PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, man has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Aaron Nathaniel Gabbert, 50, made his initial appearance on Friday before a U.S. magistrate judge.

According to court documents, on March 25, 2026, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant for Gabbert’s residence after identifying Gabbert as a narcotics distributor. During the search warrant, investigators seized 34 firearms, including rifles, a shotgun, and handguns, many of which were loaded. Investigators also located a ballistic helmet and vest, along with approximately one pound of cocaine.

The majority of the cocaine was located in the basement along with multiple firearms, over $11,000 in cash, and an apparent 3-D printed firearm suppressor, also known as a “silencer.” Investigators also located what appeared to be two destructive devices.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office- Special Investigation Unit- Dangerous Drugs Team are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott M. Kerin and Kemp Strickland are prosecuting the case.

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

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.

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from multiple agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

# # #

From ice storms and flooding to wildfires and extreme heat, rural communities across Oregon face unique challenges when disasters strike. To help address these challenges, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is hosting “Rural Communities Prepared for Disasters,” a free, two-part virtual educational series focused on practical strategies to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.
 

The webinar series brings together trusted partners and subject-matter experts to share tools, resources and real-world insights tailored to the needs of rural communities across Oregon.
 

"Preparedness starts with making sure communities have the information and connections they need before disasters happen," OEM Community Preparedness Coordinator Kayla Thompson said. "This series is designed to help rural communities strengthen their resilience by understanding risks, planning ahead, and knowing what resources are available during recovery."

Session Information

Session 1: Preparedness & Response

Wednesday, April 22 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (PST)

Topics include:

• How disasters can impact communication systems and ways to stay informed when systems are disrupted
• How to know when to evacuate and what to do if evacuation is not possible
• Understanding backup power options and how to determine what solution best fits your needs

Session 2: Recovery & Long-Term Support

Wednesday, May 13 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (PST)

Topics include:

• How disaster recovery is funded and what the recovery process looks like
• Steps individuals and communities can take to support smoother recovery efforts
• The role of Long-Term Recovery Groups and how communities can get involved

Who Should Attend

This series is intended for:

• Organizations, community groups, and faith-based organizations supporting rural communities
• Emergency management professionals
• Anyone interested in disaster preparedness and recovery

Event Details

• Cost: Free
• Registration: https://tinyurl.com/yjdfu73d
• Accessibility: The event will be offered in English with Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, and Ukrainian interpretation, as well as American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and CART real-time captioning in English.
• Recordings: Both sessions will be recorded and posted on OEM’s Be 2 Weeks Ready YouTube channel.

For questions about the event contact:
 eparedness@oem.oregon.gov">community.preparedness@oem.oregon.gov

In Partnership With

This webinar series is offered in partnership with Oregon State University Extension Service, Oregon Sea Grant, Upstream Access, Woodburn Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and the Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities (O4AD).

Together, these partners are committed to strengthening preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for Oregon’s rural communities before, during, and after disasters.

About the Oregon Department of Emergency Management

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management leads collaborative statewide efforts to help Oregonians prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.
 

PORTLAND, Ore. –  The Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington, in partnership with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, is now accepting applications for the Rural Fire Readiness program. The program enhances wildland firefighting safety and response across the region by providing critical training, equipment, and communication tools to local cooperators. The BLM is accepting applications until April 30.

The RFR program supports rural partners who protect private, Tribal, state, and federal lands by providing resources such as wildland firefighting vehicles and specialized supplies. The BLM and USWFS help local agencies safeguard lives, property, and ecosystems.

"Collaborating with our rural partners is essential for effective wildfire response," said Larae Guillory, Fire Operations Specialist. "This program ensures those who are the first on the ground have the resources needed to protect their communities."

Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for equipment transfers, applicants must:

• Maintain an existing cooperative fire response agreement with the BLM and/or USWFS.

• Serve a rural community with wildland fire protection responsibilities.

• Operate near lands administered by the Department of the Interior, within a wildland-urban interface, or alongside an established Rangeland Fire Protection Association.

• Respond to wildland fires in support of the USWFS as needed.

• Provide a clear benefit to the Department of the Interior’s land management goals.

How to Apply
Applications are available online and in print. Cooperators are highly encouraged to consult with their local USWFS staff before applying to ensure all requirements are met.

• Online: Submit via the Rural Fire Readiness Application page.
• By Mail/In-Person: Submit printed PDF applications to the USWFS staff at your local BLM office.

All submissions will be reviewed by local staff following the April 30 deadline. For more information or to find a local office, contact Larae Guillory at lguillory@blm.gov or visit the Rural Fire Readiness program website.

NOTE: Media interested in interviewing a USWFS expert in wildland fire and the RFR please reach out to the media contact above.

-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.

Bend, Ore. — A coordinated rescue involving an Oregon Army National Guard HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and 22 Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers brought an injured snowboarder to safety on Monday, March 30. The call for help came in at 2:40 p.m., after a 44-year-old woman from Bend was injured in the Tam McArthur Rim area at the base of Broken Top Mountain. She was found on steep, snow-covered terrain in the upper third of the slope at approximately 7,350 feet in elevation.

The nature of the injuries and the terrain required an immediate and technical response. A three-person team of Advanced Life Support SAR and Mountain Rescue Unit (MRU) members was taken to the area by Air Link, but weather conditions prevented them from reaching the scene. They were dropped off as close as possible at the Lower Three Creeks Snow Park, where a Good Samaritan got them closer. The team then skied approximately two miles uphill to reach the snowboarder.

Additional SAR resources, snowmobile operators, skiers, and medical team members also responded. A break in the weather allowed the Oregon Army National Guard HH-60 Black Hawk, with a paramedic on board, to reach the location at 8:20 p.m. The woman was stabilized and flown to St. Charles-Bend for further care.

This rescue was possible thanks to the work of 22 highly trained SAR volunteers and a DCSO deputy. They were assisted by the Oregon State SAR Coordinator from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Air Link, the Oregon Army National Guard based at McNary Field in Salem, Oregon, and Three Sisters Backcountry Yurts. 

###

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has approved rate adjustments for PacifiCorp residential customers that take effect April 1, 2026. The changes reflect the outcome of PacifiCorp’s annual power cost adjustment (true-up for 2024), which was resolved through an agreement among PUC staff, PacifiCorp, and consumer advocates. They also incorporate several additional filings that either increase or decrease customer rates, with the net effect being an overall increase.

Residential Customer Impact

The combined effect of the power cost adjustment and other routine filings is expected to increase the typical residential customer’s monthly bill by about $5.64 or 4.1%. Actual impacts will vary based on individual energy usage.

Residential rate changes were delayed until April 1 under House Bill (HB) 3179, the FAIR Act, which prevents residential rate increases during the winter heating season (Nov. 1-March 31) to help reduce customer cost impacts.

Reasons for the Adjustment

The overall change reflects updated actual costs for fuel, purchased power, wholesale market sales, and other power cost expenses for 2024 compared with the forecasted costs for that year. Several routine accounting and tax-related updates also contributed to the final outcome, with some filings resulting in a small rate decrease for customers and others resulting in modest increases. In addition, the adjustment incorporates the cost of two wind farms, which serve to displace more expensive power, as well as updated funding levels to support the Energy Trust of Oregon’s energy-efficiency programs.

“Our role is to ensure utility rates reflect the real costs of delivering power safely and reliably,” said Commission Chair Letha Tawney. “As fuel prices, wholesale market conditions, and renewable energy costs shift, we must update rates so they accurately reflect the cost of efficiently maintaining the service customers depend on every day. These adjustments also ensure continued investment in clean energy and energy-efficiency programs that benefit Oregon families.”

Manage Energy Use and Bills
 

• Explore rebates and energy-saving tips through the Energy Trust of Oregon.
• Learn about bill payment assistance, support for past-due balances, utility discount programs, weatherization services, or the Equal Pay Program that spreads energy costs evenly throughout the year by calling Pacific Power at 888-221-7070 or visit PacifiCorp’s website.
• Reach out to local Community Action agencies to find out what other support is available.

Pacific Power serves more than 650,000 customers in Oregon.

# # #

Free tax help is available to meet the needs of young people, some of whom may be earning income for the first time. This help is available through a network of community partners funded by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. 

What young people need to know  

• Young people in their first jobs or working part-time may be owed a refund of some  ̵  or even all  ̵  of the taxes withheld from their paychecks. 

• Even if a young person is claimed as a dependent on their parents’ or guardian’s return, they still file their own tax return to report their income. 

• A correctly filed tax return by a child who is a dependent would not interfere with exemptions claimed by their parents or guardians on their returns.  

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds IRS-certified community organizations and Tribal governments that provide free tax filing help for youth and all people with low incomes.  

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program also funds projects through educators.  

Young people helping young people  

As part of an ODHS grant, teachers at Salem’s McKay High School trained about a dozen students this school year using free, IRS-approved tax-filing software, so they can help their peers. They hold tax filing clinics where students prepare their own returns using the software program and the grant provided incentives, such as coffee gift cards, to get students involved. Teacher Marcia Latta said that in the first clinic a student got $269 back, a recent graduate came back to file and got almost $1,200.  

“Most get money back. They’re so pleased,” Latta said. “I love that we provide this extra opportunity to our students to develop these skills and it’s great to see them get this money back,” Latta said.  

Oregon State University’s Shelly Krehbiel said their student-led team has trained about 90 university students this year to provide free tax filing assistance. The Corvallis students also lead site operations, marketing efforts, and training development, including support for outreach teams at OSU Cascades in Bend and OSU Extension Service in Eugene. Krehbiel, who is the Program Manager for Extension and Partner Operations for OSU’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), said the program also partners with South Eugene High School’s Finance Club, training about 10 students as tax-filing facilitators and helping them reach out to others at their high school to help them file their taxes.

“From the people they’ve helped there is such surprise. They say, ’Oh, that was so easy.’ When people walk into our locations, they look scared and anxious. They walk out smiling and relieved. It’s great to see,” Krehbiel said.  

Students who participated in a 2023 ODHS pilot project in nine high schools across the state received state and federal tax refunds ranging between $95 and $1,246.  

Where and how to get free help 

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program partners with Get Your Refund, a free online tax filing service through which individuals can have their return prepared or file it themselves using free tax software. Help is available in English and Spanish. To get started, go to  GetYourRefund/OR. 

In-person help is available through community organizations at ODHS-sponsored sites that  

offer free tax return preparation through October 15. All give assistance in English and Spanish at a minimum. Those sites by location are: 

• Beaverton, Gresham, Portland: CASH Oregon, 503-243-7765, info@cashoregon.org. CASH Oregon offers virtual help for people who live outside these areas.  

• Bend, Redmond: Latino Community Association, 541-382-4366, info@latinocommunityassociation.org 

• Corvallis, Eugene, Bend: Oregon State University, 541-737-3371, vita@oregonstate.edu 

• Coos Bay, Roseburg: Moneywise Oregon, 541-670-5054, dan@moneywiseoregon.org 

• Medford: United Way Jackson County, 541-864-5092, https://unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org/volunteer-income-tax-assistance/

• Monmouth, Independence: Western Oregon University, 503-751-4132, wouvita@wou.edu 

• Ontario, Portland: Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, 971-331-9811, ethz@irco.org" target="_blank">elizabethz@irco.org  

• Woodburn: Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos, 503-982-0243, biec@centrodspc.org" target="_blank">debbiec@centrodspc.org 

For more information about the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/tax-help.aspx.

(Salem, Oregon) The Travel Information Council and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee, invite communities across Oregon to shine a spotlight on their heritage trees in 2026, particularly during Arbor Month in April. 

Founded in 1996, Oregon was the first state in the country to launch a state-sponsored heritage tree program. The goal of the program is to educate Oregonians about the value of these trees and promote their appreciation. Over the past 30 years, 85 trees have been designated across the state in 26 of Oregon’s 36 counties. Seventy-nine heritage trees are still living and provide the chance to engage the senses and learn about significant people, places and events at historic sites, public gardens, and hiking trails across the state.

Oregon Heritage Tree Committee Chair Dave Hedberg encourages the public to visit a state or local heritage tree. “Visiting an Oregon Heritage Tree is a chance to engage your senses and learn about local history in the real world – not just in books and on screens. All of Oregon’s Heritage Trees are deeply connected to the people of the past. Enjoying these trees today connects us with our history.”

State-designated heritage trees in the area:

Aspen Arborglyph Trees, French Glen: The carvings on the trees in this aspen grove are called "arborglyphs."  Most of the arborglyphs here were carved by Basque sheepherders who worked the top of the Steens Mountain in the early-to-middle 20th century. These historic carvings were lightly carved into the bark to make notes about the sheep, leave drawings, or as a means of letting one another know who had passed by each place.

Oregon Heritage Trees can be located using this map: https://oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees/oregon-heritage-tree-map/

Individuals, cities, tourism organizations, and heritage groups are invited to nominate a tree with documented historic significance to the state.

Al Tocchini, vice-chair of the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee says he and fellow members share a clear vision for the future of program- to be more inclusive. “In particular, we are seeking underrepresented stories of Oregon’s diverse populations in places that are accessible to the general public.”  

The nomination form can be found at: oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees.

The Oregon Heritage Tree Program is administered by the Oregon Travel Information Council and a committee of dedicated volunteers from across the state. The Travel Information Council is a semi-independent state agency created by the State of Oregon in the 1970s to operate the highway blue logo sign program following the Highway Beautification Act. The agency now also operates the Oregon Historical Marker and Heritage Tree Programs as well as 39 rest areas at 25 locations in Oregon, providing clean, safe, and inviting locations that are open and free to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information regarding the Heritage Tree program visit www.oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees.

(Salem, Oregon) The Travel Information Council and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee, invite communities across Oregon to shine a spotlight on their heritage trees in 2026, particularly during Arbor Month in April. 

Founded in 1996, Oregon was the first state in the country to launch a state-sponsored heritage tree program. The goal of the program is to educate Oregonians about the value of these trees and promote their appreciation. Over the past 30 years, 85 trees have been designated across the state in 26 of Oregon’s 36 counties. Seventy-nine heritage trees are still living and provide the chance to engage the senses and learn about significant people, places and events at historic sites, public gardens, and hiking trails across the state.

Oregon Heritage Tree Committee Chair Dave Hedberg encourages the public to visit a state or local heritage tree. “Visiting an Oregon Heritage Tree is a chance to engage your senses and learn about local history in the real world – not just in books and on screens. All of Oregon’s Heritage Trees are deeply connected to the people of the past. Enjoying these trees today connects us with our history.”

State-designated heritage trees in the area:

Big Tree, La Pine State Park:  This is the largest circumference Ponderosa Pine in the world

Williamson-Abbot Expedition Ponderosa: Campsite of one of the major government sponsored surveys to bring the railroad to the West.

Huntington Wagon Road Junipers: Junipers along this ancient Native American trail were blazed to mark a wagon road developed by J.W. Huntington in 1864.

Oregon Heritage Trees can be located using this map: https://oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees/oregon-heritage-tree-map/

Individuals, cities, tourism organizations, and heritage groups are invited to nominate a tree with documented historic significance to the state.

Al Tocchini, vice-chair of the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee says he and fellow members share a clear vision for the future of program- to be more inclusive. “In particular, we are seeking underrepresented stories of Oregon’s diverse populations in places that are accessible to the general public.”  

The nomination form can be found at: oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees.

The Oregon Heritage Tree Program is administered by the Oregon Travel Information Council and a committee of dedicated volunteers from across the state. The Travel Information Council is a semi-independent state agency created by the State of Oregon in the 1970s to operate the highway blue logo sign program following the Highway Beautification Act. The agency now also operates the Oregon Historical Marker and Heritage Tree Programs as well as 39 rest areas at 25 locations in Oregon, providing clean, safe, and inviting locations that are open and free to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information regarding the Heritage Tree program visit www.oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees.

(Salem, Oregon) The Travel Information Council and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee, invite communities across Oregon to shine a spotlight on their heritage trees in 2026, particularly during Arbor Month in April. 

Founded in 1996, Oregon was the first state in the country to launch a state-sponsored heritage tree program. The goal of the program is to educate Oregonians about the value of these trees and promote their appreciation. Over the past 30 years, 85 trees have been designated across the state in 26 of Oregon’s 36 counties. Seventy-nine heritage trees are still living and provide the chance to engage the senses and learn about significant people, places and events at historic sites, public gardens, and hiking trails across the state.

Oregon Heritage Tree Committee Chair Dave Hedberg encourages the public to visit a state or local heritage tree. “Visiting an Oregon Heritage Tree is a chance to engage your senses and learn about local history in the real world – not just in books and on screens. All of Oregon’s Heritage Trees are deeply connected to the people of the past. Enjoying these trees today connects us with our history.”

State-designated heritage trees in the area:

Baker Black Locust, La Grande:  Among the first Oregon Trail emigrants to settle in La Grande in 1862, James Baker planted this tree near his wife Elizabeth's grave in 1883.

Victory Way Norway Maples, La Grande: Oregon's first heritage tree and once the nation's largest Sitka Spruce.

Shagbark Hickory, Milton-Freewater: The W.S. Frazier family planted this tree from nuts they brought from Texas along the Oregon Trail in 1868

Oregon Heritage Trees can be located using this map: https://oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees/oregon-heritage-tree-map/

Individuals, cities, tourism organizations, and heritage groups are invited to nominate a tree with documented historic significance to the state.

Al Tocchini, vice-chair of the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee says he and fellow members share a clear vision for the future of program- to be more inclusive. “In particular, we are seeking underrepresented stories of Oregon’s diverse populations in places that are accessible to the general public.”  

The nomination form can be found at: oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees.

The Oregon Heritage Tree Program is administered by the Oregon Travel Information Council and a committee of dedicated volunteers from across the state. The Travel Information Council is a semi-independent state agency created by the State of Oregon in the 1970s to operate the highway blue logo sign program following the Highway Beautification Act. The agency now also operates the Oregon Historical Marker and Heritage Tree Programs as well as 39 rest areas at 25 locations in Oregon, providing clean, safe, and inviting locations that are open and free to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information regarding the Heritage Tree program visit www.oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees.

Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY), a program of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, is offering a class to prepare volunteers to become mentors for children with an incarcerated parent.

After initial training and background checks, volunteers are matched with a child that shares similar interests and commits to spending a few hours a week together for a minimum of one year. This time is often spent on outside activities, exploring the community, doing art or craft projects, or simply hanging out and talking.

On Saturday, April 11, COPY will offer an orientation/training class. This 3½ -hour class covers program policies, how to establish a mentor relationship, the impact incarceration has on families, and communication skills. There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is required.

For additional details please call 541-388-6651 or email COPY@deschutes.org Additional program information is available at the Sheriff’s Office web site at www.sheriff.deschutes.org/copy

BAKER COUNTY, Ore. (27 March 2026) – On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 5:28 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 325, in Baker County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Chevrolet Suburban, operated by David Patrick Carson 60, of Naples (NY), was traveling eastbound on I-84 near Durkee when it left the roadway for an unknown reason. The vehicle rolled several times and came to a stop approximately 80 yards into a field south of the highway.

The operator of the Suburban (Carson) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

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

# # #

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

Bend, Ore. — Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers responded to a reported mountain bike crash on a trail west of the City of Bend on Saturday, March 28, at 5:00 p.m.

SAR volunteers arrived quickly, hiked in to reach the patient, and provided first aid to a 46‑year‑old Bend woman who crashed while riding with a partner. The incident happened on the C.O.D. Trail off Century Drive. It contains some of the more technical mountain biking trails within the Phil’s Trail Area. The woman was assisted back to her vehicle and was privately transported to the hospital for further evaluation. She was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and her riding partner was able to call for help.

This incident serves as another reminder of the many hours SAR volunteers dedicate to our community and how quickly they respond when someone needs help.

###

Date: March 30, 2026

Case #: Bend PD 2026-00015762

Incident: CODE detectives arrest two La Pine residents for possessing and transporting drugs 

Date / Time of Incident: March 26, 2026 / 5 p.m.

Location: Cherry Lane & U.S. Highway 26, Madras
 

Arrested: Danielle Renee Hood, 38-year-old La Pine resident
Offenses: Possession of a Controlled Substance – Schedule II, Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Schedule II, Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine
 

Arrested: Zachary Steven Simmons, 30-year-old La Pine resident
Offenses: Possession of a Controlled Substance – Schedule II, Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Schedule II, Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team recently completed a short-term drug investigation into 38-year-old La Pine resident Danielle Renee Hood. During the course of that investigation, officers learned that Hood was traveling to the Portland area to obtain fentanyl and bringing the drug back to Deschutes County for distribution.
 

At approximately 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, CODE conducted a traffic stop on a 2015 gray Kia Sportage in the area of NW Cherry Lane and U.S. Highway 26 in Madras. Zachary Steven Simmons, a 30-year-old La Pine resident, was driving, while Hood was the passenger.
 

Jefferson County Sheriff’s drug detection K9 Keira responded to the traffic stop and alerted to the odor of drugs in the vehicle. CODE detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant to search the vehicle. During the subsequent vehicle search, detectives located more than 50 grams of fentanyl powder and a small amount of methamphetamine. Detectives also located drug ledgers and packaging material consistent with the distribution of drugs.
 

Hood and Simmons were arrested on suspicion of possession and distribution of fentanyl, as well as possession of methamphetamine, and were lodged at the Jefferson County Jail. 
 

CODE detectives were assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police during this investigation.

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the following Central Oregon law enforcement agencies:  Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department,  Prineville Police Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sunriver Police Department, Black Butte Police Department, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County District Attorney’s, and the Oregon National Guard.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement task forces to disrupt or dismantle local, multi-state and international drug trafficking organizations.

Capital City Retro Fest Returns to Salem Waterfront

Award-Winning Festival Set for Three Nights of All-Ages Concerts at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater

Salem, OR – March 30, 2026 – Capital City Retro Fest returns to Salem’s Waterfront Park for its second year, August 14–16, 2026 at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater. The three-night, all-ages tribute band festival follows a successful debut in 2025, where it was recognized by the Oregon Festivals and Events Association with an Ovation Award for “Music Festival of the Year.”

The 2026 lineup spans multiple eras of popular music, with each night featuring three tribute acts. Friday, August 14, includes Red Not Chili Peppers [Red Hot Chili Peppers], Fighting Foos [Foo Fighters], and Infatuation Junkie [Alanis Morissette]. Saturday, August 15, features Hysteria [Def Leppard], Wild Boys [Duran Duran], and TribU2 [U2]. Sunday, August 16, closes the weekend with Taken By The Sky [Fleetwood Mac], Petty Fever [Tom Petty], and Hall & Bros [Hall & Oates + Doobie Brothers].

Produced by Harefest, LLC, the festival was created to offer a high-quality tribute concert experience in an all-ages setting. The event returns to the Gerry Frank Amphitheater following recent park improvements, which provide a central, accessible outdoor venue for live music in downtown Salem. New for 2026, the festival will include a dedicated “photo stage,” where attendees can step up with instruments and capture their own rock star moment.

“Last year exceeded expectations on a lot of levels,” said Jason Fellman, co-founder of Harefest, LLC. “Winning the Ovation Award was a strong indicator that this event connected with the community. Moving to a weekend ahead of the Oregon State Fair gives us more room to grow and makes it easier for people to plan around both events.”

Capital City Retro Fest will also feature food carts, misting tents, a free water refill station, family-friendly activities, and a central bar serving adult beverages for attendees 21 and over.

Festival Hours

Friday, August 14: Gates 6:00pm / Music 7:00pm

Saturday, August 15: Gates 6:00pm / Music 7:00pm

Sunday, August 16: Gates 4:00pm / Music 5:00pm

Tickets

On sale Friday, April 3 at 10:00am at aftontickets.com/capcityretro

Single-day: $30 advance ($25 early bird through April) / $35 day of show

3-day pass: $75 ($60 early bird through April 30)

Kids 12 and under: Free admission

More info available at capcityretro.com
Media assets (photos, logos): tinyurl.com/capcityretrofestmedia

About Harefest, LLC Harefest, LLC produces music festivals and events throughout the Pacific Northwest, including HAREFEST: The Mother of All Tribute Festivals, Legends Reloaded, Capital City Retro Fest, 90s Flannel Fest, and Seattle Retro Fest. The company focuses on creating accessible, high-quality live music experiences across multiple markets. More at harefest.com

EUGENE, Ore. - The many ways trees protect human health is the focus of the 2026 Oregon Urban and Community Forestry Conference to be held June 4 in Eugene at Venue 252. The full lineup of speakers – 11 in all – has now been announced. Conference theme is We Thrive When Trees Thrive.

This year’s keynote speaker is Geoffrey Donovan, a natural resource economist with the private consultancy firm Ash and Elm Consulting, LLC. When he was a researcher based at the USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station, Donovan published a ground-breaking study that found each tree planted in Portland by the non-profit Friends of Trees was associated with significant reductions in non-accidental and cardiovascular human deaths. Donovan had access to years’ worth of tree planting data from Friends of Trees. Specifically, he used the planting data from the nearly 50,000 trees that organization had planted in Portland neighborhoods since 1990. Donovan was able to rule out other possible explanations for the lower death rate like race, education, and income, by using the statistical models from the American Community Survey. The findings were published in December 2022 in the journal Environmental International.

Donovan’s work has also shown a strong correlation between sudden tree canopy loss and higher death rates using data from the Midwest where ash trees were suddenly killed by emerald ash borer, leaving residents exposed to air pollution, noise, and other stressors. He has also investigated how pregnant women in Portland who live near large shade trees are less likely to give birth prematurely.

Other presenters include:

• Jared Hanley, NatureQuant, speaking about how to measure the economic contribution of trees to public health
• Leah Fisher, Clackamas Co. Public Health, and Jairaj Singh, Oregon Dept. of Transportation, discussing cross-sector efforts to expand tree canopy using health data
• Gwynne Mhuireach, University of Oregon, exploring the hidden links between forest bathing and human health
• Alby Thoumsin, Sperry Tree Care, how to honor and care for older trees
• Sarah Gaskin, A Plus Tree, LLC, sharing lessons learned from novel wood waste solutions
• Drue Epping, American Forests, on positioning trees as integral solutions to community challenges
• A three-person panel of Mari Aviles, Kat Bethea and Jennifer Killian traces the lifecycle of urban trees from species selection through establishment with lessons for how to achieve long-term success

There will also be poster presentations for viewing throughout the conference. Poster presentation applications are being accepted through April 17 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBYG5C48Lw6OyZ8gTbF3l8-fTwiZcFYUGyXlqtE3hZfAkEDw/viewform?pli=1

Continuing education credits from the International Society of Arboriculture will be available for conference attendees.

Opportunities to be a sponsor are open until April 17. Visit www.oregoncommunitytrees.org/2026-conference for more information.

Registration at early-bird prices for the conference—We Thrive When Trees Thrive—is now open at https://www.oregoncommunitytrees.org/2026-conference. Last day to take advantage of early pricing discount is April 17.

This annual conference is put on by the non-profit organization Oregon Community Trees in partnership with the Oregon Department of Forestry and USDA Forest Service. It is open to anyone interested in urban tree issues and their impact on people and communities.

Early-bird registration pricing remains $150. Students can register for $80. Ticket includes entry, lunch, snacks, and a networking social hour following the conference. Scholarships are available for those with an expressed financial need. Deadline to apply is April 17. Scholarship applications can be found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKGaCo1wCPBiUBUxPWNMINwKgnTIU9Stke8S_1JbjI-wTa2Q/viewform

About Oregon Community Trees

The mission of this non-profit, Oregon-based organization is to promote healthy urban and community forests through leadership, education, awareness and advocacy. OCT serves as the advisory committee to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program.

                                                                                # # #

Bend Fire & Rescue invites Central Oregon high school students who are considering a career in the fire service to apply for Camp Fire Axe, an annual four-day summer academy put on by professional firefighter/paramedics.

Camp Fire Axe is an opportunity for students ages 16 to 19 to learn about fire response, CPR, trauma and first aid in a real academy setting.

This year’s academy will take place June 18 – 21 from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day at the Bend Fire & Rescue Training Center (63377 NE Jamison St., Bend).

Applications open this Wednesday, April 1 at 7 a.m. Attendance is limited to 12 students with a $250 fee per person. Scholarships are available through the application. Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis through May 1, and can be found at bendoregon.gov/camp-fire-axe.

SALEM, Oregon— A new Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) will review proposed updates to the County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP) rules and provide feedback on draft rule changes.

The Rule Advisory Committee will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, April 13. The public can watch the livestream on the OPRD Director’s Office channel on YouTube. A recording will be available after the meeting.

The Rule Advisory Committee includes representatives from local governments, recreation providers and other stakeholders with experience in park and recreation planning, development and management.

Staff will incorporate the committee's feedback into the proposed draft rules and then open them for public comment. Following the public comment period and hearing, staff will present the proposed rules to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration of adoption.

The County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP), administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), provides financial assistance to counties for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation and planning of county park and recreation areas that provide camping facilities.

OPRD is proposing updates to portions of the rules to reflect modern program practices, improve administrative clarity and ensure consistency with related state and federal grant programs.

The proposed changes include updating definitions, formalizing administrative processes, clarifying grant application requirements and scoring criteria, and increasing administrative flexibility. The proposal also includes adding an emergency procedure rule and a conversion rule to establish long-term stewardship requirements that align COGP with other OPRD grant programs.

The proposed rule changes are intended to update and clarify grant program practices without altering the core purpose or structure of the program.

Interested individuals can follow updates, read the draft rules, and learn more about the rulemaking process on the OPRD rulemaking webpage found here.

###

At 5:07 am on Saturday, March 28, a 911 caller reported a structure fire in the area of Thomas Drive & Airpark Drive.  The occupant woke to the sound of their smoke alarm and was able to safely evacuate.  Bend Fire & Rescue arrived within 8 minutes of the initial 911 call, finding a single story residence with fire venting through the roof.  The fire was quickly knocked down, and the resident declined Red Cross assistance.

Upon investigation, the fire was found to have originated in the attic space at the stove pipe for the pellet stove.  The heated stove pipe ignited insulation and structural members adjacent to the pipe and the fire spread throughout the attic, leading to the eventual collapse of the roof and ceiling into much of the living space of the home.  Losses are estimated at $400,000 for the structure and $80,000 for the contents, which included a vehicle parked inside the garage at the time of the fire.

Working smoke alarms save lives!  According to the National Fire Protection Association, the majority of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.  If you need assistance with your smoke alarms, call Bend Fire & Rescue at 541-322-6386 for a free consultation.  If you don’t live in the Bend area, check with your local fire department or contact the Central/Eastern Oregon Chapter of the Red Cross at 541-382-2142 for assistance.

La Pine, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has identified and arrested the suspect responsible for yesterday’s series of vehicle break‑ins in La Pine. Between doorbell cameras, driveway cameras, and dozens of tips from the community, the suspect was identified as 27‑year‑old Noah Kirshner of La Pine.

Deputies reviewed hours of video from homeowners' cameras that captured Kirshner stealing items from cars in the Reserve in the Pines and Crescent Creek neighborhoods. Stolen items included purses, wallets, medications, and an iPad. Deputies say that most of the items have been recovered, and the property returned to the owners.

Kirshner was arrested and lodged in the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the following charges:

• Attempted Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle (7 counts)
• Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle (5 counts)
• Theft in the Second Degree (2 counts)
• Theft in the First Degree (1 count)

As deputies continue to sort through the large volume of video evidence and identify additional victims, Kirshner could face additional charges.

The Sheriff’s Office wants to thank all the neighbors who took the time to review their camera footage and share what they found with us. This case is a good reminder that when nearly every driveway has a camera pointed somewhere, it becomes very difficult for criminal activity to go unnoticed.

###

TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST, Ore. — More than 55 volunteers helped clean and restore the Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes and nearby forest roads on March 21. Volunteers removed graffiti from boulders, replaced vandalized signs, and collected enough trash to fill a 30-yard dumpster.

“We simply could not keep these shooting lanes open and maintained without this kind of support,” said Ben Burns, Recreation Facilities Manager with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). “Trash No Land has been an outstanding partner, organizing volunteers not only for this annual cleanup but throughout the year.”

Trash No Land is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting responsible recreational target shooting while protecting public lands.

“We are all public landowners,” said Bill Cogley, president and co-founder of Trash No Land. “That comes with a responsibility to follow the rules and respect others. We focus on education and hands-on efforts like this cleanup to make a positive difference.”

In addition to picking up trash several volunteers donated $740 for the dumpster before the cleanup day and raised $1,005 from a raffle of donated items from local businesses that will go to future improvements at Wolf Creek.  They also coordinated and paid for the replacement of vandalized signs at the lanes.

“We had a power washer to clean graffiti off the boulders and painted over it on the concrete barriers,” said Cogley.  “The volunteers were divided up into five crews and everyone worked so hard and fast we were done by noon.  I thank everyone who came out who cared and shared for our places to shoot on public lands.”

ODF manages two designated target shooting areas: the North Fork Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes in the Tillamook State Forest and the BC615 Shooting Lanes in the Santiam State Forest. In addition, ODF maintains 22 campgrounds and 61 trailheads, off-highway vehicle staging areas, and day-use sites with a facilities staff of just 13 people. 

“Volunteers are critical to keeping all our sites clean, safe and enjoyable and we thank them for their year-round efforts,” said Burns.

Trash is an eyesore and diminishes the outdoor experience but the top concern at the shooting ranges is safety.

“Two fires ignited at the shooting lanes last year due to irresponsible target shooting practices but were quickly contained by ODF firefighters,” said Burns.

The top fire-starting concerns are improper backstops and banned ammunition along with exploding targets.

“There are high, vegetation free backstops at the shooting lanes,” said Burns.  “The problem is from shooters who move targets outside those areas or use an improper backstop.”

Sparks into dried out vegetation and smoldering lead in an improper stop like an old stump or log can easily start a fire.  All incendiary ammunition is prohibited on all public lands as are exploding targets such as Tannerite.

Banned ammunition includes tracer rounds and any others that burn, glow or ignite.  This also includes shooting flares from flare guns.

To manage these sorts of unsafe target shooting practices, Tillamook and Washington County Sheriff’s deputies work with ODF staff to issue citations and fines to violators.

Despite these safety concerns ODF and Trash No Land are working together, for the vast majority of users who do follow the rules, to improve the shooting lanes.

“We are pursuing grants and fundraising to support upgrades,” Cogley said. “Our goal is to make the site safer and more sustainable for everyone.”

Planned improvements include expanding shooting lanes and enhancing fire prevention and safety features.

Both organizations emphasize that the future of the site depends on responsible use.

“If we want to keep these areas open, everyone needs to take that responsibility seriously,” Cogley said. “That starts with education, volunteerism, and setting a good example.”

For more information about volunteer opportunities, see the Trash No Land website.

For current regulations, closures, and updates, visit the Tillamook State Forest target shooting website or contact the ODF Forest Grove office at (503) 357-2191.

Note: The Butte Creek 615 Shooting Lane in the Santiam State Forest is temporarily closed due to nearby timber harvest operations and will reopen once work is complete.

Oregonians for Floodplain Protection (OFP) is proud to stand with Oregon Congressman

Cliff Bentz in his effort to keep the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) focused on

protecting Oregonian's property and lives from flood risk. According to Congressman

Bentz, The National Flood Insurance Program Clarification Act of 2026 “stops application of

the Endangered Species Act in a way Congress never intended. Flood insurance exists to

protect human life and property. It should not be used as a vehicle to impose sweeping

land-use mandates on local communities.”

OFP members support H. R. 7862:

“For more than a decade, Oregon communities have faced uncertainty about the future of

flood insurance and development in their communities. The National Flood Insurance

Program Clarification Act of 2026 restores the careful balance of responsible development,

land management, and flood protection that was intended by the National Flood Insurance

Program. We thank Representative Bentz for his leadership in introducing this critical

legislation.”

- Jeremy Rogers, OFP Board President

“The Oregon Farm Bureau applauds the introduction of H.R. 7862 – the National Flood

Insurance Program Clarification Act – and urges its swift adoption. This commonsense

legislation reaffirms the intent of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as a critical

safety net in response to unpredictable and uncommon flooding events. Restoring the core

mission of NFIP to protection and recovery balances important aquatic habitat protections

with responsible natural resource land management and development practices. We

appreciate the leadership of Congressman Cliff Bentz in bringing this legislation forward.”

- Angela Bailey, Oregon Farm Bureau President

"Rep. Bentz’s bill is a welcome addition to the fight for ensuring congressional intent is

followed by the courts. This bill does not strip away environmental protections already

required under the ESA, but it does return the NFIP to what it was designed to be—flood

insurance. The City of Warrenton is grateful to Rep. Bentz’s leadership in this matter and

asks all members of Congress to join in support of this important legislation."

- Warrenton Mayor Henry Balensifer

“Communities like ours rely on the National Flood Insurance Program to protect homes,

support responsible land use, and help people recover after disasters. Providing greater

clarity and consistency in how the program is applied will help local governments plan

effectively while continuing to protect people, property, and natural resources.”

-Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder

"The City of Coos Bay strongly supports H.R. 7862. The National Flood Insurance Program

(NFIP) exists to protect people and property from flood risk, and this legislation ensures it

stays focused on that mission. Layering ESA Section 7 consultation requirements onto the

NFIP creates uncertainty and burdens for coastal communities like ours. H.R. 7862

restores the program’s core purpose, alleviates the City from having to expend additional

resources on floodplain management for ESA-integration, and gives our residents the

certainty they deserve."

- City of Coos Bay

"The Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce has long been deeply concerned by

FEMA's application of the ESA to floodplain management and insurance, which will have

widespread and devastating consequences to our coastal economies and way of life. We

hold high hopes that Congressman's Bentz's proposed legislation to withdraw existing

biological opinions will provide relief and some level of predictability to floodplain

management and restore sovereignty over zoning and land use to local oversight, where it

belongs."

- Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director David Reid

Text of Congressman Bentz's bill is available here.

For immediate release: March 26, 2026

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

WorkSource Oregon Invites Job Seekers in the Portland Metro Area to Apply to Oregon Training Institute’s Paid Weatherization Training Program

BEAVERTON, Ore. — WorkSource Oregon invites job seekers to learn about and apply for Oregon Training Institute’s Energy Conservation and Weatherization Career Program. Oregon Training Institute (OTI) will host an information session about this paid training opportunity on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at WorkSource Oregon’s Beaverton/Hillsboro location. Job seekers are invited to attend at no cost and may complete the program application during the session.

Weatherization refers to home improvements that save energy and money on utility bills while improving the safety and comfort of a home. Career paths in this field include positions such as retrofit installer, crew leader, energy auditor, quality control inspector, and client services representative. OTI prepares job seekers for these roles by teaching key skills such as conducting energy audits, installing insulation, sealing air leaks, venting clothes dryers, installing roof vents, and using blower doors to assess energy loss.

“Oregon’s clean energy future depends on a skilled, local workforce, and the Oregon Energy Conservation and Weatherization Training Program is helping make that possible,” said Suzanne Gray, workforce development manager for the Community Action Partnership of Oregon, which administers the OTI program. “This recruitment event connects job seekers with a team committed to energy efficiency and strengthening local communities. We’re excited to meet candidates ready to build meaningful careers.”

The program consists of three phases, with the next cohort scheduled for June 8-Sept. 10, 2026. Participants will gain valuable in-the-field experience, including opportunities for supervised work with a contractor, job shadowing, mentoring, and more. Upon successful completion of each phase, they will earn wage increases and certificates for employment in the weatherization field. Participants begin the program earning $18.20 per hour; those who advance to the final phase conclude the program with a wage of $23 per hour.

“This is a great opportunity for people to connect directly with a paid training provider,” said Jim Pfarrer, director of Workforce Operations with the Oregon Employment Department. “This is the time to make a strong impression, and job seekers should come ready to talk about their strengths and experience.”

“WorkSource Oregon – Beaverton/Hillsboro is pleased to bring this exciting event to job seekers in the Portland metro area,” said Jeffrey Janssen, business and employment specialist. “Even if this event isn’t for you, we still encourage you to come into one of our centers. This is just one example of the many services we offer at no cost to help people find a job or get the training they need to be successful.”

The Oregon Employment Department and WorkSource Oregon are proud to partner with businesses and employers across the state in finding qualified employees. If you are interested in collaborating on a hiring event or learning more about our resources for employers, please contact Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov.

Event Information

Date:  Monday, March 30, 2026
Time:  10 a.m. to noon
Location:  WorkSource Oregon – Beaverton/Hillsboro, Room 108

241 SW Edgeway Drive, Beaverton, OR 97006

Email: ey.J.Janssen@employ.oregon.gov">Jeffrey.J.Janssen@employ.oregon.gov

Website: www.worksourceoregon.org/events/2026-03-30/energy-conservation-and-weatherization-training-program/

About Workforce Operations and WorkSource Oregon

The Oregon Employment Department’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services to job seekers, employers, and businesses, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, job search strategies, support for job postings and hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information.  

Equal Opportunity Statement

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) is an equal opportunity agency. WSO provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1680. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. WSO proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1680. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo Services@oregon.gov.">electrónico a EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

###

Link to media kit with soundbites about colorectal cancer with Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at OHA.

La Pine, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of vehicle entries and thefts that occurred overnight in the Reserve in the Pines subdivision in La Pine. Between  9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, and 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, an unknown male suspect entered numerous unlocked vehicles throughout the neighborhood.

Deputies have identified approximately 30 attempted entries and at least five confirmed theft victims. No damage to vehicles has been reported. Stolen items vary, and the investigation is ongoing as additional calls continue to come in.

Based on neighborhood cameras, the suspect appears to be wearing a light-colored or patterned jacket, a light-colored hoodie with the hood up, blue jeans, and a bright green face covering or mask.

Residents in the area are asked to check their home surveillance systems, like Ring Doorbell, and report any suspicious activity, video footage, or information from the time frame listed above. Anyone with information that may assist deputies is encouraged to contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911.

The Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind community members to remove valuables from vehicles and ensure vehicles are locked, even when parked at home.

###

Redmond, Ore. -- In December 2025, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received multiple CyberTipline reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving two Twitter/X accounts sharing illegal child exploitation material. Detectives also identified a related CyberTip from Snapchat tied to the same individual.

Following subpoenas and search warrants, the suspect was identified as Gelsyn Yahir Hernandez, 23, of Redmond.

On March 4, 2026, detectives executed search warrants at Hernandez’s residence and vehicle with assistance from DCSO Criminal Detectives, the Street Crimes Unit, the Redmond Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and digital forensics teams from both agencies. Multiple digital devices were seized.

Forensic analysis over the following weeks confirmed media consistent with the CyberTipline reports, as well as additional evidence involving the abuse of animals. Hernandez was arrested on March 20, 2026, and indicted by a Deschutes County grand jury on March 24, 2026, on the following charges:

• 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First Degree (Felony)
• 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the Second Degree (Felony)
• 1 count of Encouraging Sexual Assault of an Animal (Misdemeanor)

During the investigation, detectives learned Hernandez was employed by the High Desert Education Service District (HDESD), which has fully cooperated with the Sheriff’s Office. There is no information indicating that any children in Central Oregon or at HDESD were victimized. Hernandez is no longer employed by HDESD, and he did not work directly with children.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Redmond Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance throughout this case.

###

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

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

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

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

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

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

Awards include:

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

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

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

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

First-round Forest Collaborative Grant awards announced

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

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

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

Those receiving the grants include:

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

For an overview of the projects go here.

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

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

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

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

For an overview of the projects go here.

About the Federal Forest Restoration Program

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

For more on the Federal Forest Restoration Program go here.

2026 Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

 and Policy Committee

Open Vacancy – Recruitments

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

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

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

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

Corrections Policy Committee:

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

Police Policy Committee:

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

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

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

Private Investigator Subcommittee:

• Currently licensed private investigator

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• One person representing Emergency Medical Services & Trauma 

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

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

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

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

Thank you,

DPSST Board & Committees Staff