Last Saturday, the Douglas County Task Force was looking for hot spots in an area inaccessible for fire engines and damaged by the Palisades Fire in Southern California.  They heard people near the home.  When they went to check, the firefighters found two older adults who had been injured and without food, water, or communication for several days.  The two firefighters coordinated an ambulance and worked with another strike team in the area to get the pair down to the waiting ambulance.  If that wasn't enough, our firefighters called the pair's family to let them know that they were safe and stayed at the home to put out hotspots nearby.

The Douglas County task force includes members from Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Roseburg Fire Department, Riddle Fire Department, North Douglas Fire and EMS, and Sutherlin Fire Department.  We are proud to see our local members making a difference during these challenging times in Southern California.

AZALEA, Ore. - An Azalea man has been arrested for crimes of Invasion of Privacy and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Suppressor.

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of hidden cameras placed inside of a private residence in the 14000 block of Upper Cow Creek Road, Azalea. The cameras were located in areas of the residence that afforded privacy to the residents and without their knowledge and consent.

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, detectives with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation and arrested 48-year-old Stephen Hughes of Azalea on two counts of Invasion of Privacy. During the execution of search warrants, detectives located several additional hidden cameras and a firearm suppressor that Hughes was not legally allowed to possess.

Hughes was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on two counts of Invasion of Privacy in the First degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Suppressor.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – Scammers continue to impersonate local law enforcement, including those from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, to extract money from victims.

Many residents have recently reported fictitious phone calls from unknown callers claiming to be from law enforcement.

Often, these callers will identify themselves as a legitimate law enforcement officer then claim they have a warrant for the victim’s arrest. Sometimes, they will claim the victim has missed jury duty and say the victim is now in contempt of court.

The scammers will demand money or gift cards as a form of “bail” or to make the warrants go away. They will often create a sense of urgency, claiming the victim will be arrested imminently if they don’t comply.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office wants citizens to be aware of this scam. No actual law enforcement officer would demand payment over the phone to resolve legal matters.

If you suspect you are speaking to a scammer, simply hang up the phone.

If you’d like to verify the caller’s information or identity, you may contact the dispatch center at 541-440-4471. This is the same number to contact if you’ve been the victim of this or any other scam and lost money.

Often, the perpetrators of these scams aren’t located in Oregon and are very difficult for law enforcement to locate. They use technology to display a false caller ID that is often not able to be traced.

Additional resources and information are available online at www.ic3.gov (Internet Crime Complaint Center) and by phone at 1-877-877-9392 (Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline).

Joint news release with the Linn County Sheriff's Office

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 22 Jan. 2025 -  Today, at 9:15 a.m., an Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Trooper encountered a vehicle on the shoulder of Hwy. 20 near milepost 68 and quickly determined the person associated with the vehicle was lost and in distress. The 30-year-old female had left her vehicle for unknown reasons and walked up a nearby U.S. Forest Service road.
 

Linn County Search and Rescue and an OSP Fish and Wildlife K-9 team responded to assist in the search. K-9 Scout tracked the individual and finally located her about a mile from the vehicle. Troopers remained with her, built a fire, and provided food and emergency blankets until search and rescue members arrived with a snowcat to transport her back to the highway.

Medics from the Sweet Home Fire Department then transported the individual to an area hospital for medical evaluation.
 

While the rescue was underway, the Linn County Sheriff's Office received two additional calls from motorists stranded on forest roads in the snow. Sheriff Michelle Duncan said, "This is a good reminder for motorists to always have a plan and adequate equipment if traveling or recreating in the snow." She continued, "Always let a friend or family member know your destination and carry a cell phone or rescue beacon. It's always a good idea to keep your car winter ready with safety items such as extra blankets or warm clothing, extra food and water, a first aid kit, and other survival items."

Oregon State Police Captain Kyle Kennedy said, "Winter weather can be unpredictable and conditions can change quickly. This rescue was a great team effort and we are grateful this individual was quickly located and transported to safety." 

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. 22 Jan. 2025 -- On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at about 8:30 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 224 near milepost 12 in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Dodge pickup, operated by Mark Loren McVicker (64) of Sandy, was driving westbound on Hwy. 224 near milepost 12 when it left the roadway, struck a tree, and rolled down a steep embankment on the south side of the highway. The vehicle came to rest about 40 feet down the embankment.

The driver (McVicker) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation by OSP's Collision Reconstruction Unit.  

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, the Clackamas County Medical Examiner's Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon's highways. The team provides expertise in 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.

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. 22 Jan. 2025 -- On Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at about 5:10 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle rollover on Interstate 82 in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by Madyson Braelyn Curtis (20) of Redmond, was traveling westbound on I-82 near milepost 8 when it left the roadway for an unknown reason. The vehicle rolled several times and eventually came to a rest in the medium.

The operator (Curtis) was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately 30 minutes during the on-scene investigation by OSP's Collision Reconstruction Unit.  

OSP was assisted by the Hermiston Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon's highways. The team provides expertise in 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.

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 22 Jan. 2025 -- On Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at about 11:34 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 22 near milepost 64 in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Cadillac, operated by Theodore Kleinman (79) of Redmond, was traveling eastbound on Hwy. 22 near Minto Road when it left the roadway and struck a blue Ford F15, operated by Delores Ann Carroll (76) of Redmond, head-on. Both drivers were seriously injured and transported to an area hospital. A passenger, Glenn L Carroll (51) of Redmond, in the Ford was transported with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Cadillac (Kleinman) later died at the hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation by OSP's Collision Reconstruction Unit.  

OSP was assisted by the Turner Fire Department, Gates Fire Department, Idanha Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon's highways. The team provides expertise in 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: January 22, 2025

Pedestrian struck, killed by bus in downtown Salem

Salem, Ore. -- Just after 1:00 p.m. today, Salem Police and other emergency personnel responded to the intersection of Union and High STS NE on the report of a pedestrian struck by a Cherriots bus.

The preliminary investigation by the Salem Police Traffic Team indicates the driver of the transit bus was traveling westbound on Union ST and initiated a right-hand turn onto northbound High ST, striking a pedestrian in the crosswalk on the northeast corner of the intersection.

The bus driver brought the bus to a stop a short distance away from the intersection. The driver and occupants of the bus attempted to render aid to the pedestrian; however, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The pedestrian is identified as Joseph Eugene Chandler, age 68, of Salem.

The Cherriots bus driver, John Paul Valdez, age 63, of Albany, remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation.

The Traffic Team investigation continues, and as such, no citations have been issued or arrest made.

Through traffic in the area was closed for approximately two hours for the investigation.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: January 22, 2025

Wanted suspect shot during arrest attempt

Salem, Ore. -- Late this morning, two Salem Police officers were involved in a use of force incident resulting in the death of a suspect.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. officers were in a foot pursuit of a wanted adult male suspect. The suspect fled into an apartment complex near the 3200 block of River Road North and toward a residential unit while armed with a handgun. The officers confronted the suspect and shots were fired. The suspect was struck. Despite life-saving measures employed by responding officers, the suspect died at the scene.

No officers were injured in the incident.  

The names of the suspect and the officers involved will not be released at this time.

The Marion County Law Enforcement Officer Deadly Use of Force Plan under Senate Bill 111 has been initiated for this incident, and the Oregon State Police will be conducting the primary investigation.

Additionally, per the use of force plan protocol, all future case updates will be provided by the Oregon State Police.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: January 17, 2025

Overnight hit and run collision, suspect arrested

Salem, Ore. — At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, officers responded to the report of an injured man in the roadway in the 2000 block of Lancaster DR NE. Paramedics performed lifesaving measures, but the pedestrian was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene.

The preliminary report by the Salem Police Traffic Team indicates the driver was traveling southbound on Lancaster DR, south of Beverly AV NE when the victim was struck. The driver continued southbound with the victim separating from the vehicle after several blocks. The driver did not stop and left the area.

The victim of the hit-and-run collision is identified as 55-year-old Brian Devin Coulson of Salem.

Officers searched the area and at approximately 12:20 a.m. located the involved vehicle and driver in the vicinity of Cordon and Silverton RDS NE. The suspect is identified as 35-year-old Sergio Aguilar of Gervais.

Aguilar was taken into custody and lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:

• Manslaughter, second degree
• Reckless driving
• Reckless endangering
• Failure to perform the duties of a driver
• Driving under the influence of an intoxicant

The southbound lanes of Lancaster DR NE were closed between Beverly AV and Sunnyview RD NE for approximately five hours for the scene investigation and clearing.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018 

Extreme cold weather expected, Pacific Power ready for conditions

Company encourages customers to take steps to keep bills low

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

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

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

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

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

About Pacific Power 

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

XXX

POLICE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

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

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

1. Introductions

2. Approve November 21, 2024, Meeting Minutes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Agency Update

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

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Police Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

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

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

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

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

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

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

4. Private Investigator Subcommittee Applicant Appointment

5. Private Investigator Subcommittee Chairperson Appointment

6. Agency Update

7. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – May 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Private Security/Private Investigations Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL FUND BOARD

MEETING SCHEDULED

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

Agenda Items

1. Introductions

2. Approve October 24, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Budget Update

   Presented by Kathy McAlpine

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

    Presented by Kathy McAlpine

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

Administrative Announcement

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

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

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

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

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

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

The FY2025 recipients include:

Albany Regional Museum, Albany

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

All Ages Music Portland dba Friends of Noise, Portland   

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

Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland

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

Ashland High Arts Advocates, Ashland

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

Ashland New Plays Festival, Ashland

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

Bag & Baggage Productions, Hillsboro

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

Caldera, Portland

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

Cave Junction Farmers Market, Cave Junction

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

Centro Cultural Del Condado De Washington, Cornelius

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

Corrib Theatre, Portland

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

Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts, Pendleton

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

Ellipse Theatre Community, Bend

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

enTaiko, Portland

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

Eugene Springfield Youth Orchestras, Eugene

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

Gather:Make:Shelter, Portland

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

Hand 2 Mouth, Portland

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

Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre Northwest, Portland

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

Huitzilopochtli, Woodburn

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

Immigrant Story, Hillsboro

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

Jazz Society of Oregon, Portland

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

Keizer Creative Art Association, Salem

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

Lane Arts Council, Eugene

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

Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland

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

Latino Network, Portland

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

Literary Arts, Inc., Portland

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

Newberg Downtown Coalition, Newberg

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

New Room Studios, Portland

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

North Pole Studio, Portland

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

Northwest Alliance for Alternative Media and Education, Portland

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

Open Hearts Open Minds, Portland

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

Open Signal, Portland

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

Oregon Arts Watch, Portland

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

Oregon Children’s Theatre Company, Portland

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

Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport

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

p:ear, Portland

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

PDX Pop Now!, Portland

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

Peruvian Cultural Festival and Events, Beaverton

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

Portland Area Theatre Alliance, Portland

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

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland

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

Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble, Portland

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

Portland Revels, Portland

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

Portland Youth Philharmonic Association, Portland

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

Resonance Vocal Ensemble, Portland

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

Scalehouse, Bend

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

SCRAP Creative Reuse, Portland

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

Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Otis

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

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy, Hillsboro

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

Theatre Diaspora, Portland

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

The High Desert Museum, Bend

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

Third Angle New Music Ensemble, Portland

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

Unlock the Arts, Portland

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

Young Audiences of Oregon Inc., Portland

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

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

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

January 22, 2025

Media contact: Franny White, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539 

OHA determines most Oregon health care entities limiting cost, but 3 had unreasonably high spending 2021-22 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Meeting ID: 276 303 362 428 Passcode: uG3LD3rn 

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

• Who: State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council

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

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

Council meetings are open to the public.

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

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

Links: 

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 21, 2025

Temporary Closure Notice

Whistler’s Bend County Park

(Douglas County, Ore.)  The Douglas County Parks Department will be temporarily closing Whistler’s Bend County Park starting tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22 through Friday, January 24, 2025, to complete required hazard abatement work throughout the park to make it safer for park visitors.  The closure will be for the entire park including the access road, disc golf course, boat ramp, and all parking areas.  As with any project, fortuitous conditions could result in the park opening earlier than anticipated, but unforeseen delays due to weather, equipment and material availability could possibly extend the anticipated project timeline.  Please visit the Douglas County Parks Department webpage for updated park closure information https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks.

We understand that our County Parks are popular destinations for day use activities such as fishing, swimming, picnicking, disc golf, camping and BBQs, park patrons are encouraged to also consider checking out our large inventory of Douglas County Parks during this temporary closure and improvement project. 

Whistler's Bend County Park & Campground is located 15 miles east of Roseburg near the community of Glide on the oxbow peninsula of the North Umpqua River off Oregon Hwy 138 at 2828 Whistlers Park Road.  This park provides a plethora of recreational activities.  The Douglas County Parks Department appreciates the public’s patience as they continue to improve your recreational experience in our county parks. For more information, or to locate a park, campground or boat ramp near you, log onto the Douglas County Parks Department’s webpage on the Douglas County, Oregon Government website at: https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks.

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

MEDFORD, Ore.-- Nicole Randall, 37, of Cedar Park, Texas pleaded guilty and was sentenced today to one year of probation for introducing an adulterated drug into interstate commerce.

According to court documents, between February 2020 and May 2022, Randall used fake names to smuggle GS-441524, a drug that had not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human or animal consumption, into the United States disguised as facial masks, pet shampoo, beauty products, and cosmetics.

Despite having no veterinary or prescriber licenses, Randall and others used the Facebook group "FIP Warriors 5.0" to defraud and mislead customers by diagnosing their cats and kittens with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a viral disease affecting cats, and prescribing GS-441524 for the animals' consumption.

In August 2021, an agent joined FIP Warriors 5.0 and submitted photographs of a cat. The healthy cat, recently examined by a licensed veterinarian, was misdiagnosed with FIP and prescribed GS-441524. Randall then instructed payment for the unapproved drugs using Paypal, Zelle, or CashApp without mentioning cat medicine, vials, pills, or brand names in the payment note.

In July 2022, agents executed a federal search warrant at Randall's residence in Cedar Park, Texas and seized approximately 30 boxes of glass vials containing the adulterated drug. Investigators discovered that between July 2020 and June 2022, Randall distributed 58,460 liquid vials and 236,836 pills of GS-441524.

On June 4, 2024, Randall was charged by criminal information with introducing an adulterated drug into interstate commerce.

Randall's scheme was highly profitable. As part of the plea agreement, Randall agreed to forfeit four real properties, ten financial accounts, and a Tesla, worth roughly $4 million combined and traceable to her proceeds from smuggling and distributing the unapproved drugs.

This case was investigated by the FDA. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell and Katherine C. de Villiers, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.-- The companies responsible for the J.H. Baxter wood treatment facility in Eugene, Oregon, and their president pleaded guilty today in federal court to hazardous waste and Clean Air Act violations and agreed to pay a total of $1.5 million in criminal fines.

The corporations -- J.H. Baxter & Co. Inc. and J.H. Baxter & Co., A California Limited Partnership (collectively J.H. Baxter) -- both pleaded guilty to charges of illegally treating hazardous waste and knowingly violating the Clean Air Act's pollution control regulations. The companies' president, Georgia Baxter-Krause, 61, of Deschutes, Oregon, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal statute governing hazardous waste management.

According to court documents, J.H. Baxter used hazardous chemicals to treat and preserve wood at its Eugene facility. The wastewater from the wood preserving processes was hazardous waste.

To properly treat wastewater from its wood treatment process, J.H. Baxter operated a legal wastewater treatment unit to treat and evaporate the waste. For years, however, when J.H. Baxter had too much water on site, including process wastewater and precipitation, J.H. Baxter's employees at the facility would transfer hazardous process wastewater to an available wood treatment retort to "boil it off," greatly reducing its volume. J.H. Baxter would then remove the remaining waste from the retort, label it as hazardous waste and ship it offsite for disposal.

State and local regulators were not made aware of this process and J.H. Baxter did not have a permit to treat its hazardous waste in this manner, as required by RCRA. Additionally, J.H. Baxter's facility was subject to certain Clean Air Act emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants, which required it to minimize air pollution emissions. However, employees were directed to open all vents on the retorts, allowing discharge to the surrounding air.

Oregon inspectors requested information about J.H. Baxter's practice of boiling off hazardous wastewater. On two separate occasions, Baxter-Krause gave false information in response, which included information about the dates the practice took place and which retorts were used. The investigation determined that Baxter-Krause knew J.H. Baxter maintained detailed daily production logs for each retort. From approximately January to October 2019, J.H. Baxter boiled off hazardous process wastewater in its wood treatment retorts on 136 known days. Baxter-Krause was also aware that during this time J.H. Baxter used four of its five retorts to boil off wastewater.

On November 22, 2024, J.H. Baxter was charged by criminal information with illegal treatment of hazardous waste and knowingly violating the Clean Air Act's pollution control regulations, and Baxter-Krause was charged with two counts of making false statements in violation of the RCRA.

As part of their plea agreements, the companies and Baxter-Krause have agreed to pay a total of $1.5 million in criminal fines. Baxter-Krause also faces up to two years in federal prison and three years of supervised release. They are scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.

This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, EPA Region 10, and the Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren for the District of Oregon, Trial Attorneys Rachel Roberts and Stephen J. Foster of the Environment and Natural Resources Division's Environmental Crimes Section, and EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Karla G. Perrin.

This case was an Environmental Crimes Task Force (ECTF) investigation. ECTF is an initiative in the District of Oregon that identifies, investigates, and prosecutes significant environmental, public lands, and wildlife crimes. ECTF leverages the resources and effort of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and law enforcement to protect human health, safeguard natural resources and wildlife, and hold violators accountable. If you witness an event that may lead to an immediate threat to human health or the environment, please call 9-1-1. After alerting local emergency authorities, please also report incidents to the EPA's Report a Violation website (https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations) or by calling the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

# # #

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

The Umpqua Community College Board of Education will meet for an update session on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the library of the Danny Lang Teaching, Learning & Event Center. No official action of any kind will be taken by the Board at this meeting. Pertinent meeting information can be found at umpqua.edu/board-meetings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM:

The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT MID OREGON CREDIT UNION:

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Dan Grigg, CEO of Wallowa Memorial Hospital 

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

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

We hope you can join us.  

WHEN: Jan. 22, 11a.m. to 12 p.m.  

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Oregon Historical Society

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We just need a good faith partner to negotiate with. 

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