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

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and Search & Rescue (SAR) personnel are looking for an 80-year-old man with dementia in the Rogue River area. He was last seen two hours ago in the 1600 block of Wards Creek Road and is likely walking towards the town of Rogue River.

He is described as an 80-year-old white male, 6’1” tall, weighing 150 lbs, with grey hair. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket and blue pants.

If you have any information on his whereabouts call Deputy McLennan at 541-613-9078.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DISTRACTED DRIVING

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving is any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving. Cell phone use including texting, talking on the phone, or using social media are some of the activities that are the most dangerous. This is because cell phone use takes your visual, manual, cognitive, and auditory attention away from driving.

While cell phones are some of the most dangerous distractions, other activities such as eating, talking with passengers, grooming, and reading can be dangerous and deadly. According to the NHTSA, 3,522 people were killed by distracted driving in 2021. You can learn more about the dangers of distracted driving by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month” webpage.

Use these tips to help keep your car distraction free:

• Don’t call or text while driving. Instead, pull over in a safe place to read and send texts or make a phone call.
• Establish a “co-pilot” passenger to manage your cell phone, GPS, and other distractions.
• Look up your destination ahead of time and become familiar with the area. This will help prevent the need to look at GPS while driving.
• Enjoy your meal at home, in the restaurant, or while parked safely. Eating while driving increases your risk of traffic collisions and the likelihood of choking.
• Keep pets crated or otherwise secured for safety. This will help keep your furry friend safer in the event of a crash and prevents them from crawling onto your lap or other distracting activities.
• Recruit the whole family for distraction-free driving. Teach your children the importance of keeping your attention on the road even before they can drive.
• If your children need help, pull over to help address their needs instead of reaching to the backseat while driving. 
• Encourage friends and family to drive distraction-free. By speaking up, you may save their life and others on the road.

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

###

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

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

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

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

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

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

OSP was assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

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

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. (19 March 2026) – In September 1982, Hillsboro Police began an investigation into the disappearance of Vicky McGuire (33) and her daughter Christal McGuire (10), both of whom hadn’t been seen for about a week.

Vicky and Christal lived in an apartment in Hillsboro, Oregon, after recently moving from Cornelius. Christal attended W.L. Henry Elementary School in Hillsboro.

Almost a year after their disappearance, Vicky’s remains were found in the Forest Park area of Gales Creek, Oregon (near the Gales Creek campground). The next day, Christal’s remains were found nearby.  Both deaths were determined to be homicides.

The investigation was conducted by the Oregon State Police, assisted by detectives from the Hillsboro Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators identified a Cornelius resident, Lester Crider (32), as a person of interest in the murders, and established that Lester was known to Vicky.

The circumstances of the McGuires’ disappearance and murders have never been established. In addition, any connection to the recovery location regarding the McGuires or Lester Crider is not known.

The murders of Vicky and Christal remain unsolved, and public assistance is being sought to help solve these crimes.

Anyone with helpful information about Vicky and Christal McGuire, Lester Crider, or this case is asked to contact the Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit at OSP.CCU@osp.oregon.gov. This email is checked daily. Please reference case number SP83-807847.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit

The Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit is dedicated to reviewing, researching, and investigating unsolved cases, including homicides, missing persons, and unidentified human remains. Cases are prioritized based on solvability criteria such as actionable leads, availability of forensic evidence, surviving witnesses, and completeness of historical documentation. The unit represents a specialized effort to bring resolution to long-standing unsolved cases, combining investigative expertise with advanced forensic technology to serve justice and provide closure to families.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

PacifiCorp to sell distribution assets to Oregon electric cooperatives

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 19, 2026) — PacifiCorp announced today that it has executed nonbinding term sheets outlining transactions with three separate Oregon electric cooperatives to sell its distribution assets in Wallowa County, Monroe and Lakeview, Oregon.

Under the agreements, PacifiCorp plans to transfer its distribution assets serving 5,514 residential, commercial and irrigation customers in Wallowa County to Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative; assets serving 1,162 residential, commercial and irrigation customers in the Monroe area to Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative; and assets serving 2,228 customers in the Lakeview area to Surprise Valley Electrification Corporation.

“These agreements represent the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial position and simplify operations to ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable electricity to our customers,” said Ryan Flynn, president, Pacific Power. “Each of the utilities involved in these transactions are experienced operators committed to the communities they serve, and we are confident this transition will be seamless for our customers in these areas.”

Once definitive agreements are negotiated and executed, these transactions are subject to regulatory approval and could take up to 12 months to complete. During this period, PacifiCorp will continue to provide quality service and customer care to these communities.

For more information, visit PacificPower.net/OregonNews.

###

About PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electrical providers in the United States, serving two million customers. The company operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming and as Pacific Power in California, Oregon and Washington. PacifiCorp provides safe and reliable service through a vast, integrated system of generation and transmission that connects communities as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit PacifiCorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to the proposed transactions and the potential for the signing and closing thereof, the synergies and other benefits to be realized if the proposed transactions are consummated, including the impact of the transactions on PacifiCorp's financial position and operations. Forward looking statements can typically be identified by the use of forward-looking words, such as "will," "may," "could," "project," "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," "continue," "intend," "potential," "plan," "forecast" and similar terms. These statements are based upon PacifiCorp's current intentions, estimates, assumptions, expectations and beliefs and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors. Many of these factors are outside the control of PacifiCorp and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in PacifiCorp's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or in other publicly disseminated written documents. PacifiCorp undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law. Specifically, there is no assurance that any term sheet will result in a definitive agreement providing for a transaction and PacifiCorp does not intend to provide additional updates on the proposed transactions unless and until it determines that further disclosure is appropriate or necessary. The foregoing factors should not be construed as exclusive.

2026 Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

 and Policy Committee

Open Vacancy – Recruitments

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

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

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

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

Corrections Policy Committee:

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

Police Policy Committee:

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

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

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

Private Investigator Subcommittee:

• Currently licensed private investigator

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• One person representing Emergency Medical Services & Trauma 

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

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

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

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

Thank you,

DPSST Board & Committees Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

#OregonWCD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Attendees Will Learn:

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

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

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

Upcoming Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow Events

Manzanita

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

Tillamook

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

Newport

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

Lincoln City

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

Gold Beach

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

Coos Bay (Business Preparedness Session)

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

Coos Bay

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

Reedsport

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

Prepare Before the Next Wave

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

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

Learn More

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

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

Following Pushback from Oregon Officials,
Federal BRIC Mitigation Funding Resuming 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Awards include:

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

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

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

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

First-round Forest Collaborative Grant awards announced

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

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

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

Those receiving the grants include:

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

For an overview of the projects go here.

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

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

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

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

For an overview of the projects go here.

About the Federal Forest Restoration Program

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

For more on the Federal Forest Restoration Program go here.

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

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

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

Altenhoff said Salem earned the honor through:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oregon’s original Tree City USA

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

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

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

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

                                                                               # # #

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

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

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

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

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

 Oregon Stewardship’s focus is:

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

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

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

                                                                               # # #

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

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

Brandy Bird is suspected to be in Portland Metro Area.

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

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

Child Legal Name: Brandy Allison Bird

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

Age: 15

Height: 5’3

Weight: 140

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

Eye color: unknown

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

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

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

Date Missing: 3/13/2026

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

In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, Oregon Department of Human Services wants everyone to know about the brain injury hotline that helps people navigate resources.
 

This month shines a spotlight on the growing impact of brain injuries in Oregon and the increased demand for the hotline. Since launching in January 2025, the Brain Injury Program’s tollfree phone line has supported more than 1,900 callers seeking help navigating the complex network of brain injury services and resources.
 

Incoming call volume has climbed steadily over time—from about 15 calls in the earliest months to approximately 250 calls each month today—demonstrating the significant and increasing demand for guidance, information and support.
 

“The steady increase in calls shows how vital this support is for Oregonians,” said Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, PhD, who is director of the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities within the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). “By improving access to services and reducing the burden on families, this program is helping build a stronger, more connected system of care across our state.”
 

The phone line is available to anyone in Oregon affected by a brain injury as well as family members, caregivers and others needing information.

ODHS resource navigators are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provide:

• One-on-one, free and confidential support. 

• Personalized referrals to resources specific to brain injury recovery and management. 

• Comprehensive resource information to help navigate available services and options.
• Advocating on behalf of people with brain injuries and supporting them in self-advocacy.

To date, program navigators spent a total of 3,900 hours on calls, and one to two hours per caller. Many people call back more than once.
 

“The hours we spend with callers reflects the complexity and uniqueness of navigating brain injury resources,” Knight-Coyle said. “We spend as much time as each person needs to get connected to critical resources.”

Brain injuries are occurring at more frequent rates in Oregon, according to data published on the Oregon Traumatic Brain Injury Safety Dashboard. In 2023 alone, there were 38,718 brain injuries that required hospital or emergency department intervention and 1,177 fatal brain injuries in Oregon. 
 

Oregon’s Brain Injury Program is one of many along a continuum to meet the needs of people with disabilities and older adults. It was developed as a result of Senate Bill 420 (2023). Oregon's Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) at the University of Oregon was among many organizations and advocates behind the development and adoption of Senate Bill 420.
 

“Consistent with our expectations, the ODHS Brain Injury Program is now an indispensable program for Oregon's brain injury survivors," said David Kracke, Oregon's Brain Injury Advocate Coordinator at CBIRT.  "The first 14 months of operation has demonstrated not only the incredible planning and implementation of the program by the ODHS team, but more importantly, the future promise that it holds for Oregon's brain injury survivors, their loved ones, and caregivers struggling to access necessary supports and services.  We are excited for the program's continued development as it serves many more Oregonians in the coming years.”

More information: 

• Brain Injury Program phone number: 1-833-685-0848 (toll-free). Interpreting services are available at no cost for people who need help in a language other than English. The Brain Injury Program accepts TTY calls by dialing 711. 

• Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

• Learn more on the Brain Injury Program webpage.   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOR works with taxpayers out of compliance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salem, OR— Whether it’s where to find free tax help, how to track the status of your refund, or what refundable tax credits you’re eligible to claim, the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to make sure you have the information you need to file tax year 2025 tax returns before the April 15 deadline.

Through March 15, DOR has processed 937,000 electronically filed returns with more than half of the expected 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns yet to be filed. The department urges taxpayers not to wait until the last minute to file. If you have questions about filing you can find the information you need on the department’s website with guidance addressing the most common issues included below.

File electronically

“The best advice we can give taxpayers is to be certain their return is complete and accurate, and to file their return electronically,” said Megan Denison, administrator of DOR’s Personal Tax and Compliance Division. “If they need help, free assistance is available at sites across the state, along with a variety of options to e-file for free.”

On average, taxpayers who file electronically and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Distribution of refunds for e-filed returns began in mid-February. Due to the late receipt of tax form information from the IRS in late 2025, processing of paper-filed returns has been delayed until late March and refunds for paper filed returns will not start being issued until early April.

Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund for e-filed returns can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

Mailing your return? Mail it early

Taxpayers who choose to file a paper return, should mail it early. The federal and state tax deadline is April 15, but due to changes at the U.S. Postal Service, returns mailed in after April 9 may not receive a postmark on time. Taxpayers who still want to mail their paper returns can take them to a local USPS office and request a postmark no later than April 15, 2026. 

Paper returns can also be physically deposited in drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box at DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.

Claim your “kicker”

The Oregon surplus revenue kicker is a refundable credit that will either increase a taxpayer's Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.

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.

Free electronic filing options are available

Direct File Oregon: Taxpayers can use Free Fillable Forms to file their federal return and then use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return directly with the state.

Now in its third year, Direct File Oregon is a free interview-based program and allows taxpayers the convenience and security of filing their Oregon Personal Income Tax return directly with the state of Oregon through Revenue Online. Nearly 4,700 taxpayers have already used Direct File Oregon this year.

Other free electronic filing options: Free guided tax preparation is available for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free. These free services work much like the popular pay to file programs.

Find free tax filing assistance

From IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or AARP Foundation TaxAide locations, Oregon taxpayers needing free assistance have over 107 different places across the state where they can get free in-person help filing their taxes.

Free tax help is also available online through the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.

Make an appointment at a free tax help site by using the links for each organization on the Department of Revenue's webpage, or consult the department’s interactive map.

Check your eligibility and claim your refundable tax credits

Taxpayers should check their eligibility for a series of refundable tax credits for low-income workers and families. A refundable credit not only reduces the amount of tax a taxpayer owes, any leftover credit results in a cash refund that can be deposited directly into their bank account.

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The EITC is a fully refundable federal tax credit for people making up to $68,675 in 2025. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $8,046 on their federal tax return.
• Oregon Earned Income Credit: This refundable state tax credit is a percentage of an eligible taxpayer’s federal EITC. The maximum benefit for tax year 2025 is $966. The Oregon EIC is also available to taxpayers who have Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN) rather than Social Security numbers.
• Oregon Kids Credit: This is a refundable state credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $26,550 or less, the full credit is $1,050 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $31,550.
• Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC): Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the refundable WFHDC, which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they're working, looking for work, or attending school.

March 19, 2026

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

2 Salem health settings become latest measles exposure locations

Health officials urge people who were at locations during exposure period to talk to a health care provider

PORTLAND, Ore.—Two new measles exposure locations have been identified, and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Marion County public health officials are urging people to talk to a health care provider about their risks if they believe they were exposed.

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

• Salem Health Hospital, emergency department waiting room, 890 Oak St. S.E., Salem, between 6:10 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Monday, March 16.
• Kaiser Permanente Skyline Medical Office, upper level (second floor), 5125 Skyline Road S., Salem, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Friday March 13.

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.

###

2025–2027 ORCA Capacity Building Grants support Tribal nations, rural communities, and community-based organizations

Community members, local leaders and housing advocates gathered Thursday, March 19 to break ground on Third Street Commons, a 47-unit permanent supportive housing development aimed at helping people experiencing chronic homelessness in Benton County.

The project, led by Corvallis Housing First, will provide housing paired with services such as health care, behavioral health support and case management. When complete, it will be the first development of its kind in Corvallis. The facility will include fully furnished studio and one-bedroom apartments, on-site services and community spaces.

All three Benton County commissioners attended the event, underscoring the County’s commitment to expanding housing options and supporting coordinated efforts to address homelessness.

Board Chair Pat Malone shared remarks during the ceremony before joining partners and other local and state leaders to turn over the first shovel of dirt.

“On behalf of Benton County, we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this project possible and look forward to seeing residents move into Third Street Commons and begin new chapters in their lives,” Benton County Commissioner Pat Malone said.

Permanent supportive housing combines stable housing with services designed to help people maintain housing and improve their overall well-being. Project partners said the development will help fill a critical gap in the community’s continuum of care.

“This project has been years in the making and reflects the hard work of many partners who believe everyone deserves a safe and dignified place to live,” said Andrea Myhre, executive director of Corvallis Housing First.

For people who have experienced homelessness, the project represents more than a new building. It also represents stability, affordability and a path forward.

Dominic Marchese, a local who has benefitted from supportive services, said Corvallis Housing First has already had a life-changing impact.

“I’m forever indebted to this place because they saved my life,” Marchese said. “I’m hoping to have an apartment here.”

He said the support provided goes beyond housing.

“It makes me feel great that there are organizations out here to help people who are struggling,” Marchese said. “They’re life-saving.”

Jason Sutherland,  another local who has received housing support through Corvallis Housing First, said stable housing has been critical during ongoing health challenges.

“Everybody with Housing First has just been phenomenal,” Sutherland said. “They’ve been there for me through everything.”

Sutherland said the organization helped him secure housing and has continued to support him as his health has declined.

“They’re looking out for people, not just those with addiction, but people with serious health conditions,” he said.

Project leaders said the effort reflects years of planning and collaboration among Corvallis Housing First, the City of Corvallis, Benton County, Oregon Housing and Community Services and other public and private partners.

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

Organizers said the groundbreaking marks an important step toward expanding supportive housing and helping more people in Benton County stabilize and rebuild their lives.

Photos from the event are available at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/196115871@N03/albums/72177720332612970

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2026

AOCC Leaders Convene in Cottage Grove as Federal Actions Signal New Era for O&C Timberlands

(Douglas County, Ore) – Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, who serves as President of the Association of O&C Counties (AOCC), recently gathered with fellow AOCC board members, comprised of county commissioners representing member counties for the quarterly AOCC meeting at Starfire Lumber in Cottage Grove.  The meeting featured special guest, Kim Prill, Acting State Director for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Oregon/Washington, as well as a tour of the stunning new Starfire Lumber timber-built administration building, along with the log yard, planning facilities, and longtime thriving lumber mill. 

The quarterly meeting and tour come following significant federal actions regarding O&C timberlands.

• In January, U.S. Congress passed the FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill, which corrects revisions made four decades ago and returns O&C counties to their historic share of timber receipts from federally managed O&C timberlands.  This ‘Act of Congress’ is expected to increase annual O&C shared timber receipts revenue to O&C counties by approximately 50 percent. 
• In February, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) issued a “Notice of Intent” to initiate the development of a revised Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Management Plan (RMP) governing the 2.5 million acres of O&C timberlands (Oregon and California Revested Grant Lands) in western Oregon. 
• In March, the BLM invited Douglas County to be a cooperating agency for the upcoming revision to the Resource Management Plan which governs O&C timberlands.  Douglas County has historically been invited to be a cooperating agency.  In fact, Douglas County was the first county to be granted cooperating agency status by the BLM for the revision process.  Additionally, in its role as a cooperating agency, AOCC will represent its member counties.  The first RMP revision cooperators meeting took place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. 

The discussion of these major federal actions at the quarterly AOCC meeting alongside the attendance of the new Acting State Director for the BLM marks an important milestone for AOCC. It reflects ongoing efforts to increase timber receipts, strengthens collaboration with the BLM, and advances a more balanced and reasonable management plan for the O&C timberlands.

“These three actions are some of the most exciting achievements the Association of O&C Counties has had in many decades.  For the last ten years, working with the Board of Directors of the AOCC and our amazing staff, with these series of actions we have accomplished the opportunity for a solution that will save the western Oregon O&C counties facing insolvency.  At the same time, recovering the local economy, creating family wage jobs, and putting Douglas County and the other O&C Counties back in the position of being the ‘Timber Capital’ of the world!” stated Douglas County Commissioner and AOCC President, Tim Freeman.

For Douglas County, the trifecta of actions - restoring historic timber receipts, the revision to the BLM’s Resource Management Plan and being granted cooperating agency status represents an important step toward strengthening the financial stability of county departments that rely on O&C timber receipts to support critical services for residents such as Public Safety, Veteran Services, Senior Services and Infrastructure.  The additional revenue created by these federal actions could not come at a more critical time for counties as they face continuing strains on their budgets with inflation, rising costs, and the reduction of other revenue streams.  These actions will help all of the 18 O&C counties to maintain the critical services they provide day in and day out for their residents.

The term “O&C” originates from federal land grants made between 1866 and 1870 to the Oregon and California Railroad Company to support construction of a rail line from Portland to the Ashland, Oregon. After the railroad failed to meet the terms of the grant, the checkerboard-patterned lands were later revested to the federal government and became known as the O&C timberlands.  Members of AOCC advocate for sustained yield management of O&C timberlands, as required by federal law under the 1937 O&C Act,, to protect and support jobs, local economies, county services, and healthy timberlands.  The 1937 O&C Act is widely regarded as the first Congressional Conservation Act and was enacted to solely regulate the management of the Federal timber resources in western Oregon.

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

###

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

Photos:

1. AOCC President, Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman discusses new federal actions with Kim Prill, Acting State Director for the BLM in Oregon & Washington. 
2. AOCC members gather for quarterly meeting at Starfire Lumber in Cottage Grove.

Road Name: Old Mill Road

Location: Office Covered Bridge

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

Alternate Routes: None

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

###

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Woodburn, Oregon, man made his initial appearance today after threatening to kill a United States Senator.

Donald Leroy Smith, Jr., 51, has been charged by information with threatening a federal official with the intent to intimidate that official for the performance of official duties.

According to court documents, on November 12, 2025, Smith left a voicemail for a U.S. Senator stating he was “coming to kill you,” that “you need to be dead,” and that he was going to “put a bullet in your head.”

Smith made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from United States Capitol Police, United States Secret Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Oregon State Police, and the Woodburn Police Department. First Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Narus and Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. Kilcup are prosecuting the case.

An information is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. # # #

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

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

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

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

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

About the Art Gallery

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

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of Umpqua Community College, Douglas County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, will be held at the Lang Teaching, Learning & Event Center, 1140 Umpqua College Rd, Roseburg, OR 97470. The meeting will take place on April 2, 2026, at 6:00pm.

The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee.

A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after March 23, 2026, at the Umpqua Community College Library between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm or on the College website. https://umpqua.edu/about/governance-operations/business-services/budget-department/budget-documents-presentations/

Instructions for virtual access to the meeting and other meeting information can be found at https://umpqua.edu/about/governance-operations/governance/board-of-education/board-meetings/

For additional information, please contact the President’s Office, 541-440-4622.

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

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

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

The Role of Treatment Courts

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

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

A Proven Investment in the Community

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

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

This graduation group community projects helped:

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

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

Guest Speaker

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

Event Details

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

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

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

Roseburg, OR — The H.O.P.E. Adult Drug Court will celebrate its 112th graduation ceremony on Tuesday, March 30, 2026, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds – Cascade Hall, beginning at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be presided over by the Honorable Robert B. Johnson, who leads the adult drug court program.

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

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

The Role of Treatment Courts

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

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

A Proven Investment in the Community

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

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

This graduation group community projects helped:

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

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

Guest Speaker

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

Event Details

• What: 112th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation
• When: March 30, 2026, at 5:15 p.m.
• Where: Cascade Hall, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg, OR
• Who: Open to the community; presided over by the Honorable Robert B. Johnson

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 9:00 am PDT

$40M Expansion Will Add a New Wing, Strengthening the Museum’s Role as a Civic and Cultural Anchor for the Region by Creating New Spaces for Art, Education, and Community Gathering

Bend, Oregon – March 19, 2026 – The High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon today broke ground on its $40 million campus expansion, which will add a new wing to the museum, transforming the arts and cultural landscape of central and eastern Oregon.

The new 24,000-square-foot wing will increase the interdisciplinary Museum’s capacity for exhibitions, education, and engagement, and will feature new classrooms, expanded gallery space, and new event and gathering spaces for the community. In addition, the expansion includes the reinstallation of the Museum’s permanent Doris Swayze Bounds collection dedicated to the communities of the Indigenous Plateau region, the first such update in more than 25 years. Opening to the public in winter 2027, the project will expand access to the Museum for visitors and allow it to better serve one of the nation’s most geographically vast and culturally diverse areas.

Designed by Portland-based architecture firm Hacker, which also designed the Museum’s first new building when it expanded in 1989, the new wing responds directly to the evolving needs of the fast-growing region. Since opening in 1982, the High Desert Museum has grown into the largest cultural institution east of the Cascades in Oregon, bringing together art, history, cultures, and natural science to explore the diverse landscapes and people of the High Desert region. It houses a collection encompassing over 28,000 objects from the intermountain West ranging from historic objects to contemporary artwork, including the Doris Swayze Bounds collection of 7,000 Indigenous plateau objects. The only institution of its kind in central and eastern Oregon, the Museum has doubled its programming over the last 15 years as attendance has grown by 40%, underscoring both its growing impact and the need for expanded facilities.

"The High Desert Museum exists to inspire curiosity, foster understanding, and celebrate the unique cultures and landscapes of our region and the ways in which people and landscape thrive together. This expansion allows us to share our mission with broader audiences, creating spaces where people can gather, learn, and engage with the stories that shape our communities,” said Dana Whitelaw, Executive Director of the High Desert Museum. “The transformed campus will deepen our ability to evolve alongside the diverse audiences we serve and to reinforce the Museum’s integral role in our community as a leading cultural, educational, and civic institution.”

Connected to the Museum’s main building, the new wing will include a dedicated entrance and commons, and will allow for a holistic visitor experience with a seamless flow across the campus. The expansion encompasses an art gallery; the Gathering, an intimate community space; the Learning Center, featuring four new classrooms and an outdoor learning space; and the High Desert Hall and outdoor Event Terrace, offering the ability to accommodate large public events. The architecture draws inspiration from the surrounding sagebrush steppe landscape, with floor-to-ceiling windows, open gathering areas, and a nature-based color palette that visually connects interior spaces with the surrounding environment and reinforces the Museum’s commitment to place-based storytelling.

“This project reflects the extraordinary generosity and shared commitment of the many donors, foundations, and community partners who believe deeply in the High Desert Museum’s mission, and the Museum's role as a space where art, history, science, and nature come together to tell the story of this singular region, ” said Sharon Gueck, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. "The expansion will allow the Museum to deepen its impact and increase its capacity as a vital community hub while continuing to celebrate the cultures that define the High Desert.”

About the Museum Expansion

Conceived as a continuation of the High Desert itself and envisioned to blend seamlessly with the original building, the new wing’s design reflects the local landscape’s rimrock formations, volcanic geology, and the nearby Steens Mountain escarpment, with an intentionally restrained material palette that incorporates weathered steel, stone walls, and glass. In an acknowledgement of the Museum’s deep connection to place and its interconnectedness with nature, the new wing is fully electric and features solar-ready infrastructure, and is designed for potential net-zero energy and net-zero water expenditure.

A new 3,225-square-foot gallery will be the only art space of its kind in Oregon east of the Cascades, with flexible exhibition space featuring high ceilings and integrated audiovisual technology, allowing the Museum to expand its presentation of modern and contemporary art and to organize more impactful exhibitions featuring notable loans alongside collection highlights. Exhibition programming will continue to spotlight artists whose perspectives broaden understandings of the American West, and to emphasize underrepresented voices, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the region through a diverse cultural lens. The gallery will connect to the main building via a light-filled, 2,775-square-foot Gallery Walk, where visitors will encounter works of art in a beautiful setting inspired by nature.

Reflecting this renewed commitment to engaging exhibition programming, the expansion project includes the renovation and reinstallation of the Museum’s permanent exhibition dedicated to sharing the Doris Swayze Bounds collection of objects from the Indigenous Plateau region, one of the most significant Plateau collections in the nation. Developed in close collaboration with an advisory committee comprised of Indigenous members, the reimagined galleries will foreground contemporary Native voices and perspectives, emphasizing the continuity of Plateau cultures and their enduring relationships to the High Desert landscape.

The heart of the new wing will be the Gathering, the Museum’s “living room” that offers a welcoming environment featuring a wood-burning fireplace and comfortable spaces for rest and reflection. The space provides opportunities for intimate and informal gathering alongside facilitated dialogue, workshops, and community-driven programs that invite participation across generations and perspectives to explore issues important to the community. Positioned at the intersection of exhibition, education, and event areas, the Gathering will encourage visitors to linger, exchange ideas, and engage more deeply with the themes explored throughout the Museum.

The wing will also be home to the Learning Center, which will feature four classrooms with flexible education space totaling 4,500 square feet and an outdoor area. This more than doubles the museum’s current education facilities, which provide an essential resource for preK-12 teachers and students in the Museum’s rural region with over 14,000 students and 100 teachers reached annually. The new spaces will significantly expand the High Desert’s capacity to offer interdisciplinary field experiences, artist residencies, and teacher trainings. The classrooms are designed to open directly onto an outdoor “learning porch” featuring a stepped outdoor amphitheater space that lets learning experiences flow between indoor and outdoor environments and reinforces connections between cultural understanding and the natural landscape.

The High Desert Hall will be a 5,000-square-foot, flexible event center with a 300-person capacity that establishes a civic gathering space capable of hosting lectures, performances, film screenings, conferences, and community conversations. Featuring adaptable seating and a raised stage, the venue will accommodate significantly larger audiences than the Museum’s current facilities, while the ability to host multifaceted events that flow seamlessly between the Hall, the Art Gallery, and the Gathering will allow for a more diverse range of programming. The Hall opens directly onto a terrace, welcoming visitors into the ponderosa pine forest and seamlessly transitioning to the surrounding meadow and the Museum’s outdoor trails. Together, these spaces are designed to function as an integrated environment where art, the natural landscape, scholarship, and community dialogue intersect.

The Museum is currently fundraising towards the $40 million project, which encompasses the capital expansion and the renovation of the Indigenous Plateau permanent exhibition. To date, the Museum has raised 87% of its goal through a combination of government grants, private foundations, and individual giving, including a $6 million grant awarded from the Roundhouse Foundation.

About the High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum is the only institution in the nation dedicated to the study of the High Desert region and the largest cultural institution in central and eastern Oregon. Since opening in 1982, the Museum has evolved into a place that annually serves almost 225,000 visitors from across the nation and cares for a collection of over 28,000 objects and 170 animals. Located in Bend, Oregon, the Museum encompasses 135 forested acres, two permanent cultural exhibitions, three changing exhibition galleries, a bird of prey center, otter exhibit, and the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill, and offers learning experiences uniquely rooted in the surrounding landscape.

The Museum was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. In 2025, it was awarded the 2025 Autry Public History Prize for its original exhibition, Sensing Sasquatch.

###

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

The America 250 Oregon Commission was created through Senate Bill 1531, which was signed into law by Governor Tina Kotek on March 27, 2024. Chaired by the Oregon Historical Society’s executive director, Kerry Tymchuk, the mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How rounding works:

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

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

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

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

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

The lawsuit is filed in Jackson County Circuit Court.

• Click here for a copy of the lawsuit.

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Spring Celebration Rolls into Portland with Easter Bunny Express at Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Portland, OR — On April 4 and 5, families and train enthusiasts are invited to hop aboard the Easter Bunny Express at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center for a festive 45-minute steam train ride pulled by the legendary Polson No. 2 steam locomotive. The round-trip journey departs from and returns to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, offering a scenic ride along the Willamette River.
 

Guests can look forward to a memorable seasonal adventure combining fun and a touch of railway history. The Easter Bunny will be hopping onboard each ride to spread joy and cheer, providing plenty of opportunities for photos and selfies. Along the way, passengers can enjoy kid-friendly activities, a festive scavenger hunt, and the beauty of spring along the river.

Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase on board, with options for both kids and adults, making this the perfect outing for families celebrating the season together.

Admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center is included with every train ticket, allowing guests to explore exhibits and view additional historic locomotives before or after their ride to explore exhibits and view additional historic locomotives before or after their ride.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, April 4 & Sunday, April 5
• Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
• Train Departure Times: 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm
• Tickets Prices:
  • Adults (14+) – $24
  • Seniors (65+) – $21.50
  • Military (with ID) – $21.50
  • Children (3-13) – $17
  • Infants (Under 3) – Free
  • Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) – $74
• Tickets & Registration: https://orhf.org/

Tickets are expected to sell quickly for this popular springtime tradition. Don’t miss out on this egg-cellent adventure—reserve your seats today and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

About Oregon Rail Heritage Center:

The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) provides for the preservation, operation and public enjoyment of Portland’s historic locomotives, railroad equipment, and artifacts, and educates the public about Oregon’s rich and diverse railroad history. ORHC is open to the public on Thursdays-Sundays from 1:00pm-5:00pm. Seasonal train excursions are offered most weekends. For additional information, visit https://orhf.org/. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact:

Renee Devereux, Executive Director

Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Phone: (503) 233-1156
Email: devereux@orhf.org">rdevereux@orhf.org

Website: https://orhf.org/

###