moves forward. No further details will be released at this time.

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2025 ANNUAL REPORT PUBLISHED
 

3/11/26 – Lincoln County, Oregon
 

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is pleased to share our 2025 Annual Report. In 2025, Sheriff Shanks motivated the LCSO team to refine our basic and core functions, so our teams will be ready to tackle bigger and better things for our communities. The Sheriff’s Office also created a new strategic plan for 2025 – 2028 to help steer efforts while we continue to address community concerns, rise to meet new challenges, and serve all of our communities.
 

Although it is hard to capture all accomplishments over the last year, our team has tried to summarize major activities and services completed by your Sheriff’s Office.

The full report can be found at: www.co.lincoln.or.us/Archive.aspx?AMID=52

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SPRING SAFETY  
 

With the beginning of spring, many find themselves “spring cleaning” and spending more time outdoors. Spring is a great time to review a safety checklist for your home and complete a few updates that could save your life.

Smoke Alarms

1. Smoke alarms save lives – if they are powered by a fresh battery. Test smoke alarm batteries monthly and replace the battery at least once a year. Anytime the alarm makes a "chirping" sound, replace the batteries immediately.
2. Smoke alarms should be located in every bedroom and in the common areas on each floor of a home. Mount them at least 10 feet from the stove to reduce false alarms, less than 12 inches from the ceiling, and away from windows, doors, and ducts.
3. Smoke alarms can be interconnected wirelessly which means when one sounds, they all sound. This is a quick way to notify everyone in a home if there is a fire.
4. When installing or replacing smoke alarms, purchase and install new alarms.
5. Practice how your family will react if smoke alarms go off and consider how that looks at different times through the day or at night. Do not forget to plan your escape from each room and include pets in the process.
6. The National Fire Protection Association has additional resources on smoke alarm safety.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

1. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas, that can kill you. Anything that burns fuel can potentially become a source of carbon monoxide. CO detectors should be installed in a central location outside each bedroom and on every level of the home.
2. Similar to smoke alarms, test CO detectors’ batteries monthly and replace them at least once a year or sooner if needed.
3. Consider interconnecting the detectors to alert the entire household at once.
4. Make sure vents for your gas appliances (fireplace, dryer, stove, furnace, etc.) are free and clear of snow and debris.
5. Only use gas powered grills and generators outside and away from doors, window, or air intakes.

Household Emergency Plan

Every household needs an emergency plan, especially in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. Take time to create and review that plan with family, household members, and any neighbors that may have a part in the plan. Consider how your household will react to different emergencies, plan for evacuation routes and alternative routes, and review your emergency supplies. Remember, disasters can strike at any time. Consider what your actions will be if something happens at work, school, the grocery store, and in other areas you frequent.

Emergency plan necessities:

1. A communications plan to outline how your family/household members will contact each another and where you will meet if you need to evacuate.
2. A shelter-in-place plan. This is often necessary during events where outside air is contaminated and unsafe. Remember to prepare supplies for sealing windows, doors, and air vents with plastic sheeting.
3. An evacuation plan with various routes and destinations. If your household has access and functional needs, pets, livestock, or expensive equipment, plan on evacuating sooner so there is more time to safely leave the area. Before there is a disaster, research what friends, family, or hotels can accommodate your pets and livestock during an emergency.
4. A home and car emergency kit. Your emergency kit should include at least one gallon of water per day for each person, at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food, flashlight or headlamp and batteries, first aid kit, filter mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, and medicines. On the Oregon coast, it is recommended that households have enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 3-weeks. Unable to prepare 3-weeks of supplies? Some emergency supplies are still better than no emergency supplies.
5. A plan and supplies for your household’s unique needs. Don’t forget to plan for special circumstances such as mobility challenges, medical conditions, allergies, and other things that impact your household’s comfort, health, and safety.

Be prepared, not scared. Visit Ready.gov for a complete list and other tips for making your family’s emergency plan.

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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The Marion County Sheriff’s Office previously requested assistance in locating Albina Kosar, a missing and endangered juvenile.

Albina was located by law enforcement this morning and is safe.

This case remains ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the community and our law enforcement partners for their assistance and vigilance.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance in locating Albina Kosar, a missing and endangered juvenile.

Albina was last seen on Friday, March 6, 2026, at approximately 12:00 p.m. at her home in Aurora, Oregon. She was wearing black pants, a black shirt, white socks, and carrying a black purse.

Albina may be accompanied by an adult male and is possibly headed to Eugene, Oregon.

Description:

• Date of Birth: 12/02/2009
• Height: 5’05”
• Weight: 90–100 lbs
• Hair: Brown
• Eyes: Blue/Hazel
• Clothing: Black shirt, black pants, white socks, black purse

Anyone with information regarding Albina’s whereabouts is urged to contact Marion County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch immediately at 503-588-5032.

Clackamas County, Ore. (Mar. 16, 2026) - On Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 5:44 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 26, near milepost 31, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Nissan Frontier, operated by Heath Eugene Beardmore (35) of Rhododendron, crossed into the westbound lane and struck a westbound Honda Accord, operated by Kailee Joy Peterson (19) of Gresham. 

The operator of the Nissan (Beardmore) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The operator of the Honda (Peterson) and passenger, Kemper Michael Buchholtz (20) of Sandy, were transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The rear passenger in the Honda, Austin Rylee Buchhotlz (24) of Corbett, was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff's office, Clackamas Fire and Rescue, Hoodland Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.

# # #

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 the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of 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.

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 10, 2026): The Portland Thorns kick off the season March 13 -- a sure sign that spring sports are back in full swing across the Northwest. But it's not just professional athletes preparing for the season. As warmer weather arrives, many women are returning to activities like running, soccer, tennis, hiking, and pickleball. After a winter of lower activity levels, jumping back in too quickly can increase the risk of injury.

"As team physician for the Thorns and the Portland Fire, I spend a lot of time helping elite athletes prepare for the season ahead," said Dr. Jackie Brady, a sports medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest who specializes in caring for female athletes. "But the same principles apply to everyone. Whether you're a professional athlete or someone getting back to weekend soccer, running, or pickleball, gradually building strength and conditioning can help reduce injury risk and keep you active longer."

Women experience some sports injuries differently than men due to differences in anatomy, hormones and biomechanics. For example, women are significantly more likely to experience ACL injuries, particularly in sports that involve pivoting, jumping, or sudden changes in direction.

"Sports medicine research has historically focused on men, but we're learning more about how to tailor training, recovery and injury prevention specifically for women, Dr. Brady said. "Strength training, proper warmups, and paying attention to recovery are some of the best ways to stay healthy and active."

Interest in women's sports is also growing rapidly, and Portland is at the center of that momentum. Kaiser Permanente recently announced it will serve as the trusted team physicians and official medical provider for the Portland Thorns and the WNBA Portland Fire, supporting both elite athletes and broader efforts to advance women's health and performance in sports.

Interviews available:

Dr. Jackie Brady, Sports Medicine Physician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Thursday, March 12 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org">Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Brady is prepared to discuss:

• How women can safely ramp up activity as spring sports season begins
• The most common injuries seen in women athletes and how to prevent them
• Why training and recovery strategies should be different for women
• Simple strength and conditioning tips that help reduce injury risk for runners, soccer players, and other recreational athletes
• Kaiser Permanente's new partnership with RAJ Sports as the team physicians and official medical provider for the Portland Thorns and Portland Fire

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 12.6 million members in 9 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, go to about.kp.org. 

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELLED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for March 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.

The next Applicant Review Committee meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Every year, the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honors the state’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. This year’s ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 5 at 1 p.m. at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.

The annual event commemorates the more than 190 fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the state of Oregon since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is proud to host the ceremony in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and various statewide law enforcement associations. 

Tillamook State Forest, Ore.—Oregon Department of Forestry recreation staff are working hard to transform the Diamond Mill off highway vehicle (OHV) staging area into the Tillamook State Forest’s newest campground. The campground is set to open April 1.

“Diamond Mill is in the heart of some of the most active OHV usage areas in the Tillamook State Forest,” said Ben Burns, ODF’s Recreation Facilities Manager. “Historically, Diamond Mill has been a staging and parking area for mostly single track (motorcycle) trail users. Now we are revamping it into a full-fledged campground.”

The campground will have 16 sites and the option for a camp host site. There are new picnic tables, fire grates, site posts and signage, along with an existing double-vault pit toilet.

“We brought in boulders, soil, gravel, vegetation and contoured the area to make the sites feel more private and give campers a better overnight experience,” said Burns.

“It was a bit of free-for- all with parking before,” said Burns. “This will improve traffic flow and safety in the campground.”

Before, the use fee was $5 per car per night, now the improved sites are $20 a night like other ODF state forests campgrounds.

“For this first year the campground ground will remain a first come first served area. Then, we will consider user feedback and might go to a reservation system in 2027,” Burns said.

Burns and his staff are ready to see their hard work pay off after a typically challenging Oregon winter of wet, windy and cold weather.

“ODF staff and South Fork Forest Camp crews have been working really hard in sometimes difficult weather to transform the area, and we are excited to have it ready for the April 1 opening,” said Burns. “This is just a great area in the heart of the Tillamook with miles of trails to explore and the campground is family friendly; we even have a kids’ track right beside the campground.”

For more on Diamond Mill and other state forests recreation opportunities see: Oregon Department of Forestry : Recreation, education & interpretation : Recreation, education & interpretation : State of Oregon

Portland, OR—The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Northwest Oregon from 5 PM today (3/11/2026) through Friday evening (3/13/2026). Heavy rainfall from a forecasted atmospheric river event may result in landslides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires. The watch area includes the Clackamas County Cascade Foothills, Clatsop County Coast, East Central Willamette Valley, East Portland Metro, Inner Portland Metro, Lower Columbia River, North Oregon Coast Range, North Oregon Coast Range Lowlands, Outer Southeast Portland Metro, Portland West Hills and Chehalem Mountain, Tillamook County Coast, Tualatin Valley, West Central Willamette Valley, West Columbia River Gorge I-84 Corridor and West Columbia River Gorge of Oregon above 500 ft.

Find the latest information here: https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=pqr&wwa=all

Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.

If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area:

• Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio, or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
• Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
• Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.

For more landslide and debris flow information: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx

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The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) published its fourth quarter report with key data points and information showing progress and work under way to improve the child welfare system.

The report covers many aspects of the child welfare system, which includes the child abuse hotline, child abuse and family needs assessments, resource (foster) care and supporting families’ safety so children in resource care can return home. It also includes programs and services to prevent child abuse.

“Keeping children safe is our core mission,” said Rolanda Garcia, interim Child Welfare director. “We are committed to making steady progress to improve outcomes for children and families.”

Highlights from the report include:

Faster child safety assessments

• What it is and why it matters
  When ODHS receives a report of suspected child abuse and neglect, a team investigates the situation and assesses the child’s and family’s needs. When cases are assessed within a 60-day window, families receive information about next steps to create safety plans or a determination about temporarily moving children to a relative or resource family for safety. Overdue assessments can cause additional family stress and uncertainty and increase risks to child safety.

• Report metrics
  The monthly proportion of safety assessments completed within 60 days steadily increased throughout 2025, rising from 38.2% in January to 50.5% in December. This improvement was accomplished through a series of initiatives including requiring every Child Welfare district office to develop a data-driven plan for improving completion timelines on investigations. Improving assessment timeliness is also part of the ODHS Safety Action Plan initiated in 2025.

Reducing use of temporary lodging

• What it is and why it matters
  Temporary lodging provides supervised hotel lodging for youth awaiting higher levels of residential care. ODHS has been working aggressively to reduce the use of temporary lodging by working with behavioral health partners and providers to increase capacity and meet the complex needs of this small segment of children and young adults in care.
   
• Report metrics
  The average number of children provided with temporary lodging nightly as they wait for a safe and appropriate placement declined to 8.33 in 2025, down from 10.86 the previous year. This measure has shown improvement since 2023 as Child Welfare identified children at risk of experiencing temporary lodging and developed child-specific plans to prevent that possibility. The total has been declining over time, with fewer children experiencing temporary lodging, and shorter stays overall. The total number of unique children who experienced temporary lodging in 2025 was 100, compared with 122 in 2023. In 2025, ODHS also opened four new programs with capacity to serve youth with specialized needs. Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) and programs added 20 beds, and Behavior Rehabilitation Services (BRS)/Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP) added 14 beds.

Placement of children with relatives

• What it is and why it matters
  Children placed with relatives do better in terms of mental and physical health, as well as long-term outcomes. Placing children with relatives helps maintain family, community and cultural connections and reduces trauma.
   
• Report metrics
  The monthly proportion of children placed with relatives when they first entered foster care steadily increased during 2025, rising from 24.6% in January to 44.4% in December. Child Welfare implemented the Relative Pathway certification process statewide in August 2025. The Relative Pathway streamlines the foster care certification process for relatives.  

The report will be published on a quarterly basis to highlight progress on core initiatives.

“We are committed to transparency and accountability about our successes and challenges, and the plans we have in place to make things better,” said Liesl Wendt, ODHS Director. “We are making important progress in the way we serve children and families, and we have more work to do.”

Habrá formas alternativas de acceso a los servicios

Astoria, Oregón – La oficina del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregón (ODHS) en Astoria, situada en 422 Gateway Avenue, no cerrará la tarde del viernes 13 de marzo para las obras publicas cercanas. Un cierre de día completo está planificado para el viernes 27 de marzo.

Sin embargo, la Camioneta de Beneficios Móvil estará disponible para atender a quienes necesiten servicios en persona. También se puede acudir a la oficina de ODHS en Seaside, 1111 Roosevelt Drive.

Las personas también pueden acceder a ODHS de forma virtual, llamando:

• Programa de Bienestar Infantil para cuidado de crianza, seguridad infantil y servicios de adopción, 503-325-9179.
• Programas de Autosuficiencia, Asociación de Elegibilidad de Oregón para beneficios de comida, dinero, servicios médicos, cuidado infantil y servicios de violencia doméstica. 503-325-2021.

"Tendremos personal en estas ubicaciones alternativas para atender a las personas, ya sea en persona o virtualmente", dijo Lorena Giles, Gerente de Programa OEP.

Para indicaciones y ubicaciones de todas las oficinas de ODHS: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx.

Alternate ways to access services will be available

Astoria, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Astoria office, 422 Gateway Avenue, will not close in the afternoon Friday, March 13 for the scheduled construction work in the area. A full-day closure is planned for Friday, March 27.

However, there will be an ODHS mobile van available at the site to serve people needing to visit in-person. People can also come to the ODHS Seaside office, 1111 Roosevelt Drive.

People can also access ODHS virtually, by calling:

• Child Welfare program for foster care, child safety and adoption services, 503-325-9179.
• Self-Sufficiency Programs, Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) for benefits, food, cash, medical, child care and domestic violence services. 503-325-2021.

“We will be fully staffed in these alternative locations to serve people either in person or virtually,” Lorena Giles, OEP Program Manager, said.

For directions and locations of all ODHS offices: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx.

Salem, OR— Heading into the final month of the 2026 tax season, the Oregon Department of Revenue has received and processed 860,000 electronically-filed Oregon personal income tax returns and has issued 720,000 refunds.

Most taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds within two weeks of the date their return is e-filed. Some returns, however, require additional review and can take longer. Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

The Where’s My Refund? tool was enhanced last year and now provides:

• Additional detail about refund status. 
• Added functionality to see when the agency is requesting additional information to complete processing a return. 
• Website enhancements for improved customer experience.

To have the benefit of the enhancements, however, taxpayers need to be signed into their Revenue Online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool without being signed into Revenue Online account, but won’t be able to see the updated features.

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

Among those refunds that will take longer in 2026 are refunds from paper-filed Oregon Personal Income Tax returns. On average taxpayers who e-file and request direct deposit get their refund two weeks faster than those who file a paper return. The extra wait will be even longer this year.

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax form information to the Department of Revenue creating a delay in the processing of paper-filed state returns. Processing of paper-filed returns is expected to start at the end of March with the first refunds for paper-filed returns expected to be issued in early April.

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

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

About 60 percent of the 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns expected to be filed in 2026 have yet to be filed with less than five weeks to go before the April 15 deadline.

Besides the high volume of returns filed at the end of tax season, there are other common things that can make it take longer for Oregonians to get their refunds.

Four common reasons refunds take longer and what to do about it.

• Filing electronically and requesting to receive a refund via a check takes longer. Request direct deposit instead.
• Filing more than once. Sending a duplicate paper return through the mail after e-filing will a delay a refund. Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to amend their return to make changes.
• Refunds for taxpayers that are new to filing returns may be delayed so we can verify your identity. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting identity verification are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.
• Refunds can also be delayed when errors are identified on returns. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting additional information are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.

The Department of Revenue recommends that taxpayers wait one week after they have electronically filed their return to use the Where’s My Refund tool.

Taxpayers can check the status of their federal tax refunds on the IRS website.

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Rethink the Drink media toolkit can be found here: www.rethinkthedrink.com/toolkit 

March 16, 2026

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

OHA shares tips for safely celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, spring break

Alcohol misuse remains a leading cause of preventable death in Oregon 

March 12, 2026

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

WinCo store is latest measles exposure location, health officials say

People who were at Gresham store during exposure period urged to talk to a health care provider

PORTLAND, Ore.—Another measles exposure location has been identified, and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Multnomah County public health officials are urging people who believe they were exposed to talk to a health care provider about their risks.

People might have been exposed if they were at the following location at this date and time: 

• WinCo Foods, 2511 SE 1^st St., Gresham, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7.

People who were at this location during these dates and time period should immediately contact your health care provider and let them know they may have been exposed to someone who has measles. The health care provider can determine whether you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence of prior infection.

Facts about measles

Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus particles also can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area.

Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication.

Measles can be dangerous, especially among children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. In developed countries in recent years, one to three of every 1,000 measles cases has been fatal.  The measles vaccine is highly effective at providing protection, as two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the virus. The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are up to date on their vaccines is very low.

What to do if you suspect measles in your household 

Public health officials urge people experiencing symptoms of measles not to arrive unannounced at a medical office if they: 

1. Have a measles-like rash, or
2. Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, AND have any other symptom of measles (such as fever, cough or red eyes).

Whenever possible, individuals planning to seek medical care should first call your health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.

Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

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EDITORS: A media kit with video clips of State Health Officer and State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger discussing the new State Health Improvement Plan is available at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ERD/Pages/media-resources.aspx

March 12, 2026

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

New State Health Improvement Plan a ‘roadmap’ for health

SHIP describes how public health system will address four priorities

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has launched its five-year State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) with a focus on priorities to help the state’s public health system better respond to rapid changes in social conditions and health needs throughout a person’s lifespan.

The 2025-2029 SHIP, published March 10, reflects the core priorities of Oregon’s public health system and aligns with OHA’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. It also moves the agency closer to its 2030 goal of eliminating health inequities.

A steering committee of partners and community members—working closely with community groups, local public health authorities, Tribal representatives, coordinated care organizations and OHA’s Public Health Division staff—recommended four priorities for the SHIP:

• Healthy environments, created by identifying and responding to environmental exposures such as lead; reducing the health impacts of extreme heat and wildfire smoke; reducing toxins in homes; and ensuring access to clean air and drinking water.
• Individual, family and community well-being, through primary prevention activities that promote physical, mental and behavioral health by preventing overdoses, sexual violence, community violence and deaths by suicide; supporting children, youth and families; and reducing use of alcohol, commercial tobacco and other drugs.
• Health promotion and disease prevention, by encouraging healthy behaviors, making health-promoting choices readily available, and changing policies and systems that can impede health, including vaccinations; treating diseases such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis and HIV; responding to disease outbreaks; and supporting behavior change for health.
• Emergency preparedness and response, to protect public health when emergencies occur, by working with partners to develop regional preparedness plans; responding to health threats; and providing regional and state support for health care, Tribes in Oregon and local public health authorities for tracking diseases and providing health services.

“The State Health Improvement Plan provides a roadmap for maintaining and improving the health of all people—of all ages, in all places—in Oregon,” said OHA Public Health Division Director Naomi Adeline-Biggs. “The SHIP is our compass, guiding us through the complexities of the future while keeping us focused on our goal: a healthier, more connected Oregon.”

In addition to establishing health priorities, the SHIP describes the work of the state’s public health system to address each priority. The priorities focus on areas for health improvement identified in the 2025 State Health Assessment, or SHA. The Oregon Public Health Division leads the SHA and SHIP efforts within OHA, developing the plan and working with partners.

Together with the SHA, the SHIP is required for public health accreditation through the national Public Health Accreditation Board, but it goes beyond compliance. The SHIP’s objective is to be a community-developed driver of health improvement across the state.

A key to achieving that objective is the SHIP’s emphasis on sustained partnerships and mutual engagement within the governmental public health system that includes the Oregon Public Health Division, local public health authorities, Tribal governments, community-based partners and the state’s health care system.

“One thing I took away from this whole process is the opportunity to advocate and speak for communities that often are not at the table,” said SHIP steering committee member Sokho Eath, director of the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization’s Pacific Islander and Asian Family Center. The process for developing the SHIP involved extensive community involvement and input and creating a plan for “how to improve understanding of, and community connection to, what the state is trying to accomplish,” he said.

The Public Health Division will use the SHIP to align resources across initiatives, including OHA’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which sets an intention in OHA’s work, systems and policies to move toward this vision. Each priority includes strategies that address people’s different access to community resources and changing health needs. To demonstrate alignment across existing plans, many strategies include links to state strategic plan documents.

For example, for the “healthy environments” priority, which has six strategies, OHA plans to coordinate trainings or meetings for local public health authority case managers to increase case investigation capacity for children with elevated blood lead levels. OHA also will provide data and information about health risks from climate hazards to local partners so they can prepare and carry out action plans to lessen these impacts.

The 22 strategies under the SHIP’s “individual, family and community well-being” priority include promoting safe, healthy relationships among youth to prevent sexual violence. Another is supporting “age-friendly” communities where clean air, nutritious food, daily activity and social connections are easily accessible.

For gerontologist and SHIP steering committee member Julia Brown, helping develop the plan’s “individual, family and community well-being” priority was a passion project. A community outreach and engagement manager for AGE+—the nonprofit advocates for the well-being of older adults in rural, low-income and underserved communities—Brown wanted to ensure the plan represented a truly universal, “all people, all ages, all places” approach to improving health.

“It was important that this plan was as inclusive and equitable for our population as possible,” Brown said. “That could include a person with a disability living alone—maybe they're middle-aged or older, and don’t have family nearby. Or people in rural regions who are far away from the I-5 corridor, who struggle to see themselves as represented in state organizations and state policies.”

There are 31 strategies under the “health promotion and disease prevention” priority, such as promoting routine dental care by increasing public and provider education, preventive treatment and collaboration with providers; and reducing youth nicotine use by making it easier for everyone to avoid tobacco and limiting how much young people see tobacco advertisements and products in stores.

Under the “emergency preparedness” priority, there are five strategies, including maintaining the state’s surveillance system that tracks emergency room and urgent care visits to spot and respond to health threats such as bad air quality, disease outbreaks and natural disasters. The priority also has a strategy to support the Oregon Medical Coordination Center, which helps hospitals place patients at their facilities or within their systems when they lack capacity.

The division will regularly track and report on progress and identify where progress is lagging. This information will be shared with partners and community members through regular reporting.

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SALEM, Oregon— The Oregon Outdoor Recreation Committee (OORC) will meet April 3 to rank and establish a priority list of Land and Water Conservation Fund grant proposals from around the state for projects to develop and rehabilitate public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) administers this federally funded grant program.

The meeting is open to the public but there will not be time for public comments during the meeting.

The meeting will be held online via Zoom. View the agenda for a list of project proposals and meeting information: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/gra/pages/gra-lwcf.aspx     

Recommendations from the OORC will be submitted to the Oregon State Parks Commission for review and approval at their April 22 meeting. OPRD will then forward approved project proposals to the National Park Service for final approval.

The OORC is made up of nine members who represent a variety of interests and are appointed by the OPRD Director.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program is a financial assistance program of the National Park Service. LWCF grants provide matching funds to state and local governments for acquiring and developing public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

For more information contact Nohemi Enciso, LWCF Grant Program Coordinator, at 503-480-9092 or nohemi.enciso@oprd.oregon.gov, or visit the LWCF webpage on the OPRD website.

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OREGON COAST, Oregon— Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 29.

Trained Oregon State Park volunteers and park rangers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot whales and their calves and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily March 21-29. The sites are among the best places to watch whales on the Oregon Coast.

“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whale migration can be a bit closer on their return trip north, usually within a few miles from shore.  As we get later into the spring, we can sometimes see the mothers with calves in tow,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates 13,000 gray whales are expected to migrate past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as they travel back toward Alaska, far fewer than earlier projections suggested. Although NOAA declared the Unusual Mortality Event over in 2023 and initially believed the population might be rebounding, new winter 2025 estimates instead show the lowest numbers since the 1970s.

NOAA’s models, which combine visual surveys with migration pattern assumptions, indicate that the 2025 population most likely falls between 11,700 and 14,500 whales.

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 21-29. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Park rangers and volunteers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Spring Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch.

Media Resources: photos available at this link.

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SALEM, Oregon – On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon) announced the recipients of the 2025 Oregon Travel and Tourism Industry Achievement Awards at the 2026 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Oregon Convention Center. 
 

The Oregon Main Street Statewide Coordinating Program received the Oregon Prosperity Award. The Oregon Prosperity Award recognizes DMOs or businesses championing the value of tourism, whose vision and commitment help make Oregon's communities, tourism regions and state stronger visitor destinations, creating optimal economic impact.
 

Oregon Main Street Statewide Coordinating Program has offered a unifying model for community revitalization in 100+ towns statewide since 2008. Since then, Main Street’s tenets of promotion, organizational support, design, and economic vitality with a historic preservation lens, have activated and reactivated communities of all sizes, in every county of Oregon. As of 2021, the work of the Oregon Main Street program and partner organizations have resulted in $134.6 million total economic impact while offering free technical services for local programs, revitalizing downtowns and awarding millions of dollars in grants to communities across the state.
 

Currently, there are over 100 communities in Oregon participating in the Oregon Main Street Network which includes the following tiers: Accredited Main Street, Designated Main Street, Affiliated Main Street, Rural Regional Main Street, and Connected Communities. There is not a fee to participate in the Oregon Main Street Network.
 

Oregon Main Street is a program of Oregon Heritage in Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
 

For more information on Oregon Main Street visit www.oregonmainstreet.org.
 

# # #

Corvallis, OR – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Siuslaw National Forest remind visitors to the Oregon Coast that western snowy plover nesting season begins March 15 and runs through Sept. 15. Beachgoers can help recovery efforts for the threatened shorebird by observing recreation restrictions at designated plover beaches.

Sensitive plover nesting areas are identified on maps for the northern Oregon Coast and southern Oregon Coast. Western snowy plovers nest in dry sand above the high tide line and are often difficult to see because they camouflage well. To help protect these tiny shorebirds, please stay on wet sand and leave your dogs at home or at your campsite, even if they are leashed. Visitors may notice signs at trailheads with additional rules and limitations. There may be rope fencing in dry sand areas; this fencing delineates some, but not all, of the critical plover habitat that should be avoided.

Seasonal recreation restrictions have helped protect and recover the western snowy plovers living on Oregon’s beaches. Nests, and especially chicks, are well-hidden. During the nesting season, human disturbances can flush adult plovers away from their nests as they attempt to defend their young. Left alone too long, or too often, eggs or chicks can die from exposure and predators. Habitat loss from invasive plants and human disturbances—including litter and discarded food scraps that attract predators— also contribute to the birds’ decline.

Recreation restrictions occur only in designated plover management areas where plovers nest or might nest. These areas combined make up about 40 miles of Oregon's 362 miles of shoreline.

Reminders for recreation on designated plover beaches March 15 - Sept. 15:

• The following are not permitted: dogs (even on a leash), driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle or e-bike, camping, burning wood, flying kites or operating drones.
• Foot and equestrian traffic are permitted below the high-tide line on wet, hard packed sand.
• Respect signs and barriers to protect nesting habitat.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed western snowy plovers as a threatened species in 1993 when officials counted only 45 breeding adults. Populations have steadily increased since then due to ongoing efforts. Officials counted 546 during the breeding season survey in 2025.

"We appreciate visitors' support in keeping these shorebirds safe. We invite visitors to enjoy permitted recreation in sensitive areas or to recreate without seasonal restrictions on beaches not designated as plover nesting areas," said Laurel Hillmann, ocean shore specialist for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

More information on the snowy plover, including detailed maps of nesting sites, can be found on the Oregon State Parks website (oregon.gov/plovers) and on the Siuslaw National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw/animals-plants/western-snowy-plover).

Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area can review Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) maps to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand at fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw/recreation/rules-and-guidelines.

Plover activity near Sand Lake Recreation Area

The increase in plover numbers may result in nesting occuring at new or historical nesting sites. For example, visitors to Sand Lake Recreation Area may see small roped off areas near the lake’s inlet to protect active nests and may encounter plovers on the beach. Beachgoers are encouraged to protect these birds by restricting recreation activities to wet sand areas, avoiding roped off nesting areas, packing all trash out and keeping dogs on leash. Paragliders should steer toward the northern area of Sand Lake Recreation Area to avoid gliding or landing near plover nests on the southern edge of the Sand Lake spit.

Background on plover protections

Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). For more information on how plovers are managed in Oregon, see the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP): https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PCB/Documents/WSP-HCP_08182010-web.pdf.

Editors: photos are available at the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department website and the USDA Forest Service flicker site.

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CORVALLIS, Ore. — Corvallis Housing First will host a groundbreaking ceremony for Third Street Commons, a new permanent supportive housing community that will provide housing and services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and disabilities in Benton County.

Media and community members are invited to attend.

WHO:
• Corvallis Housing First
• Oregon Housing and Community Services Executive Director Andrea Bell
• Corvallis Mayor Charles Maughan
• Benton County Coordinated Homeless Response Office Manager Rebecca Taylor
• Community partners, supporters and individuals with lived experience

WHAT:
Groundbreaking ceremony for Third Street Commons, a 47-unit permanent supportive housing development.

WHEN:
Thursday, March 19, 11:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Project site, 1480 SW Third St., Corvallis, Oregon

WHY:
Third Street Commons will provide safe, stable housing combined with supportive services for people experiencing chronic homelessness and disabilities. Permanent supportive housing is an evidence-based approach that helps people maintain long-term housing stability while improving health and well-being.

The project represents several years of collaboration among community partners and funders working to expand supportive housing options in Benton County.

Construction is expected to be completed in September 2027, with residents moving in shortly afterward.

VISUALS / PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

• Gold-shovel groundbreaking ceremony
• Community leaders and project partners speaking
• Rendering boards or site visuals
• Interviews with project leaders and community partners

MEDIA RSVP / INFORMATION:
To RSVP or request additional information, contact Corvallis Housing First at admin@corvallishousingfirst.org.

About Corvallis Housing First: Corvallis Housing First is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008 dedicated to providing housing solutions and services to end homelessness and improve lives in Corvallis and surrounding communities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2026

Douglas County Senior Services Offering Community Resource Series for Older Adults and Caregivers

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman are excited to announce that Douglas County Senior Services is hosting a countywide Senior Resource Series to connect older adults, caregivers, and families with important services and support available throughout Douglas County.  The free senior resource events will provide information about programs and services available to local seniors, including meal opportunities, in-home care services, family caregiver resources, and the Douglas County Senior Resource Booklet. Staff will be available to answer questions and help individuals learn how to access services that support independence, health, and quality of life.

Each event will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will include an opportunity for seniors to enjoy lunch at participating locations.  The first event in the series took place at the Drain Civic Center on February 27, 2026.  Seniors who plan to attend lunch are asked to RSVP by calling (541) 440-3677.

Upcoming 2026 Senior Resource Series Events

March 27                    Lower Umpqua Senior Center, 460 Winchester Avenue, Reedsport

April 10                       Winston Community Center, 440 SE Grape Avenue, Winston

May 15                        Glide Community Center – 20062 North Umpqua Hwy, Glide

June 12                        Sutherlin Senior Center, 202 East Central, Sutherlin

July 17                        Special People’s Depot – 176 Glendale Town Road, Glendale

September 18              Riddle, location TBD

The Douglas County Senior Resource Series is designed to make it easier for senior residents and their caregivers across the county to access information, ask questions, and learn about programs that help seniors remain active, live independently, and feel supported in their own communities.

Douglas County Senior Services manages seven rural Bistro Sixty senior dining sites in Glide, Glendale, Reedsport, Riddle, Sutherlin, Winston, and Yoncalla that prepare meals for seniors through our Dine-In and Meals on Wheels delivery programs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  All seniors 60 and up and their spouses are welcome. Hot meals are available from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm at each senior dining site.  Senior Services staff know there are others in our communities who could benefit from our Meals on Wheels delivery program and/or meals at the Bistro Sixty senior dining sites.  If residents know of friends or family who are unable to drive, need assistance with daily living activities, would benefit from hot meal delivery, or need other assistance, they are encouraged to call the Aging & Disabilities Resource Connection at Douglas County Senior Services at (541) 440-3677 or by sending an email to c@douglascountyor.gov">adrc@douglascountyor.gov.

We need volunteers!  Our rural senior dining sites and Meals on Wheels programs are successful because of the dedication of wonderful volunteers.  If you are interested in volunteering at one of our Bistro Sixty senior dining sites and/or Meals on Wheels programs contact Kellie Redifer at edifer@douglascountyor.gov">kellie.redifer@douglascountyor.gov or (541) 464-3893.  For more information about services available through Douglas County Senior Services, residents are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming events, call the number listed above or visit our website at  www.douglascountyor.gov/452/Senior-Services.  Douglas County Senior Services is a division of Douglas County Government. 

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

PORTLAND, Ore. and EUGENE, Ore. – The Oregon State Legislature passed a new recycling law to help protect people and the environment from the impacts of batteries. House Bill 4144 joins several existing extended producer responsibility laws in Oregon, which require companies to implement recycling or safe disposal solutions for the products they make and sell. 

After the new law takes effect, battery manufacturers will be responsible for funding and managing a statewide battery recycling program that will launch in 2029. The program must include battery recycling drop-off locations that are accessible to people across Oregon.

The law will also prohibit batteries from being discarded in the trash. This is an important element of the law that aims to prevent fires from breaking out in garbage trucks and at waste facilities. Certain types of batteries cause frequent fires, which puts garbage and recycling workers in danger and results in costly damage.

“Metro is proud to have helped lead an effort that resulted in such an unprecedented level of cooperation across local governments, waste companies and environmental organizations,” said Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang. “Battery-related fires are not endemic to a single community, city or region. And they don’t discriminate between the public and private sector. They put all of us in very real danger and threaten irreparable damage to the environment, which is what brought so many different groups together to address this critical issue on a statewide level.”

Metro and Lane County regularly contend with battery-related fires at waste facilities. In 2025 alone, Metro’s two transfer stations experienced a combined total of 61 fires, 58 of which were caused by batteries that had been mixed in with loads of garbage. Lane County saw 56 battery-related fires at Short Mountain Landfill that same year.

In response to the steady occurrence of battery-related fires, Metro and Lane County worked together to advocate for the statewide battery recycling law. The two local governments co-led the effort to develop the legislation with the strong support of Oregon State Representative Emerson Levy (HD–53) and in close partnership with the Association of Oregon Recyclers and Oregon Refuse & Recycling Association. Several environmental organizations and other local governments also voiced support.

“It has been refreshing to work with so many partners who hold the same values around safety and responsibility when it comes to battery disposal,” said Lane County Waste Reduction Manager Angie Marzano. “This legislation is poised to create a system that safeguards people who work in the solid waste industry, customers, and the environment from the dangers posed by improper battery disposal.”

While the new statewide battery recycling program will not take effect until 2029, people across Oregon can take steps now to make sure that batteries are discarded safely:

For people living in greater Portland:

• Bring batteries – and anything with a rechargeable battery that cannot be removed easily – to a Metro household hazardous waste facility for free and safe disposal. People can also check with their local hauler to see if they have battery collection options at home.

• Use Metro’s Find a Recycler search tool to locate a battery disposal drop-off location.   
• For additional questions, visit oregonmetro.gov/AskMetro or call 503-234-3000 to speak directly with Metro staff. Staff are available to answer questions in English and Spanish from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with additional languages available upon request.

For people living in Lane County: 

• Batteries – including regular alkaline, button, rechargeable alkaline, ni-Cad, lithium, and silver oxide – can be recycled at Lane County transfer stations, Bi-Mart, True Value in Eugene and Florence, and most battery and electronics stores.
• Visit Lane County’s Waste Wise App search tool for recycling locations and guidance on how to responsibly dispose of a variety of materials.

About Metro
Metro serves more than 1.7 million people in the greater Portland area. In addition to managing the Oregon Convention Center, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Portland Expo Center and Oregon Zoo, Metro also manages the region’s garbage and recycling system, protects clean water and air at more than 19,000 acres of parks and natural areas, oversees long-range planning across 24 cities and 3 counties, and is supporting construction of more than 5,300 affordable homes region-wide with more on the way.

About Waste Wise Lane County

Waste Wise Lane County—a part of the Lane County Government’s Waste Management Division—empowers residents, schools, and businesses with education, tools, and resources that can be used to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. For more information, visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise.

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State of Oregon v. Samuel T. Landis

Salem, OR – March 12, 2026 – The Oregon Department of Justice has decided to not seek further appellate review of the federal court’s dismissal in State of Oregon v. Samuel T. Landis. This decision was made after carefully weighing whether to take the rare step of petitioning the United States Supreme Court and the potential impact such a decision could have on future cases.  

In March of 2023, Landis, a federal Drug Enforcement Administration agent, was conducting a federal drug investigation in Salem, Oregon.  At the time, Landis was doing surveillance of a suspected drug trafficker when he purposefully ran a stop sign and struck a bicyclist who had the right of way. The victim, Marganne Allen, sustained injuries that resulted in her death.

In August 2023, a Marion County Grand Jury indicted Agent Landis with criminally negligent homicide for causing her death. At Landis’ request, the case was removed to federal court based on a claim of federal immunity.  This removal was granted over Marion County District Attorney objections. Subsequently, the federal U.S. District Court dismissed the charge of criminally negligent homicide, ruling that Landis’ actions were within the scope of his federal employment and reasonable under the circumstances, which entitled him to immunity from state prosecution.

That legal principle, known as Supremacy Clause Immunity, is a constitutional doctrine that insulates federal employees from state criminal prosecution if they are carrying out their federal duties. Immunity applies when the act in question was authorized by federal law and the person subjectively believed the action was justified and that belief was objectively reasonable under the existing circumstances. When these conditions are met, state actors- like a District Attorney’s Office- cannot convict an individual because federal authority takes precedence over conflicting state laws.

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office sought to appeal that dismissal, a process which is litigated by the Oregon Department of Justice.  In April 2025, the Oregon Department of Justice asked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Court to overturn the trial judges’ dismissal and reinstate the charge against Landis.  In December, the Ninth Circuit agreed with the lower district court and found that Landis acted within the scope of his authority and was entitled to immunity from prosecution for the death of Margane Allen.  

When the Supreme Court takes up a legal question, its ruling shapes the law for everyone, in every state, for years to come. After careful consideration, ODOJ concluded that pursuing this case to the Supreme Court carried a real risk of producing a ruling that would make it harder — not easier — to hold people accountable in future cases. ODOJ did not want this tragedy to become the vehicle for that outcome.

“Marganne Allen’s death was a tragic loss for her husband, children, other family members and our community. While we respect the legal process and the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, it is nonetheless disappointing that the criminal charge cannot proceed and there will be no justice for the family,” said Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson. She went on to say, “We are grateful to our partners at the Oregon Department of Justice and appreciate the collaborative work with the Attorney General in the attempt to seek accountability for this criminal act.”

“Our hearts go out to the family of Marganne Allen, and to everyone who loved her,” said Attorney General Dan Rayfield. “The Oregon Department of Justice pursued extraordinary avenues to hold Mr. Landis accountable for her tragic death — filing actions in federal courts that are rarely used, arguing before the Ninth Circuit not once but twice, and seeking reconsideration when that court ruled against us. While this case is at an end, we remain committed to fighting for justice for every Oregonian.”

The family wishes to release this statement in regards to the events. Please respect the family's wish for privacy during this time. 

(The full link to the statement is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VaZBa8emruJwIoLHOno_IU7PtkTjBCQc/view?usp=sharing )

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About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for seeking justice through promoting accountability for criminal offenders; interpreting, enforcing, and executing law; responding to the concerns of victims and the public; and working cooperatively with members of the justice system.

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Salem, OR – March 13, 2026 - Today, Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson convened a grand jury to inquire into the conditions and management of the Oregon State Hospital located in Salem, Marion County, Oregon.  This inquiry is required under Oregon Revised Statute 132.440.  The Marion County District Attorney’s Office conducted a similar inquiry into the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn last year (final report can be found here).

District Attorney Clarkson is convening this grand jury to inquire into the current operations, capacity challenges, and public safety implications associated with the Oregon State Hospital.  The work of the grand jury is expected to take several months and will issue a public report upon completion of their work.

Marion County Senior Deputy District Attorney David Wilson, and Deputy District Attorney Evelyn Centeno will oversee the proceedings.  Senior DDA Wilson has significant experience with institution-related cases and oversees Oregon State Hospital prosecutions within the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. DDA Centeno serves as Marion County’s behavioral health prosecutor and has extensive experience working with behavioral health facilities statewide.

Consistent with all matters that come before a grand jury, these proceedings are confidential. No further information will be released prior to the grand jury’s final report. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office anticipates the report will be completed by the end of the year and will be publicly released at that time.

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State of Oregon v. Marcos Guzman-Barajas

Marion County Circuit Court Case 24CR20660

Man Sentenced in Marion County for Woodburn Grocery Store Robbery

Salem, OR – March 11, 2026 –  Today, The Honorable Marion County Circuit Court Judge Tracy Prall sentenced defendant Marcus Guzman-Barajas, age 27, to 190 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections. Guzman-Barajas pled guilty to two counts of Robbery in the First Degree with a Firearm, and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm.

The conviction stems from an April 2024 robbery that occurred just after closing at El Torito Market in Woodburn.  During the incident, Guzman-Barajas threatened multiple employees and a customer with a handgun while demanding access to the store’s money. He pointed the gun at a cashier’s head and told her he would shoot if she didn’t open the safe. She did not know the safe combination and feared for her life.  At one point Guzman-Barajas became upset and threw the safe on the floor.

A second store employee was forced to the ground at gun point and made to crawl towards the cash register to empty the tills while the defendant repeatedly stated, “I swear I will kill you”. The customer was also ordered to kneel while the gun was pointed at him.  Additional employees near the back of the store witnessed the incident and, while hiding, were able to call police.

When Woodburn Police Department arrived, Guzman-Barajos was found attempting to leave the property.  Officers detained him and recovered the weapon in a nearby grassy area.  The victims did not sustain any serious physical injury.

“This sentence reflects the serious nature of the crime. Multiple victims were genuinely and reasonably in fear for their lives, and law enforcement and the public was seriously threatened due to his actions,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy “We will continue to prioritize the prosecution of this type of serious crime.”

This case was prosecuted by DDA Shannon Sullivan. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office wishes to thank the Woodburn Police Department for their swift response and thorough investigation.

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About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for seeking justice through promoting accountability for criminal offenders; interpreting, enforcing, and executing law; responding to the concerns of victims and the public; and working cooperatively with members of the justice system.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Beaverton, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually exploiting multiple minors online and receiving sexually explicit images and videos of the minor victims.

Misael Flores Ramirez, 35, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison and 15 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, it was reported that, from April 2023 through September 2023, Flores Ramirez was in contact with a 12-year-old minor victim. Flores Ramirez sent over 30 sexually explicit images and videos of himself to a minor victim who he met on the social media application Wink. Flores Ramirez requested and received over 30 images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from the minor victim and threatened to stop talking if the images were not sent.  

A search of Flores Ramirez’s phone revealed over 2,000 images of CSAM and contact with other minors. Specifically, beginning in February 2023 through March 2023, Flores Ramirez requested and received sexually explicit images from a 14-year-old minor victim.  He then shared the videos and images of the minor victim with multiple Telegram users. Flores Ramirez used WhatsApp and Telegram chatrooms devoted to trading CSAM to receive images and share videos of minor victims.

On September 10, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a five-count indictment charging Flores Ramirez with sexual exploitation of children, transfer of obscene matter to a minor, and distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography.

On September 18, 2025, Flores Ramirez pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children and receipt of child pornography.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlotte Kelley prosecuted the case.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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White will lead the credit union’s financial strategy and support long-term stability for members

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union has hired finance executive Lisa White to serve as senior vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), following an extensive national search. White, a certified public accountant, joins the executive team of Oregon’s largest credit union, serving more than 631,000 members with $9.5 billion in assets.

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Umpqua Community College (UCC) has launched a new partnership with Pacific University designed to help students pursue careers in pharmacy through a streamlined transfer pathway to a doctoral degree program.

Through the agreement, students at Umpqua Community College and Chemeketa Community College will be able to complete key pre-pharmacy coursework at their community college before continuing their education in Pacific University’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at the university’s Hillsboro Campus.

The new pathway, launching Spring 2026, allows UCC students interested in pharmacy to prepare locally before transitioning into Pacific’s graduate program. Students will have the option to pursue either Pacific’s accelerated three-year PharmD program or its five-year extended pathway, which is designed to provide additional flexibility for students balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.

“This collaboration creates meaningful opportunities for our students to begin their journey toward a career in pharmacy right here at Umpqua Community College,” said Danielle Haskett, Chief Academic Officer at Umpqua Community College. “Working with Pacific University and Chemeketa Community College helps us build stronger educational pathways while supporting the growing demand for healthcare professionals across Oregon.”

Students who participate in the pharmacy pathway will gain early exposure to Pacific University’s School of Pharmacy through advising, professional engagement opportunities, and support during the application process. Eligible students may also participate in Pacific’s Jump Start Early Assurance Program, which offers conditional admission and early connections with faculty and program resources.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment among the institutions to make advanced healthcare education more accessible while strengthening Oregon’s workforce pipeline.

Pacific University has long been recognized for innovative pharmacy education. Its three-year Doctor of Pharmacy program, introduced in 2006, provides an accelerated route to entering the profession. The university later introduced a five-year extended PharmD pathway that allows students to maintain employment while completing their studies.

Demand for pharmacists continues to grow nationwide and across Oregon. Employment opportunities for pharmacists are expected to increase by 5 percent through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects a shortage of nearly 5,000 pharmacists nationwide by 2036.

By establishing clear transfer pathways, Umpqua Community College aims to help more students pursue careers in healthcare while supporting the needs of communities throughout the region.

“UCC is dedicated to helping students move confidently from community college to advanced degrees and professional careers,” Haskett said. “This partnership provides a clear next step for students interested in pharmacy and reinforces our commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

About Umpqua Community College
Umpqua Community College serves Douglas County and surrounding communities by providing accessible, high-quality education and workforce training. Located in Roseburg, Oregon, UCC offers transfer degrees, career and technical education programs, and lifelong learning opportunities that prepare students for university study, meaningful careers, and community leadership.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Monday, March 16, 2026 

BEND, OR — Spring break kicks off this Saturday, March 21 at the High Desert Museum with special programs, new exhibitions and summer hours, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  

The popular indoor flight demonstration, Sky Hunters returns to the E. L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. Visitors experience powerful predators close up as raptors fly just overhead, showcasing the birds’ agility and grace while learning about their lives in the wild. The program is daily from Saturday, March 21 – Saturday, March 28 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm and is first come, first served. Tickets are $7 and available at Admissions on the day of. Museum members receive a 20% discount. Sky Hunters is made possible by Fly Redmond with support from the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon. 

Visitors will also be able to enjoy daily talks about High Desert flora and fauna, free with admission. These include the Nature Walk at 10:30 am, Otter Encounter at 12:30 pm and Mammal Encounter at 3:00 pm. 

Spring break visitors will also be able to experience the Museum’s temporary exhibitions. The new, original exhibition Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration in the Spirit of the West Gallery invites visitors to discover the science, spectacle, and significance behind the giants that live among us. For many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980.  

Blending history and geology with interactive storytelling and hands-on exploration, visitors will encounter lava rocks, a volcanic hazard map, and hear the rumble of a volcano. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/under-pressure. 

Another exhibition on view in the Brooks Gallery is Soil Alive!, a subterranean journey into the world beneath our feet. Presented in English and Spanish, the exhibition beckons visitors underground to discover how soil is not just a bed of crunched up rocks and other materials.

Visitors who enter the exhibition hear the muffled subterranean sounds of animals and microorganisms in the soil. The family-friendly exhibition includes interactive experiences and hands-on activities that share how a complex network of organisms turns ordinary dirt into living soil. From a giant magnifying glass that points at a wall-sized digital illustration and illuminates hidden animals to helping a ponderosa sapling grow in a motion-activated digital experience, Soil Alive! digs into a busy and active universe. The exhibition closes on Sunday, March 29. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/soil-alive.  

Other temporary exhibitions include Prophets – Paintings by Hilary Baker. The exhibit, located in the Desertarium Gallery, features 18 of Baker’s artworks depicting moths. Baker, who grew up in Los Angeles, lost her longtime home to the Palisades Fire in January 2025. It was then that she began painting moths, examining them as spiritual messengers, prompting visitors to pay more attention to moths large and small through bright, lavish renderings. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/prophets. 

Drawn West: A History of Promoting Place, an original exhibition, explores a century of salesmanship, when artists and cartographers alike crafted an image of the West that depicted both fact and fiction. Featuring 50-plus maps, artworks and advertisement from the Museum’s extensive collections, visitors can take a walk through time and learn about the decades of western expansion, from the growth of cities and towns along railways in the High Desert to the first Pendleton Round-Up in 1910. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/drawn-west. 

And Forest at Night reveals the sights and sounds of the forest when the moon is high and the stars are out. An immersive and interactive exhibition, Forest at Night takes visitors on a virtual tour, featuring insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Visitors may gaze up at twinkling stars and learn about the constellations that guide migrating birds on their way through the High Desert. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/forest-at-night. 

Throughout the week, the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill will be open from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm beginning Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 29 (excluding Monday, March 23). Experience history and jump in to lend a hand or ask about the many buildings and objects. 

More information on visiting the High Desert Museum is available at highdesertmuseum.org/visit-bend-oregon. 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: 

The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2025 recipient of the Autry Public History Prize from the Western History Association and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.  

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Portland, OR — The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is delighted to announce the 2026 Oregon History Maker honorees. First celebrated in 2009, the annual Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner recognizes contemporary individuals and organizations that are positively shaping the history, culture, and landscape of Oregon. The event also supports the Oregon Historical Society’s important work to collect, preserve, and interpret Oregon’s past.

The 2026 Oregon History Makers are:

Mel Brown 

Godfather of Oregon Jazz

If one person embodies the story of jazz in Oregon, it is drummer and bandleader Mel Brown. Raised in Northeast Portland, he was mentored by seasoned musicians along Williams Avenue, where the city’s vibrant jazz scene once flourished. Brown went on to tour nationally with Motown Records, performing with some of the biggest names in music. Returning home to find his community displaced, he dedicated himself to reinvigorating Portland’s jazz scene. His drum shop, mentorship of other musicians, and nightly performances with multiple bands have helped cultivate the vibrant live music scene that exists today.

Ted Kulongoski

Esteemed Public Servant

No Oregonian has held as many positions of public trust as Ted Kulongoski. Over a distinguished career spanning all three branches of state government, he served as representative, senator, insurance commissioner, attorney general, supreme court justice, and governor. Known for intelligence, integrity, and bipartisan leadership, he advanced major reforms in workers’ compensation and juvenile justice while championing Oregon’s veterans. A former U.S. Marine, Kulongoski attended the funeral of nearly every Oregon solider killed in Iraq and Afghanistan — an enduring testament to his sense of honor, duty, and respect.

Patricia C. “Patsy” Smullin

Local Broadcasting Powerhouse

Patsy Smullin is president and owner of California Oregon Broadcasting, Inc., the West’s longest continuously operating independent broadcast organization. With decades of experience both in front of the camera and in administration, she is revered in regional and national media circles alike. In her program, Up Close with Patsy Smullin, she has interviewed some of the most interesting public figures of our time. Despite her national profile, Smullin remains deeply committed to southern Oregon through philanthropy and civic leadership, and by ensuring that news stays grounded in the local community.

Columbia Sportswear Company

Iconic Outdoor Apparel Company

From its beginning in 1938 as a hat wholesaler, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown into one of the world’s largest and best-known outdoor apparel companies, with brands that include Columbia, Sorel, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna. Building its reputation on durable, high-performance gear designed to withstand the harshest elements, Columbia’s innovative thermal technologies have even protected spacecraft on missions to the moon. Employing thousands at its global headquarters in Washington County, Columbia has long been one of Oregon’s most admired companies.

“Since 2009, the Oregon Historical Society has celebrated Oregon’s living leaders, highlighting individuals and businesses who are part of the state’s DNA,” said OHS Boyle Family Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk. “This year’s honorees all exemplify the best of what our state has to offer, and the OHS Board of Trustees is delighted to present Mel Brown, Ted Kulongoski, Patsy Smullin, and Columbia Sportswear Company with their History Makers Awards.”

The Oregon Historical Society will celebrate the 2026 Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Portland Art Museum. Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available. For more information, please visit ohs.org/historymakers. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ally Huffman at 503.306.5226 or ally.huffman@ohs.org.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

MEDIA ADVISORY

March 12, 2026

TODAY: 'Save Our ER Docs' Rally at PeaceHealth
Thursday, March 12
3 - 5:30 p.m.
Speeches at 4:45 p.m.
Intersection of MLK Blvd. and Cardinal Way in Springfield, OR
In front of PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center RiverBend’s campus

WHAT: Healthcare providers, elected officials, and community members are holding a rally in support of local emergency room doctors.

PeaceHealth executives recently refused to renew its contract with the Eugene Emergency Physicians group whose members have cared for local families during medical emergencies for 35 years. PeaceHealth is attempting to outsource its emergency room care to a large, out-of-state medical group. 

WHEN: Thursday, March 12 from 3 - 5:30 p.m. Speakers will begin at approximately 4:45 p.m. 
Healthcare workers and allies will be available for media comment during the event.

WHERE: The intersection of MLK Blvd. and Cardinal Way in Springfield, OR. 
(In front of PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center RiverBend–3333 Riverbend Dr, Springfield, OR 97477)

WHO: Frontline nurses and medical staff from PeaceHealth Sacred Heart RiverBend, Eugene Emergency Physicians, firefighters, paramedics, elected officials, and community members. 

WHY: Healthcare workers, elected leaders and community members are united in opposition to PeaceHealth’s proposal to auction off emergency care to a corporate medical group from Georgia. 

Local doctors from Eugene Emergency Physicians have cared for and saved the lives of patients and families at PeaceHealth emergency rooms in Eugene, Springfield, Florence and Cottage Grove for more than three decades. They have won multiple awards from PeaceHealth and have earned the respect and admiration of their colleagues and community members. 

Outsourcing our community’s healthcare to an out-of-state corporate medicine group would be a costly mistake which will negatively impact providers, patients and the community. 

PeaceHealth’s executives have faced intense scrutiny and widespread criticism of their outsourcing proposal with many sharing concerns the change could threaten community health and safety. Since the announcement, community members have roundly criticized the decision; medical providers and nurses have both held votes of no confidence in PeaceHealth’s executives; and elected leaders have questioned the proposal's legality while calling on PeaceHealth to maintain its relationship with local emergency care providers.

• Sign nurses’ petition to support local ER doctors.
   
• Learn more about PeaceHealth executive’s history of poor decisions.

The Northwest Communicators Conference will bring together public relations professionals from across the region to “connect, collaborate and elevate one another” April 16-17 in Portland. Hosted by the Public Relations Society of America Oregon chapter with support from the Puget Sound chapter, the conference will take place at the University of Oregon Portland in the Concordia Neighborhood.

The program features three tracks — strategy, tactics and crisis communication — with 25 sessions covering topics such as “Realities of Media Relations in Today’s World,” “Turning Employees into Authentic Advocates,” “AI and the New Trust Economy,” “Using Live and Virtual Gatherings to Drive Change,” "Crisis Proofing Your Organization" and “Stories Behind Portland’s Women-Led Sports Revolution.”

For more info, visit prsaoregon.org.