PORTLAND, Ore.— A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison today for laundering money for drug traffickers in the Portland metropolitan area through her money service business La Popular.

Brenda Lili Barrera Orantes, 40, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.  

According to court documents, Barerra Orantes owned and operated La Popular stores in Hillsboro, Beaverton, Woodburn, Odell, and Canby, Oregon, as well as in Vancouver, Washington. From August through November 2024, La Popular stores sent over $4.2 million dollars through wire transfers to places in Mexico associated with drug trafficking. During this same time period, Barrera Orantes and other co-conspirators accepted $49,500 in cash that was represented as drug proceeds and laundered it through La Popular stores.

Barrera Orantes accepted cash she believed was generated from drug dealing, and in exchange for a 10% commission, conducted wire transactions using techniques that made the laundered funds harder to detect, including using false sender information, structuring wire transfers into smaller amounts, and using different La Popular stores to help conceal the drug proceeds.  

On April 16, 2025, investigators executed federal search warrants at Barrera Orantes’ Beaverton residence and three La Popular stores in Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Vancouver and arrested Barrera Orantes. During the warrants, agents seized more than $300,000 in cash, a 2021 Cadillac Escalade, jewelry, and high-end clothing.

On May 13, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 23-count indictment charging Barrera Orantes with money laundering and conspiracy, failure to file a currency transaction report, and failure to file a suspicious activity report.

On October 24, 2025, Barrera Orantes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. She also agreed to forfeit her Beaverton residence and all the seized cash and other property involved in her money laundering offense.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher L. Cardani and Julia Jarrett prosecuted the case. 

Since 1985, the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) has been required by statute (ORS 319.415) to conduct a fuel use survey every four years of a randomized sample of motorized boat owners, statewide. This statistical survey is conducted by Oregon State University (OSU) and asks boat owners about their fuel consumption from January 1 through December 31, 2025. Approximately 12,000 surveys were mailed statewide in the second week of January 2026. The survey aims to quantify the dollars that have already been paid by motorized boaters at the fuel pump or marine fueling station for boating activities in 2025.

Data collection will occur now through March, and all survey responses are anonymous. The data will then be analyzed, and a draft report will be prepared with preliminary results. Then, OSU submits a final report to OSMB by the end of June. In July, the Marine Board will follow established processes to calculate motorboat registration numbers with fuel consumption, which are forwarded to ODOT and the Department of Administrative Services. Once approved, fuel tax dollars are transferred back to OSMB and become part of the operating budget for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. The amount the agency receives back is dependent upon the survey responses and the number of registered motorboats in 2025.

Motorized boat owners who receive the survey are strongly encouraged to complete it. Every response is used to determine the calculated amount coming back to the Marine Board. Revenue is then returned to boaters for services including marine law enforcement, boating facility access grants, education, and many other programs.

Learn more about the Marine Board’s budget revenues and expenditures at https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Business-Services.aspx.

-End-

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Troutdale, Oregon, woman pleaded guilty today in federal court for conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act by receiving and discharging industrial wastewater from a facility in Hillsboro, Oregon, to a sanitary sewer system.

Kayla Hartley, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Clean Water Act.

According to court documents, from February through September 2020, Hartley, as the Director of Operations at the Northwest Slurry Solutions and Hydro Excavation, LLC (“Northwest Slurry”) facility in Hillsboro, marketed the company as able to accept and dispose of industrial wastewater, despite having no permit or authorization to discharge that type of waste. Under Hartley’s leadership, Northwest Slurry accepted approximately 500,000 gallons of industrial wastewater containing chemical pollutants including hydrofluoric acid, titanium, molybdenum, vanadium, arsenic, and other heavy metals. Northwest Slurry discharged those half-a-million gallons of pollution to the Hillsboro sanitary sewer.

When staff from Clean Water Services, which operates the sanitary sewer system in Hillsboro, visited Northwest Slurry’s facility, Hartley attempted to conceal the fact that her company was discharging industrial wastewater.

On July 15, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Hartley with conspiracy to violate and violating the Clean Water Act.

Hartley faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on May 12, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from Clean Water Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew T. Ho and William M. McLaren are prosecuting the case.

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for felon in possession of a firearm after absconding from supervision for sixteen months.

Alfredo Terrero-Ortega, 28, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on January 31, 2023, despite an ICE detainer, Oregon public officials released Terrero-Ortega from the Oregon Department of Corrections to post-prison supervision in the community. If the detainer had been honored, Terrero-Ortega would have been deported to Mexico upon his release.

In June 2023 in Oregon, within five months of his release, Terrero-Ortega threatened to kill a woman and shoved her to the ground while she was holding her baby. He also strangled her. She reported the incident, and he absconded from his post-prison state supervision. On November 7, 2024, the U.S. Marshals found and arrested Terrero-Ortega in Portland. When arrested, Terrero-Ortega, had a black satchel containing a loaded 9mm pistol, methamphetamine, zip lock baggies, a phone, handwritten credit card information, and documents linked to Terrero-Ortega’s girlfriend.

On December 17, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a single-count indictment charging Terrero-Ortega with felon in possession of a firearm.

On October 2, 2025, Terrero-Ortega pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah K. Bolstad prosecuted the case.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 21, 2026

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month

(Douglas County, Ore.) – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe the month of January as National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month.  The proclamation was issued to raise awareness that human trafficking is a modern form of slavery and to support the efforts of local agencies that work tirelessly to provide prevention education; conduct local trainings for first responders, law enforcement, and medical students; offer victim assistance programs; advocate for legislation; and address the complex needs of local survivors. The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Chris Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “It is a critical time to shine a light on one of the world’s most devastating crimes and understand how our everyday connections play a vital role in preventing human trafficking.” 

Commissioner Tom Kress presented a proclamation certificate to Marion Pearson, Violence Prevention Coordinator for the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force (Up2UsNow Child Abuse Prevention Coalition), as well as members of the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force including Lisa Platt, Rachelle Carter, Mariah Smith, Kim Swenson, Courtney Burford, Abby Drummond, Nancy Lovers, Robert Braisted, Joanna Rambow, Kim Gandy, Rob Gandy, Lonnie Williams, Detective Matt Kennedy, Detective Kevon Dodds, Detective Travis Whetzel, Detective Chris Taylor, Lieutenant Kelly Bean, Officer Craig Kennerly, Officer Todd Spingath, Police Chief Marty Case, Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein, Tayler Dahl, (RPD employee); Detective Kevin Taggart, Sheriff John Hanlin, Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, and Shawn Stanphill. 

“We started the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force back in 2014 with the idea of finding out what was going on in our community.   It turned out that we had some issues here with exploitation and human trafficking and we didn’t have a lot of resources.  The task force was formally established in 2015, receiving certification from the Oregon Department of Justice and hosting state-level detectives to train local professionals. Since then, we have provided endless educational sessions, training, tools and resources to our communities.  This is huge issue and a community issue that requires a community response.  Without the support of our member agencies, we just could not accomplish this all by ourselves.  So, on behalf of the task force, Mercy Foundation, CHI Mercy Medical Center and our community, thank you so much Commissioners for issuing this proclamation naming January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Douglas County,” stated Marion Pearson, Violence Prevention Coordinator for the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force (Up2UsNow Child Abuse Prevention Coalition through the Mercy Foundation).

The Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force is a coalition of more than 25 partner agencies committed to educating the community about how human trafficking occurs, recognizing red flags and indicators, understanding risk factors, and accessing available resources.  The coalition includes Oregon Department of Human Services; Douglas Public Health Network; CHI Mercy Health; Common Spirit Health; CHI Mercy Foundation; Dr. Beth Gallant; Aviva Health & Wellness; HIV Alliance; Douglas CARES; ADAPT Oregon; Peace at Home; Cow Creek Tribe of the Umpqua Band of Indians, Roseburg Police Department; Sutherlin Police Department; Myrtle Creek Police Department; Winston Police Department; Reedsport Police Department; Cow Creek Tribal Police Department; Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; Douglas County Search & Rescue; Douglas County Juvenile Department; Zonta International of Roseburg; Oregon Department of Justice; Douglas Education School District; Roseburg School District; and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.

“I just wanted to thank you Commissioners for bringing about awareness on Human Trafficking.  I also want to recognize the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force for all their hard work and support.  I am sure I speak on behalf of all law enforcement agencies and public safety partners in the county when we say we make human trafficking a priority.   It is one of our top priorities.  Human trafficking is a real problem in the country, it’s a real problem in the state and it’s a real problem right here in Douglas County,” commented Sheriff John Hanlin.  “It’s important that we recognize the signs of human trafficking by  highlighting that the traffickers use force, fraud, coercion and they target vulnerabilities like homelessness and substance abuse.  Additionally, it is important that we understand that this is a universal vulnerability and that victims can be anyone, of any age, of any gender, and any and all backgrounds.  Thank you, Commissioners, for bringing this to the attention of everyone and for your support.”

The Commissioners encourage our citizens to make a commitment to understanding human trafficking, as well as support and share prevention programs, exploitation material, combat measures, and survivor programs that to protect our people, communities, and our great Nation from this heinous crime. 

###

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

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached. Photos © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A man from St. Helens, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for ordering live-streamed child sexual abuse and traveling to the Philippines to engage in illicit sexual activity while working as a firefighter for the Lake Oswego Fire Department.

Kenneth Green, 57, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $50,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

According to court documents, from 2017 through 2019, Green paid for and received livestreamed shows featuring the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the Philippines. During the shows, Green gave child sex traffickers in the Philippines specific instructions on how to abuse the children and received child sexual abuse material from the traffickers. Devices seized from Green’s residence pursuant to a search warrant revealed additional chats with child sex traffickers.

In 2019, Green spent months communicating with a trafficker in anticipation of traveling to the Philippines to abuse children. He discussed details related to travel, accommodations, and the sexual abuse of children ages 9 to 17 years old. In November 2019, Green traveled to the Philippines with the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with minors. Upon arriving, defendant claimed to get sick and could not meet with the trafficker.

On February 7, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Green with sexual exploitation of children, receiving child pornography, interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity, and attempted foreign sex tourism.

On October 24, 2025, Green pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children and interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eliza Carmen Rodriguez and Charlotte Kelley prosecuted the case.

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

If you or someone you know are victims of human trafficking or have information about a potential human trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also submit a tip on the NHTRC website.

# # #

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee (AMPC) will meet virtually at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Questions & answers with Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) co-chairs regarding amphibians literature review
• Questions & answers with IRST co-chairs regarding request for proposals (RFPs) for research
• Discuss altering priorities of research projects
• Overview of AMPC-related elements from the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ogram@odf.oregon.gov">adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.

The National Weather Service is forecasting near or below freezing overnight and morning temperatures through Sunday across the Willamette Valley, including Benton County.

Some areas may experience “feels like” temperatures near or below 25 degrees, particularly in lower valleys and sheltered locations.

“Cold mornings like this can be dangerous, especially for people without adequate heat,” said Bryan Lee, Benton County emergency manager. “Taking a few simple precautions can help keep you, your family and your neighbors safe.”

Residents are encouraged to take steps now to stay safe :

• Dress in warm layers and limit time outdoors during night and early morning hours.
• Check on neighbors, older adults and others who may need extra support.
• Protect pets, plants and exposed pipes.
• Use space heaters safely and never use outdoor heating devices indoors.
• Place a spare blanket and winter gear like hats and gloves in your vehicle if possible, in case of emergency.

For the latest forecast information, visit weather.gov/portland.

Corvallis, OR – On January 21, 2026, at approximately 9:48 a.m., Corvallis Police Department detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 2000 block of SW Kendra Street in Corvallis. As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested Stacy R. Tindall, age 53, a Corvallis resident.

Tindall was arrested on the following charges:

• ORS 164.055 – Theft in the First Degree (three counts)
• ORS 163.205 – Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree (two counts)
• ORS 165.055 – Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card

The investigation determined that over a six-month period in 2025, Tindall unlawfully stole and used government-issued gift cards intended for her disabled clients to purchase food and other supplies. The total value of the theft is estimated to be at least $2,400 between the two victims.

Additionally, the investigation revealed that Tindall failed to return electronic devices assigned to her during her employment with the Benton County Health Department. Tindall had been employed as a Qualified Mental Health Provider (QMHP) working with the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program.

Because the victims in this case are disabled individuals for whom Tindall had a legal duty of care, she was charged with two counts of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree.

This remains an active investigation. No additional details are available at this time.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Dunn at the Corvallis Police Department.

SALEM, Ore. – Abandoned boats continue to harm Oregon’s rivers and coastlines. From huge vessels like the 100-foot Dredge Herb Anderson, removed from the Columbia River last year, to smaller recreational craft, these derelict boats leak harmful toxins, drift dangerously into navigational channels, and degrade water quality.

Oregon Department of State Lands has been leading the charge on this issue since launching the statewide Abandoned and Derelict Vessel (ADV) Program in Sept 2024.

“We can’t continue polluting our Oregon waterways or risking a large marine accident,” said Kaitlin Lovell, recently appointed Director at Oregon Department of State Lands, “The scope of this issue has motivated bipartisan legislators and community members along impacted waterways to come together for solutions.”

After a successful push during the state’s 2025 legislative session, two significant changes to state law came into effect on September 26, 2025.

• Streamlined Disposal: Allows the state to classify severely degraded ADVs as marine debris, opening a more efficient and cost-effective route for disposal.
• Reduced Administrative Burden: Allows authorized entities throughout the state to remove ADVs from the waterway without a time- and resource-intensive process, reducing delays and red tape.

“The legislative wins for this program might sound like words on a page, but these are the systematic changes we need to get these dilapidated vessels out of our waters,” said Democratic State Representative David Gomberg from Oregon District 10. In agreement was Republican State Senator Legislator Dick Anderson from Lincoln City, “This issue requires all of us to stay vigilant for ways to be more effective, and removing red tape is a good place to start.”

In addition to legislative progress, Oregon’s statewide ADV Program secured a $1,000,000 grant from the BoatUS Foundation, with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program. The dollars awarded to Oregon will support the removal and disposal of dozens of high-priority boats in counties throughout Oregon.

“Some of the really large vessels can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars when there is toxic material,” said Aaron Bretz, Deputy Director of the Port of Newport, “so obviously significant funding is required, but there’s also a lot of coordination with the Coast Guard, sheriff’s offices, environmental regulators, and companies equipped to perform the complex dismantling work.”

Coordination of involved parties was top-of-mind for Oregon Department of State Lands when updating the statewide ADV Program website to include new procedures for ADVs based on the changes in state law.

A remaining challenge for the nascent program is stemming the flow of ADVs into Oregon waterways.

“We pursue penalties against owners who fail to resolve their problems and leave DSL to address the hazards they’ve created,” said Josh Mulhollem, the Department’s Waterways Stewardship Program Manager. “But many of the biggest, most expensive cleanups are ships that have already drained the owner’s assets. Many people just don’t understand that bidding on a cheap ship at auction can lead to financial ruin.”

Despite the challenges that remain, momentum is building. With new tools, funding, and partnerships in place, Oregon’s ADV Program is chartering a clearer course toward cleaner, safer, waterways.

###

www.oregon.gov/dsl
 

About Oregon’s Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Program:
The Oregon Department of State Lands oversees the statewide ADV Program which collaborates with other state agencies as well as community and federal partners to reduce the impacts of abandoned and derelict vessels, address waterway hazards, and collaborate toward long term solutions to prevent the addition of more ADVs to Oregon-owned waters.

About the BoatUS Foundation:
BoatUS Foundation is supporting projects selected through their nationally competitive grant program for the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels throughout coastal and marine areas of the United States, including the Great Lakes, U.S. territories, and Freely Associated States. In an effort to help educate and prevent future ADVs, the Foundation is also creating a national ADV database to track the scope of the challenge and measure success, document ADV prevention and removal activities to share with the public and support a national dialogue and education efforts on boating-related debris disposal. This project is supported by the NOAA Marine Debris Program

HOOD RIVER, Ore. — Oregon Wildlife Foundation (OWF) invites the community to join them for a Locals Supporting Locals fundraising event on Wednesday, February 4, at Ferment Brewing Company, located at 403 Portway, Hood River, Oregon.

Throughout the day, 20 percent of all food and beverage sales at Ferment Brewing Company will be donated to OWF to directly support the Oregon State Police (OSP) Conservation K-9 Program.

A special evening event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Ferment Event Hall. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet OSP Conservation K-9s Buck and Scout, along with OSP Troopers Josh and Shae, learn more about the K-9 program, and even visit with the canine heroes.

Admission to the evening event is donation-based, allowing guests to give at a level that works for them. Each donation includes a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes, with additional raffle tickets available for purchase at the door.

Those unable to attend the evening event are still encouraged to stop by Ferment Brewing Company anytime during regular brewery hours on February 4, as 20 percent of all sales throughout the day will benefit the Conservation K-9 Program.

"Oregon Wildlife Foundation is dedicated to the long-term conservation of Oregon's wildlife and habitats,” said Oregon Wildlife Foundation Executive Director Tim Greseth. “Poaching and associated wildlife crimes are a major problem in Oregon so we are pleased to support Oregon State Police's Wildlife Conservation K9 teams."

OWF, in partnership with Oregon State Police, launched Oregon’s first Wildlife Conservation K-9 team in 2019. Since then, Senior Trooper Wolcott and K-9 Buck have conducted numerous poaching investigations and logged hundreds of hours in the field, working across multiple regions of Oregon. The success of the first team led OSP leadership to approve a second Conservation K-9 team in January 2023, based out of Bend and deployed statewide as needed.

OWF and its donors have funded most of the costs associated with launching the first two teams. Ongoing expenses — primarily veterinary care — are supported through public donations to the OSP Conservation K-9 Team Fund.

For more information about the program or to make a donation, visit myowf.org/osp-conservation-k9-team. Questions about the event may be directed to heather@myowf.org.

###

Oregon Wildlife Foundation

Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since their founding in 1981, OWF has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information visit www.myowf.org.

SALEM, Ore. — The Compliance Monitoring Program Committee will meet virtually at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Riparian pilot study update
• Roads and steep slopes methods update
• Compliance Monitoring Program story map update
• Review of charter

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing ta.l.friasbedolla@odf.oregon.gov">Marta Frias-Bedolla.

The CMP Committee assists efforts to monitor compliance with Forest Practices Rules. The committee advises ODF regarding monitoring projects and procedures. View more information on the CMPC webpage.

Salem, OR— With the start of tax season less than one week away, the Oregon Department of Revenue is providing guidance to help taxpayers file their return and claim their share of Oregon’s $1.41 billion kicker. Oregon will begin processing e-filed 2025 state income tax returns on January 26, 2026, the same day the IRS will begin processing federal returns.

You have to file a return to get your kicker

The 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.

Electronic filing is faster—especially in 2026

On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received, with the first refunds expected to be issued February 17. For paper filed returns, refunds will not start being issued until early April.

Due to the late receipt of tax forms and information from the IRS in late 2025, processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns is expected to be delayed until late March, a process that has historically begun in February.

The delay in paper return processing will mean that the department won’t be able to tell taxpayers who file paper returns that their return has been received until paper return processing starts at the end of March and their specific return enters processing. That also means information on paper-filed returns won’t be available in the “Where’s My Refund?” tool until that time.

Free e-filing options open January 26
Oregon residents who normally mail their paper tax return to the department should consider using Direct File Oregon, a free filing option available through Revenue Online, or other online tax preparation software, to e-file and receive their refund—and their kicker—sooner.

In addition to Direct File Oregon, other free filing options are also available. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies 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.

All electronic filing software options approved for filing Oregon personal income tax returns can be found on the Electronic filing page of the agency’s website. Taxpayers seeking to hire a professional to prepare their taxes can find helpful tips in the department’s “How to Choose a Tax Practitioner” video.

Free and low-cost tax help

Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP Tax Aide, VITA, and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.

How will U.S. Postal Service changes affect filing?

Taxpayers who choose to file a paper return, should mail it early. 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.

-30-

MEDFORD, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is looking for two Artists-in-Residence: one at the historic Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site and another at the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

The selected artists will have the unique opportunity to capture these public lands during a milestone year as the Nation marks its 250th birthday and the BLM celebrates its 80th anniversary.  The artists will receive one- to two-week residencies during the summer to create original work while immersed in some of Oregon’s most remarkable environments.

One artist and one alternate will be selected for each residency based on the following criteria: entry materials, residency proposal, professionalism, and creative vision. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 28. As part of the 2026 program, selected artists will also be part of the Freedom 250 celebration, paying tribute to the historic sites and special lands that have contributed to the Nation’s heritage.

“Artists provide a captivating lens through which we can explore our connection to public lands,” said Joel Brumm, Assistant Monument Manager. “Their work provides a unique perspective on these remarkable landscapes, highlighting our mission and role in public land management as we celebrate our 80th anniversary.”

Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site

The Rogue River Ranch residency will take place between June and August 2026 in a breathtaking setting deep in the Rogue Wild and Scenic River Corridor. The remote outpost is a two-hour drive or a 22-mile river trip from Grave Creek Boat Ramp. The selected artist will reside in the historic house.

Following their residency, the artist will share their vision in a public presentation at the Grants Pass Museum of Art on Oct. 2. Their work will be displayed at the museum for one month and then returned to the artist. The BLM is requesting digital copies of the artwork to promote the Artist-in-Residence program and public lands. The artist retains a non-exclusive use copyright.

In summer 2025, Artist Alisha Whitman created watercolors during her residency. She shared her experience with the BLM.

Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and there is no preference given to any style or medium.

Interested artists can learn more information and find an application at the Artist-in-Residence website, by e-mailing Tony Saunders at asaunders@blm.gov, or by calling 541-471-6642.

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument

The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument residency will take place in June 2026. The selected artist will be based at a travel trailer at Hyatt Lake Campground while exploring the environment and creating their art. The BLM is seeking visual artists for this residency.

Since 2017, the Artist-in-Residence program has allowed numerous artists to transform the monument's natural and cultural resources into visual art, objects, and performances.

Last year’s Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Artist-in-Residence was Paul Atkinson, a gifted photographer who spent his time studying and photographing the monument’s unique landscapes.

During their residency, the artist will share their experience and artistic vision in a public presentation. Following the residency, artists are asked to donate an original artwork piece, which they will retain the rights to.  

Interested artists can learn more information and find an application at the Artist-in-Residence website, by e-mailing John Duwe at jduwe@blm.gov, or by calling 541-618-2320.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Benton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to reopen the record for LU-24-027 to accept new evidence related to the proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill. Written comment and testimony directed to a November 6 letter from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, as it relates to the applicable criteria in the Benton County Code, can be submitted by the public until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

In a Jan. 20 public hearing to reconsider their decision on the land use case, the Board considered a recommendation from Planning Division staff to open the record to receive a DEQ letter issued after the Board voted in Nov. 2025 to approve the landfill expansion application.

Planning staff recommended a schedule for written public testimony, applicant final argument and a continuation of the hearing to March 3 for deliberations and decision. The Board approved the following timeline:

Tuesday, Jan. 20

LU-24-027 Public Record reopened to accept the Nov. 6 DEQ letter. It will remain open for 7 days to accept written evidence, argument and testimony related to the DEQ letter as it relates to applicable criteria in the Benton County Code.  

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 4 p.m.

Deadline for the County to receive written evidence, argument and testimony relating to the DEQ letter.

Beginning of new, 7-day period limited only to responses to written evidence, argument and testimony submitted during the Jan. 20-27 submission period.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 4 p.m.

Receipt deadline for 7-day responsive open record period.

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 4 p.m.

Deadline for the County to receive the applicant’s final argument, with no new evidence.

Tuesday, Feb. 24

TENTATIVE — Staff report (if any) on new evidence published.

Tuesday, March 3, 11 a.m.

Continued reconsideration hearing and Board deliberations in the Holmes & Shipley meeting room at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis.

Tuesday, March 17, 9 a.m.

TENTATIVE — Adoption of findings in regular Board of Commissioners meeting and transmittal of decision on reconsideration to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals. If adoption is scheduled for an earlier date, it will be announced on March 3.

Submitting written testimony

On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the Board of Commissioners reopened the public record for seven (7) days to collect written evidence and testimony from all parties, including the public, directed to the November 6 DEQ letter. Submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.  

Following the 7-day open record period, the record will remain open for a 7-day responsive comment period limited to written submissions from all parties addressing only new issues raised during the Jan. 20-27 submission period. Submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3.  

There are four ways to submit written testimony:  

• Hand delivered to Board of Commissioners Office (suite 100) in the Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis.
• By email to landfillappeals@bentoncountyor.gov. To submit an attachment that is too large to send through email, contact pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov to request an SFTP upload link.
• Through the testimony submission form on the County’s website. Please note that the form does not allow for attachments. To submit testimony with an attachment, use the email address above. 
• Mailed to Board of Commissioners Office, P.O. Box 3020, Corvallis, OR 97339. Mailed submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Jan. 27 — the postmark will not be taken into consideration. 

More information is available at bentoncountyor.gov/coffin-butte-landfill.

###

The Opioid Settlement Board allocates $13 million for Oregon's Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BRHNs)

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Umpqua Community College women’s basketball head coach Dave Stricklin recorded the 1,000th victory of his illustrious junior college coaching career on Monday, January 19, 2026, as the Riverhawks defeated Portland Community College, 89-60.

The milestone win comes during Stricklin’s 31st season at Umpqua Community College and his 39th year as a collegiate head coach, underscoring a career defined by longevity, consistency, and sustained excellence.

With the victory, Stricklin becomes one of only five coaches in the history of junior college women’s basketball to reach the 1,000-win mark and just the third active coach nationally to do so. His career record now stands at 1,000–220, good for an 81.9 winning percentage, one of the highest in the sport.

“This milestone is about the players, the assistant coaches, and the people who have believed in what we do here at Umpqua,” Stricklin said. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to coach young women who are committed to excellence on and off the court.”

Among active junior college women’s basketball coaches, Stricklin ranks:

• 3rd in total wins
• 2nd in winning percentage

Among all-time junior college women’s basketball coaches with 1,000 or more wins, Stricklin ranks:

• 5th in total wins
• 2nd in winning percentage

Junior College Women’s Basketball Coaches – 1,000 Career Wins

Active Coaches

• Kim Muhl, Kirkwood CC (IA): 1,057–173 (.859)
• Bob McKinley, Weatherford (TX): 1,035–549 (.653)
• Dave Stricklin, Umpqua CC (OR): 1,000–220 (.819)

All-Time

• Kim Muhl, Kirkwood CC (IA): 1,057–173 (.859)
• Bob McKinley, Weatherford (TX): 1,035–549 (.653)
• David Kragel, Walters State (TN): 1,007–291 (.776)
• Gwyn Young, Copiah-Lincoln (MS): 1,004–306 (.776)
• Dave Stricklin, Umpqua CC (OR): 1,000–220 (.819)

Throughout his three decades at Umpqua Community College, Stricklin has built one of the most consistent and respected programs in the Northwest Athletic Conference. His teams are known for their high scoring offense, high basketball IQ, and a strong emphasis on academic achievement, player development, and community impact.

“Dave’s impact goes far beyond wins,” said Craig Jackson, Director of Athletics at UCC. “For 31 years at UCC and nearly four decades as a head coach, he has shaped generations of student-athletes and elevated Umpqua women’s basketball to a level of sustained excellence that is recognized nationally.”

Umpqua Community College will host a short on-court ceremony honoring Coach Stricklin’s career and historic achievement on Sunday, January 25, at 2:00 p.m. in the UCC Gymnasium. Fans, alumni, former players, and community members are invited to attend and celebrate one of the most accomplished coaching careers in junior college women’s basketball history.

Stricklin’s 1,000th victory further cements his legacy as one of the most successful and influential coaches in junior college women’s basketball.

The Oregon State Marine Board will hold its quarterly board meeting on January 29, beginning at 8:30 am at the agency’s office, 435 Commercial St. NE, Suite 400, in Salem.

Several items will be presented as informational only. Staff will also seek board direction and consideration of rulemaking on several other items.

Agenda Highlights:

• Director’s Agency Report
• Agency Budget Discussion – Board direction
• Don Lindley Property Discussion -Informational
• Boating Safety Section – Program updates
• Ana Reservoir Petition – Consideration for slow–no wake zone and potential rulemaking
• Upper Rogue River – Informational briefing
• Waterway Access Permit – Whitewater exemption, OAR 250-010-0760, board vote
• Siletz River Proposed Rulemaking – Board direction
• Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(i), Agency Director review  

Public comments will be accepted in writing or during the meeting’s public comment period. To provide oral testimony, register by 5 p.m., January 25, with Jennifer Cooper at .cooper@boat.oregon.gov">jennifer.cooper@boat.oregon.gov or by mail: Oregon State Marine Board, Attn: Jennifer Cooper, 435 Commercial St. NE, Suite 400, Salem, OR 97301.

Meeting materials and live stream link are available on the agency’s Public Meetings page.

Meetings are conducted using the Microsoft Teams application, and viewing may require the installation of a free Teams app on mobile devices.

-End-

The Marine Board is funded by boater-paid fees and marine fuel taxes—not lottery or general fund tax dollars. These funds support boating safety, education, environmental programs, and waterway access facility improvements statewide.

Jackson County, Ore. (Jan. 20, 2026)- On Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 5:46 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Kirtland Road (Hwy 140) and High Banks Road, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Cadillac Escalade, operated by Michael Bryan Dickerson (74) of Grants Pass, was northbound on High Pass Rd. and entered Kirtland Road where it was struck by a Ford Escape, operated by a female juvenile (16) of Central Point. Approximately five minutes after the inital crash, an eastbound Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle, operated by Jeremy Bruno Fantechi (27) of Grants Pass, struck the Cadillac at a reported high rate of speed.

The operator of the Harley Davidson (Fantechi) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Cadillac (Dickerson) was reportedly uninjured.

The operator of the Ford (female juvenile) was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Jackson County Fire District 3, and ODOT.

# # #

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

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street (OMS) has advanced Downtown Medford Association, North Bend Main Street, Port Orford Main Street, and Reedsport Main Street to the Designated Main Street level of the OMS Network.
 

The Designated Main Street level is a mark of distinction that reflects a demonstrated effort to develop an impactful and sustainable organization focused on improving a community’s historic downtown by leveraging partnerships and engaging community members. Communities at this level have access to technical assistance to help them continue to strengthen their efforts and impact.
 

All four of these communities have a high degree of commitment to using the nationally recognized place-based Main Street Approach™ methodology to create lasting impact in enhancing their historic downtowns. They must have a cohesive core of historic or older commercial and mixed-use buildings that represent the community’s architectural heritage and may include compatible in-fill. They must also have a sufficient mass of businesses, buildings, and density to be effective, as well as be a compact and walkable district.
 

Previously, these organizations have been participating in the OMS Network at the Affiliated Main Street level where they benefited from technical assistance from OMS staff to help support their organization’s development. 
 

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

Oregon Main Street is part of Oregon Heritage in Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For more information on the Oregon Main Street program visit www.oregonmainstreet.org. 
 

# # #

January 20, 2026

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, 971-323-3831

erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov

OHA, Jackson Street Youth Services celebrate Albany Youth Center opening

Albany, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) joined Jackson Street Youth Services at a celebration Jan. 14 for a new youth center made possible by state investments that expand where young people in Oregon can get care. The new Albany Youth Center will support youth with early intervention, prevention and youth-focused behavioral health services.

Community leaders celebrate the ribbon cutting for Jackson Street Youth Services in Albany, expanding access to shelter and support for local youth

“When young people are in crisis, we need to meet them where they are and provide the stability, care, and dignity they deserve,” said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. “I’m committed to building more community-based, youth-centered spaces like this across the state because early support and prevention strengthen and improve long-term outcomes and create healthier communities for everyone.”

Through House Bill 5030, passed in 2023, OHA contributed more than $400,000 to support the development of the facility. The center provides youth experiencing homelessness with access to a kitchen, laundry and showers.

With $10 million in expansion funding dedicated to youth residential services and an additional $7 million invested in intensive in-home behavioral health programs that integrate substance use treatment for youth with co-occurring needs, Oregon is making a significant commitment to strengthening its continuum of care.

“There is tremendous value in investing upstream and supporting young people early,” said OHA’s Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “By increasing access to trauma-informed, culturally specific behavioral health resources, we improve long-term health outcomes, support youth success and reduce the likelihood of more intensive behavioral health needs later in life.”

OHA shares the Jackson Street Youth Services’ goal of supporting the health and well-being of youth in Oregon through access to behavioral health care, early intervention and prevention services.

 “This building represents far more than bricks and mortar,” said Kendra Phillips-Neal, executive director, Jackson Youth Services. “It represents nearly two decades of learning, growth, persistence and an unwavering commitment to young people experiencing homelessness.”

By removing barriers to care, expanding access and building sustainable, community-centered systems, OHA and partners continue to address the evolving  needs of Oregon’s youth and families.  Jackson Street Youth Services’ trauma-informed approach will foster safety, dignity and respect while equipping youth with the tools and services they need to thrive.  

The Albany Youth Center is located at 1025 Pacific Blvd. SE, in Albany. It serves as an outreach hub and provides crisis stabilization services to youth. For more information, call the Jackson Street Youth Services 24-hour hotline at 800-901-2904.

###

Defendant Admitted Replacing Diverted Drugs with Saline, Impacting Treatment of More Than 200 Animals

PORTLAND, Ore. — Dr. Brenda Brown-Carlson, a Portland veterinarian, was sentenced to 60 months of supervised probation on January 13, 2026, in Multnomah County Circuit Court as part of a plea agreement. Brown-Carlson admitted to diverting controlled substances for her personal use and replacing them with saline, impacting the treatment of more than 200 animals at two veterinary clinics where she was employed.

“DEA has a long-standing relationship of trust and partnership with veterinary providers who are authorized to handle and administer controlled substance to care for animals that are sick,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “ Ms. Brown-Carlson abused that relationship and trust by diverting prescription drugs for her own personal use and, in doing so, compromised the care of more than 200 animals.”

Brown-Carlson pled guilty to one felony count of Tampering with Drug Records, two felony counts of Computer Crimes, and one felony count of Attempted Animal Neglect in the Second Degree.

According to court documents, Brown-Carlson diverted hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance,  buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance, and butorphanol, a Schedule IV controlled substance, for her own use. Rather than administering the appropriate doses of these medications, animals undergoing surgery and medical procedures received diluted doses, compromising their care.

Co-workers became aware of drug discrepancies and reviewed the clinics’ computerized drug-dispensing machine, records, and surveillance video. Video footage showed Brown-Carlson diverting controlled substances and refilling vials with saline.

The veterinary clinic reported the diversion to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Portland in February 2024. A Diversion Investigator from the DEA Seattle Field Division, Portland District Office, initiated an investigation and reviewed the evidence. During an interview, Brown-Carlson initially denied the diversion, even after being shown video evidence, and later admitted to the conduct, showing little remorse. She surrendered her DEA Certificate of Registration during the interview.

Following testimony by the DEA Diversion Investigator before a Multnomah County Grand Jury, a state indictment was issued. Brown-Carlson was arrested and charged with 14 felony counts of Tampering with Drug Records, 13 felony counts of Computer Crimes, and two felony counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, involving more than 40 animals.

As part of the plea agreement, Brown-Carlson ultimately pled guilty to reduced charges and was sentenced to 60 months of supervised probation. Conditions of probation prohibit her from being employed by any business whose primary purpose is the treatment of animals. She is also prohibited from having contact with animals during probation, except that she may own and care for her own pets. She may not provide veterinary care for her own pets or for the pets of others, and may only have contact with other pets in the presence of their owners.

“This sentence makes clear that drug-related crime has consequences, but it also acknowledges that meaningful accountability includes addressing addiction through structured treatment to reduce the risk of re-offending in the future,” said Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez.

Action by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board regarding Brown-Carlson’s state veterinary license is pending. Civil penalties for violations of the Controlled Substances Act related to her DEA Certificate of Registration are also pending.

###

Governor Kotek Secures $25 Million for OHA and Hospitals to Protect Maternity Care

JCSO Case 26-0270

MEDFORD, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives located a runaway juvenile today after following a lead to the Eugene area. The teen, Ava Wall, 15, of rural Medford, was found safe three days after she was reported missing Friday night.

Potential criminal charges may be considered for individuals who harbored the runaway teen. There is no further information available for release at this time. 

On January 18, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., first responders were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash on Turner Road SE, just south of Crawford Street SE, in Turner, Oregon.

Upon arrival, deputies and fire personnel located a black Kia that had left the roadway and overturned into a ditch. Two female occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene, including a 16-year-old juvenile and Perla Nieto, age 20, from Silverton. An adult male passenger, Elias Ramirez-Perez from Salem, age 24, was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Salem Hospital with serious injuries. An 8-year-old juvenile passenger was also transported to Salem Hospital as a precaution and was not believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies were assisted at the scene by the Turner Fire Department, the Marion County Crash Team, Marion County Public Works, and the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office. The roadway was closed for approximately five hours investigators processed the scene.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident.

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) is pleased to announce a continuing partnership with the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation (CCUIF) to provide the high quality objective and safe vision screening for students in the Cow Creek Umpqua service area.

Since its founding in 1997, the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation (CCUIF) has awarded over $24,000,000 in grants to non-profit organizations in Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Coos, Deschutes, Klamath and Lane counties, including its most recent round of giving this month to 93 non-profits serving those counties.

CCUIF’s funding includes support for the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation’s School Vision Screening Program (SVS) in their service area. During the school year, OLSHF provided vision screening to almost 52,000 students in the seven county area.

In 2024-25, SVS screened 62,773 students in the geographic service area of the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation and a total of 193,912 students statewide. SVS identified 19% of those students with notable vision issues.

OLSHF’s School Vision Screening Program is recognized as the premier school based student vision screening program in the US. OLSHF uses current technology to safely and effectively screen students for 8 conditions that affect learning in a matter of seconds. Full classes of students are screened in less than 5 minutes, minimally impacting the learning day. Secure and encrypted reports are returned to the school in a week along with resources for student families for low cost/no cost vision exams and eyeglasses.

The mission of the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation is to offer assistance in youth education, strengthen youth and family, provide for positive youth development, and add to the quality of life for people in southwestern Oregon. OLSHF provides healthcare (vision and hearing) access to those in need in all parts of the state of Oregon. In partnership with the Lions of Oregon, we assist community members, families, children with vision and hearing care.

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation and the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation are proud to have partnered in this important effort for years and both organizations serve the diverse communities of Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lane Counties. Both Foundations understand that the future of all of these communities lies in their youth.

To learn more about School Vision Screening and help support our program, please visit www.olshf.org 

#####

Lebanon, Oregon

Lebanon’s firefighters were dispatched to a small fire in the early morning of January 19, 2026, the fire was located at 30 E Oak Street which was the former Rite Aid building. While the single engine was responding, the dispatch center upgraded the incident to a first alarm (calling for more equipment and personnel) due to the fire beginning to burn up the side of the building and possibly getting to the inside. When the on-duty Battalion Chief arrived, he found the fire in two large, wheeled plastic trash bins as well as bushes with fire climbing the wall. The buildings sprinkler system was activated, which helped keep the fire from getting bigger until firefighters arrived. Bystanders that were in the area saw the fire, called 911 and then pulled the burning bins and some debris away from the building before firefighters arrived.

When the first engine arrived, they quickly went to work containing the fire that was running up the outside of the building, keeping it from getting bigger and from getting inside, while other firefighters were extinguishing the trash bins that were full of belongings used as storage containers and the bushes near the building. The districts ladder truck arrived moments later with off duty personnel and used the ariel ladder to gain access to the roof, those crews also made a thorough search of the building after breaching the doors using tools to get in. Firefighters found no fire or people in the building and crews were able to secure the fire sprinkler system until repairs could be made. No injuries were reported and the fire likely started from the unhoused using the area around the bushes for sleeping.

During this cold snap, The Lebanon Fire District would like to remind residents to follow safe home-heating instructions. Space heaters should be used with care, plugged directly into an outlet, and not permitted to remain on when residents are sleeping or away.

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an unusual rescue operation on near the University of Oregon Sunday afternoon. Just 12PM on January 18^th, ESF crews were called to a possible cardiac arrest in the area of 2000 Garden Ave in Eugene. Bystanders walking along a Willamette River diversion, noticed a person 10-15’ down a crevice and called 911.  Arriving crews found an unresponsive individual pinned between a concrete diversion wall and large quarry stone.  Several crews with a total of 20 personnel responded for staffing and specialty equipment to aid in the rescue.  In all it took about one hour to remove the victim and transport them to RiverBend.  The victim a mid 30‘s male was transported in critical condition with a body temp of 76 degrees.  If not for these attentive bystanders, the victim would not have survived much longer. 

Albany, OR – January 17, 2026

The Albany Police Department is investigating a tragic incident that occurred on the evening of January 16, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old Albany resident.

At approximately 10:08 p.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash on SE 19th Avenue near SE Tudor Way. The pedestrian, identified as Paige Michael Charlene McClintock, sustained severe injuries and was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center by Albany Fire Department personnel. Despite lifesaving efforts, Paige later passed away.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the involved vehicle—a white 2005 Nissan Altima—was Paige’s older sister, 18-year-old Kirah Kristine McClintock. Kirah was located nearby and cooperated with investigators. At this time, impairment does not appear to be a contributing factor.

According to investigators, the collision occurred as Paige and another sibling were pushing a rolling tool chest in the roadway when the vehicle struck the toolbox and Paige. Kirah was following her sisters with the vehicle at a slow, walking speed.  The Nissan Altima has been seized under a search warrant for further analysis.

This is an unimaginable tragedy for this family and our community, and our hearts go out to everyone affected. We ask for patience and support for the family, friends and first responders as we work to understand the circumstances.

Paige McClintock attended Albany Options School where she was an amazing student.  Greater Albany Public Schools (GAPS) will have counselors and support team available as we navigate this tragedy together when students return next week.

The investigation remains ongoing. Please contact Albany Police Department Sergeant Eric Tress if you have information about the incident.  541-917-7680  APD Case Number 26-00274.

MEDFORD, Ore.—An Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for attempting to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine purchased from the dark web.   

Dominick Jeffrey Aragon, 32, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in February 2025, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) task force intercepted a parcel addressed to Aragon’s residence containing approximately one ounce of cocaine. In March 2025, they intercepted a second parcel destined for Aragon at the same address that contained two ounces of cocaine.

The investigation continued into April 2025, when USPIS and RADE seized two additional parcels addressed to Aragon at an acquaintance’s residence that contained controlled substances.

At the time of these offenses, Aragon was on federal supervised release after completing a 15-month federal prison sentence for distributing cocaine.

On September 29, 2025, Aragon pleaded guilty to attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

This case was investigated by USPIS and RADE. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and Olivia Mendez, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.  

RADE is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. RADE includes members from Oregon State Police, the Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Probation & Parole, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

# # #

OHA, Clackamas County confirm new measles case 

Douglas County is sharing this release on behalf of the Association of O&C Counties (AOCC)

1224 NE Walnut Street, #431, Roseburg, Oregon 97470 - (541) 430-8952

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2026

Act of Congress Restores Historical Funding Back to O&C Counties

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Association of O&C Counties (AOCC) Executive Director, Doug Robertson, and AOCC Board President, Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman are ecstatic to announce that Congress has passed the FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill.  The passing of the bill represents one of the most, if not THE most significant achievements and highest priorities for O&C Counties in the last 44 years.  

With strong bi-partisan support in Congress, this action upholds a promise made by the 1937 O&C Act.  The AOCC Counties are extremely appreciative of the bipartisan leadership in Congress that helped push this historic action across the finish line.  The FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill corrects revisions made in 1982 and returns O&C counties to their rightful 75-percent of shared timber receipts from O&C lands.  This will ultimately be reflected by a 50% increase of the current revenue share for O&C Counties on an annual basis. 

The additional revenue created by this update 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.  This will help counties to maintain the critical services they provide, such as public safety, senior services, veteran services and other extremely vital public services. 

As one of the highest priorities of the AOCC board, executive board, staff, and its member counties, the fix contained in this bill has been the focus of our sustained advocacy efforts for decades. For AOCC President, Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, this legislation represents a definitive goal and top priority for the past 10 years.

“Having worked on O&C timber management for the last 40 years, this action marks one of the most significant achievements in that work.  I would like to recognize my Board of Directors and Executive Board for their support and engagement.  The ability of our federal delegation to understand the importance of this issue was imperative and I am appreciative of the action they have taken to help counties in this very difficult time,” remarked AOCC Executive Director, Doug Robertson. 

This successful action is the culmination of the dedication of the entire AOCC Board of Directors, including AOCC Executive Board - AOCC President, Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, AOCC Vice President, Polk County Commissioner Craig Pope, and AOCC Secretary/Treasurer, Klamath County Commissioner Derrick DeGroot; AOCC Executive Director Doug Robertson; AOCC Staff and AOCC member counties.  AOCC wants to thank our federal delegation, Senator Ron Wyden, Senator Jeff Merkley, Representative Cliff Bentz and Representative Val Hoyle for their imperative work on this issue. AOCC would also like to give special recognition to our federal representative, Jay Sullivan of Jamisen and Sullivan, for his advocacy.   

“The Association of O&C Counties has been advocating for proper management of O&C lands since 1925. Our Association believes in the promise of the 1937 O&C Act and the productivity of our unique timber lands.  I am incredibly pleased Congress recognized this important promise and relationship between County Government and the management of Federal O&C timberlands,” stated AOCC Board President, Douglas County Commissioner, Tim Freeman. 

AOCC again thanks all of those involved and we look forward to working with the BLM and our new State Director on the continuation of more balanced and reasonable management of O&C timberlands.

AOCC represents the unique O&C timberlands in 18 western Oregon counties, the 18 counties host 2.1 million acres of O&C timberlands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (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 is 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/.

###

Contacts: Doug Robertson |AOCC Executive Director | Association of O&C Counties | Phone: (541) 430-8952 | Email: obertsonjd44@outlook.com">Robertsonjd44@outlook.com

Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman | AOCC Board President | Association of O&C Counties | Phone: (541) 440-4201 | eeman@douglascountyor.gov">tim.freeman@douglascountyor.gov

Portland, OR – DOGAMI and other state permitting agencies have issued draft permits for the Grassy Mountain gold mine project and will hold a public hearing for the draft permits on January 29, 2026, from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm PST (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm MST) at the Vale Senior Citizens Center, 100 Longfellow St S, Vale, OR 97918. People can make comments in person at the hearing or submit written comments prior to February 6, 2026, as previously outlined in the draft permit public notice.

The public notice, meeting agenda, and related documents are available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/mlrr/Pages/Calico-GrassyMtn_projectDocuments.aspx

For further information, contact the DOGAMI Albany office at (541) 967-2083 or email: mation.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov">information.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov.

###

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Meeting Minutes

Approve the October 23, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Fire Policy Committee

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – Chris Heppel, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Christopher Wade, DPSST No. 30403; Christmas Valley RFPD – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on November 19, 2025.

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Jennifer Cameron, Vice-Chair

d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Shane Bond, DPSST No. 59946; DOC/Union County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on December 16, 2025.

B. John Deardorff, DPSST No. 42771; DOC/Oregon State Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on November 12, 2025.

C. Mark Farmer, DPSST No. 55203; Multnomah County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on November 20, 2025.

D. Emily Fisk, DPSST No. 61817; DOC/Deer Ridge Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on November 12, 2025.

E. Jesus Gutierrez, Sr., DPSST No. 61908; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on November 12, 2025.

F. Michelle Hubbard, DPSST No. 31820; DOC/Oregon State Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on November 12, 2025.

G. Erica Hurley, DPSST No. 29900; Portland Police Bureau – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on November 20, 2025.

H. Bonnie Kessell, DPSST No. 46671; Umatilla County Community Corrections – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on November 12, 2025.

I. August Lowthian, DPSST No. 61677; Washington County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on November 12, 2025.

J. Jonathan McNichols, DPSST No. 60995; Salem Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on November 20, 2025.

K. James McQueen, DPSST No. 55471; Hillsboro Police Department – Revoke

Seven (7) to two (2) vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on November 20, 2025.

L. Kathleen Williams, DPSST No. 43028; Bureau of Emergency Communications – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the TPC on August 12, 2025.

M. Committee Appointments

Police Policy Committee

• • Anel Ceric – Non-Management Law Enforcement. Re-appointment to the PPC, 2nd term effective January 25, 2026.
  • Michelle Duncan – Oregon State Sheriffs' Association. Re-appointment to the PPC, 2nd term effective January 25, 2026.
  • Warren Hensman – Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police. Appointment to the PPC, 1st term effective January 22, 2026.

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Dan Lenzen, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote).

A. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0120, 259-060-0135, 259-060-0136, 259-060-0300, 259-060-0310, 259-060-0320, and 259-060-0380

Related to Emergency Suspension

6. DPSST Recommendations (The following items to be ratified by one vote each)

a. Advisory Discussion of Upcoming Changes to the Basic Police Program

b. Approval to Study Implementation of Fee Schedule for Registration to Regional Training Courses

c. Approval to Study Implementation of Fee Schedule for Use of DPSST Facilities

d. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-008-0001

     Recommended Repeal

e. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-030-0005

    Relating to the Authority of the Director of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training

f. Workgroup/Rules Advisory Committee Request

    Related to Law Enforcement Officer Certification Maintenance Requirements Per OAR 259-008-0065

g. Imposition of Civil Penalties – House Bill 2527

h. Imposition of Civil Penalties – House Bill 2527/Senate Bill 300

7. Agency Updates – Agency Director, Phil Castle 

8. Next Meeting Date: April 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

DRAIN, Ore. - The Sheriff's Office responded to a fatal two-vehicle traffic crash on Elkhead Road during the early morning hours of January 14, 2026. 

Preliminary investigation indicates a 2001 Toyota RAV, driven by Donald Lawrence Brown, 89, of Drain, was traveling westbound on Elkhead Road when the vehicle drifted into the eastbound lane for reasons unknown. The Toyota collided with a 2025 Mazda four-door sedan driven by 72-year-old Patricia Hail Haley, also of Drain, who was traveling eastbound. 

Mr. Brown was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Haley sustained injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center for treatment. 

There were no initial indications that intoxicants were a factor in the crash. The incident remains under investigation. 

The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by North Douglas County Fire & EMS and the Douglas County MEdical Examiner's Office. 

Next of kin notification has been made.