GRANTS PASS, Ore. (14 April 2026) – Following a grand jury indictment, Oregon State Police made an arrest today in a Grants Pass sex abuse case involving a Grants Pass school support staff member.

On February 6, 2026, the Oregon State Police began an investigation into Highland Elementary School educational assistant Joseph Deley (64), for potential sexual abuse crimes against a female student. The investigation led to the discovery of three additional female Highland Elementary student victims of Deley, during the school years of 2018, 2022, and 2024, for a total of four identified victims.

The investigation was referred to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office. On April 9, 2026, Deley was indicted on six counts of sexual abuse in the first degree by a Josephine County grand jury, and a warrant was issued for Deley’s arrest. This morning, Deley was arrested and lodged at the Josephine County Jail without incident.

Anyone with additional information is requested to contact the OSP Southern Command Center dispatch center at (541) 664-4600 or by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-042392.

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About the Oregon State Police

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

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. (14 April 2026) – On Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 7:06 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 30 near milepost 48 in Columbia County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Subaru Outback, operated by Ronald Craig Powers (69) of Longview (WA), was traveling westbound on Hwy. 30 near Rainier when it crossed into the eastbound lane colliding head-on with a red Ford Focus, operated by Randy Charles Bloom (62) of Scappoose.

The operator of the Ford (Bloom) was declared deceased at the scene.

A passenger in the Ford, Shana Jean Bloom (59) of Scappoose, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The operator of the Subaru (Powers) was transported by Life Flight to an area hospital with serious injuries.

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

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Rainier Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia River Fire and Rescue, 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.

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. (13 April 2026) – On Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 3:48 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 97 near milepost 220 in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Kia Forte, operated by Mark Evan Simpson (48) of Portland, was traveling northbound on Hwy. 97 when it entered the scene of three-vehicle non-injury crash. The Kia crossed the center line and proceeded through the southbound travel lane and collided head-on with a Volvo 760 commercial motor vehicle, operated by Das Balbir (59) of Richmond of British Columbia, pulling onto the shoulder to avoid a disabled vehicle from the first crash. As a result of the collision, the Kia spun back across the northbound lanes and came to a rest against a tree off the northbound shoulder of the highway.

The operator of the Kia (Simpson) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Volvo (Balbir) was not injured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Chemult Rural Fire Protection District, Chiloquin Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

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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.

LINN COUNTY, Ore. (13 April 2026) – On Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 6:43 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 34 near milepost 14 in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Hyundai Elantra, operated by Rebecca Estelle Fonseca (55) of Sweet Home, was traveling westbound on Hwy. 34 when it hydroplaned and crossed into the eastbound lane. The Hyundai collided head-on with an eastbound blue BMW 32L, operated by Ashley Sue Fraley (31) of Lebanon.

A passenger in the Hyundai, Kayla Marie Fonseca (35) of Sweet Home, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the BMW (Fraley) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Hyundai (Rebecca Fonseca) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

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

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon 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.

Clackamas County, Ore 12 Apr 2026- Oregon State Police and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office involved in officer involved shooting.

On Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 6:55 p.m., Oregon State Police contacted an impaired motorist at the intersection of Highway 26 and East Brightwood Loop Road, in Clackamas County. When the trooper contacted the suspect, he fled the scene in a vehicle. OSP and Clackamas County pursued the suspect eastbound before the vehicle was stopped near the Barlow Trail Roadhouse.

The traffic stop culminated in a deadly use of force. A single suspect was struck by gunfire and declared deceased at the scene. 

No law enforcement or other community members were injured during the incident.

In accordance with standard protocols, the investigation is being led by the Clackamas County Major Crimes team in coordination with the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office.

Future news releases will come from the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office.

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About the Oregon State Police

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

WASCO COUNTY, Ore. (10 April 2026) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual or individuals suspected of contaminating a pond near the White River Wildlife Area in Tygh Valley.

On March 26, 2026, multiple cans of spray foam were located in a small pond bordering the White River Wildlife Area. The cans had been compromised, causing the foam to leak into the water. It appeared that the cans and foam had been there for several days prior to their discovery.

Information leading to the identification and citation or arrest of the individuals could yield a reward of $300.

Anyone with information may email a tip to TIP@osp.oregon.gov​ or contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 800-442-2068 or by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-100289.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information visit the Oregon State Police Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) web page.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the community about an active phone scam in which callers impersonate deputies with the Sheriff’s Office and attempt to convince victims to pay bogus fines.

Over the past several days, deputies have responded to multiple reports of residents receiving fraudulent calls from individuals claiming to be with the Sheriff’s Office. The callers use phone number spoofing to make the call appear legitimate. They then falsely claim that the recipient has missed a court date or faces criminal charges, and demand payment to freeze or delay legal action.

These scammers even use the names of real Sheriff’s Office employees, but they often get key details wrong, including referring to Sheriff Ty Rupert as ‘Lieutenant Rupert’. We want the community to know that no deputy will ever call to ask for payment, request your financial information, or threaten arrest if you don’t pay.

Community members who receive suspicious calls are encouraged to:

• Verify the legitimacy of any law enforcement contact by calling non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911.
• Report the scam attempt to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
• Share this information with friends, family, and vulnerable community members who may be targeted.

No victims have reported financial losses at this time, but this type of scam is designed to pressure individuals into making quick payments, and even a single incident can cause significant harm.

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Bend, Ore. -- On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) will provide free, voluntary boat safety inspections. DCSO Marine Deputies will be on-site at two locations from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to conduct inspections, answer questions, and help boat operators prepare for a safe boating season.

These no‑penalty inspections ensure that boats and watercraft meet state and federal safety requirements, giving operators added peace of mind before heading out on Oregon’s waterways. Vessels that pass the inspection will receive an official inspection sticker. If a vessel does not meet requirements, deputies will provide guidance to help operators bring their boats into compliance. No citations will be issued during these events.

Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert emphasizes the importance of safety before boaters enjoy local rivers and lakes.

“These inspections give boaters an opportunity to ensure their equipment meets safety standards before launching. While enforcement is part of our daily work, we also want to help citizens be in compliance before they hit the water this spring and summer. This free event is a great opportunity,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert.

Inspection Locations

• Sheriff’s Office Main Office Parking Lot – 63333 W Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97703
• La Pine County Services Center – 51340 Hwy 97, La Pine, OR 97739

Boaters can learn more about voluntary vessel safety checks by visiting the Sheriff’s Office website: Marine - Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Oregon

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Outdoor Burning to Close April 30^th Due to Increased Wildfire Risk

April 13, 2026 REDMOND, OR — Due to increasing wildfire risk and the onset of an early wildfire season, all outdoor debris burning within Redmond Fire & Rescue’s District will close at midnight on April 30, 2026 and a burn ban will take effect.

Unseasonably warm and dry conditions, combined with declining fuel moisture, have significantly increased the potential for wildfires across the region. These conditions elevate the risk that escaped debris burns could quickly spread and threaten life, property, and natural resources.

Effective midnight April 30th, all forms of outdoor burning—including yard debris burning—will be prohibited until further notice. This closure is intended to reduce the likelihood of human‑caused wildfires during a period of heightened fire danger.

As a reminder, the closure of outdoor debris burning prohibits all of the following:

1. Backyard or open burning (branches, yard debris, etc.). This includes burn barrels.

2. Agricultural burning (agricultural wastes, crops, field burning, ditches etc.).

3. Any other land clearing, slash, stump, waste, debris or controlled burning.

4. Bonfires

At this time the burn ban does not include;

1. Small outdoor cooking, warming or recreational fires at residential properties. These include portable or permanent fire pits, fire tables, and campfires, with a maximum fuel area of three feet in diameter and two feet in height in a safe location away from combustibles or vegetation and are fully extinguished after use.

2. Barbeque grills, smokers and similar cooking appliances with clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas, or similar fuels.

If conditions change, additional restrictions may be put in place. Residents can follow Redmond Fire & Rescue’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages for current information.

Redmond Fire & Rescue urges residents to take wildfire prevention seriously by fully extinguishing campfires, properly disposing of smoking materials, ensuring spark‑arresting equipment is maintained, and complying with all fire restrictions. Alternative disposal options, such as chipping, hauling, or composting yard debris, are encouraged.

Public cooperation is critical to preventing wildfires and protecting Central Oregon communities during this early fire season. Updates on fire restrictions and wildfire conditions will be provided as conditions change.

While outdoor burning is still open, residents are required to check Redmond Fire & Rescue’s website daily, www.rdmfire.org, to obtain a burn permit as burning conditions can change on a daily basis.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018  

Oregon Court of Appeals Reverses and Remands James Class Action Back to Trial Court 

PORTLAND, OR (April 8, 2026) — PacifiCorp today commented on the Oregon Court of Appeals decision related to the June 2023 verdict in the James class action stemming from the Labor Day 2020 wildfires in Oregon. Today’s ruling reverses and remands the James class action back to the trial court. 

PacifiCorp is sensitive to the profound losses experienced by members of our communities. There are no winners in wildfire; however, the Court’s decision supports PacifiCorp’s longstanding belief that this process was prejudicial and not appropriate for managing wildfire litigation. The company remains open to resolving reasonable claims and will continue to defend against unsupported claims. Holistic solutions are critical to address this continuing challenge for all Oregonians. 

PacifiCorp has a comprehensive wildfire mitigation program and continues to invest in wildfire prevention and mitigation initiatives, including situational awareness, protective operational practices, advanced monitoring technologies, enhanced vegetation management and system strengthening.  

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About PacifiCorp  

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

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, April 23, 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 January 22, 2026, 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. Clifton Booher, DPSST No. 13925; Albany Fire Department – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on February 25, 2026.

B. Kyle Clark, DPSST No. 44945; Irrigon RFPD – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on February 25, 2026.

C. Steven Eubanks, DPSST No. 41031; Scio RFPD – No Action

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

D. Request for Fire Policy Committee Review of Fire Certifications

Adoption of Standards and Issuance of Fire Certifications

E. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-009-0005, 259-009-0062, and 259-009-0065

Minimum Standards on Professional Qualifications for NFPA Airport Firefighter

F. Committee Appointments

Fire Policy Committee

Ryan Gregor – Central Oregon Community College. Appointment to the FPC, 1st term effective April 23, 2026.

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 – Nicholas Hunter, Chair

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

A. Sefiu Ballam, DPSST No. 59203; Marion County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote with one (1) recusal to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 10, 2026.

B. Robert Bingham, DPSST No. 38928; Washington County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote with one (1) recusal to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 10, 2026.

C. Mileena Edwards, DPSST No. 61544; Warm Springs Police Department – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the TPC on February 4, 2026.

D. Louis Martin, DPSST No. 45897; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 10, 2026.

E. Alexander Navruzov, DPSST No. 64946; DOC/Columbia River Correctional Institution – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 10, 2026.

F. Ryan Reid, DPSST No. 48586; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 10, 2026.

G. Austin Wilcox, DPSST No. 64231; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 10, 2026.

H. Sabrina Whittaker, DPSST No. 51116; Oregon State Police – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on February 19, 2026.

I.  Committee Appointments

Police Policy Committee

• • Gregory Rice – Oregon Sheriff's Jail Command Council. Appointment to the CPC, 1st term effective April 23, 2026.
  • Josh Aldrich – Oregon Sheriff's Jail Command Council. Re-appointment to the CPC, 2nd term effective April 28, 2026.
  • Michael Mays – Non-Management Corrections Officer. Appointment to the CPC, 2nd term effective April 25, 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. Casey Pitney, PS No. 105268

Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

B. Ronald Riebel, PI No. 038063

Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

C. Wayne Yu, PS No. 077282

Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

D. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0125

Adopting Rule Changes for Private Security Professional Applicants with Prior Law Enforcement Experience (House Bill 2183)

E. Committee Appointments

Private Security/Investigators Policy Committee

• • James Odd – Private Investigator Recommended by the Oregon State Bar. Appointment to the PSIPC, 1st term effective April 23, 2026.

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

a. Imposition of Civil Penalties – House Bill 2527

     Presented by Michael Holsapple

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

    Presented by Michael Holsapple

7. Annual Director's Evaluation – Chair Codding 

8. Agency Updates – Agency Director, Phil Castle

9. Next Meeting Date: July 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.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov

The meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve February 4, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Applicant Review Committee Nominations

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

     Presented by Chris Enquist

5. Review of Telecommunications Curriculum Advisory Committee Membership

     Presented by Chris Enquist

6. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-008-0300 and 259-008-0310

     Denial and Revocation Processes for Professional Standards Cases Involving Student Dismissals or Employment Arbitration Findings

     Presented by Jennifer Howald

7. Review of Public Comments for Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-008-0005, 259-008-0290, 259-008-0300, 259-008-0310, 259-008-0320, 259-008-0340, and 259-008-0400

     Amending Public Safety Professional Certification Denial and Revocation Standards and Processes

     Presented by Jennifer Howald

8. Agency Updates

9. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: August 5, 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 Telecommunications Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL FUND BOARD

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a regular meeting on April 23, 2026, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting that begins at 9:00 am. at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve February 2 and March 4, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Budget Update

   Presented by Kathy McAlpine

4. Sergeant Brian Gaunt (DPSST #37820); Beaverton Police Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

   Presented by Kathy McAlpine

5. Sergeant Andrew Borland (DPSST #33715); Linn County Sheriff's Office; Initial Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

    Presented by Kathy McAlpine

6. Next meeting – July 23, 2026, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve February 25, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Jose Prado Nuci, DPSST No. 67179; Malheur County Sheriff's Office

    Presented by Cindy Park

4. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only

    Presented by Cindy Park

5. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – May 20, 2026, at 11:00 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 Applicant Review Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed April 12–18, 2026, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Oregon, recognizing the dedicated 9-1-1 professionals who serve as the first point of contact during emergencies and help save lives every day.

During this week, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) proudly recognizes the state’s public safety telecommunicators, call takers and dispatchers who support Oregon’s statewide 9-1-1 system behind the scenes.

Often called the first first responders, telecommunicators provide calm, clear guidance during some of the most difficult moments in people’s lives—whether helping someone perform CPR, coordinating emergency response to wildfires, or ensuring help reaches rural communities during severe weather.

Highlighting OEM’s State 9-1-1 Program Team

OEM’s State 9-1-1 Program plays a critical role in supporting Oregon’s 40 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), which provide 9-1-1 coverage across all 36 counties.

Behind every answered call is a network of professionals who help ensure the system works seamlessly. OEM’s 9-1-1 team:

• Distributes Emergency Communications Tax funding
• Manages the statewide 9-1-1 network infrastructure
• Supports technology upgrades at local 9-1-1 centers
• Provides coordination, financial support and technical assistance
• Works with telecommunications providers to ensure calls are routed correctly
• Supports modernization of Oregon’s emergency communications systems

Their work ensures that when someone dials 9-1-1 anywhere in Oregon, help can be reached quickly and reliably.

Supporting 9-1-1 Through GIS and Technology

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play an increasingly important role in Oregon’s 9-1-1 system. Accurate mapping data helps ensure emergency calls are routed to the correct 9-1-1 center and provides responders with better situational awareness.

OEM works closely with GIS professionals and local jurisdictions to improve location data, mapping accuracy, and system integration as part of the state’s emergency communications modernization efforts.

GIS supports 9-1-1 operations by helping:

• Improve caller location accuracy
• Support faster call routing
• Enhance emergency response mapping tools
• Strengthen situational awareness during disasters
• Support Next Generation 9-1-1 capabilities

Modernizing Oregon’s 9-1-1 System

Oregon continues to invest in modernization efforts to prepare for the future of emergency communications through the transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1).

Oregon 9-1-1 centers presently receive text messaging this transition will allow 9-1-1 centers to eventually receive additional data types such as images, video, and improved location information, helping telecommunicators and responders better understand emergencies as they unfold.

OEM’s State 9-1-1 Program continues to support PSAPs through this transition by coordinating network upgrades, supporting equipment replacement, and helping local agencies prepare for emerging technologies.

A Legacy of Service

Oregon’s State 9-1-1 Program was established by the Oregon Legislature in 1981 to ensure uniform and efficient access to emergency services statewide.

Oregon began to implement statewide Enhanced 9-1-1 service for wireline communications in 2000, allowing call takers to receive Automatic Number Identification (ANI) and Automatic Location Identification (ALI) information. This advancement significantly improved emergency response by providing callback numbers and caller location data.

Today, OEM continues building on that legacy by supporting wireless, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and emerging communication technologies to ensure reliable access to emergency services.

Answer the Call: Careers in 9-1-1

Oregon is also actively assisting in the recruitment of the next generation of 9-1-1 professionals. The state’s 40 PSAPs regularly have career openings for individuals interested in serving their communities in this critical role.

Being a 9-1-1 dispatcher requires strong communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. It is a challenging and rewarding career where professionals make a real difference every day.

Those interested in exploring careers in Oregon’s 9-1-1 system can learn more at https://www.oregon.gov/oem/911/pages/911-jobs.aspx

Thank You to Oregon’s Telecommunicators

During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, OEM encourages all Oregonians to recognize the vital contributions of the professionals who answer the call—24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Their dedication, professionalism, and compassion help keep Oregon communities safe.

To Oregon’s public safety telecommunicators: thank you for answering the call.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has finalized its new Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Strategy aimed at strengthening how spatial data, mapping, and geospatial technologies support emergency management across Oregon.
 

The strategy establishes a coordinated framework to guide how OEM uses GIS to enhance preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts while improving collaboration with local, Tribal, state, federal, nonprofit, and private sector partners.
 

“GIS is an essential capability in modern emergency management,” OEM GIS Coordinator Daniel Stoelb said. “This strategy helps ensure we are using geospatial data in a consistent, collaborative, and forward-looking way to support informed decision-making and better outcomes for the communities we serve.”

Supporting Modern Emergency Management

GIS plays a critical role in helping emergency managers understand risk, monitor incidents, allocate resources, and communicate with the public. OEM’s GIS Strategy focuses on strengthening the agency’s ability to translate complex datasets into actionable intelligence that supports operational coordination and community resilience.

The strategy aligns GIS development with OEM’s mission to lead collaborative, statewide efforts to support Oregon’s communities before, during, and after emergencies.

Key Priorities

The strategy identifies nine priority areas that will guide GIS capability development:

• Enhancing data integration, governance, standardization and security
• Advancing equity and accessibility in geospatial data and tools
• Strengthening hazard mapping and risk analysis capabilities
• Improving situational awareness and decision-support tools
• Expanding interagency GIS collaboration and information sharing
• Supporting community partners through shared data resources
• Investing in technology, workforce development and GIS capacity
• Supporting GIS capabilities that enhance 9-1-1 call mapping in Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)
• Advancing geospatial readiness for Next Generation 9-1-1 implementation

Building Shared Capability Across Oregon

OEM’s GIS Strategy emphasizes that geospatial capability is a shared resource to support the whole emergency management enterprise. The strategy highlights the importance of partnerships with local emergency management agencies, GIS professionals, public safety organizations and infrastructure partners.
 

Implementation will occur through phased improvements focused on governance, technology, workforce development and partner engagement.

Looking Ahead

OEM will begin implementing the strategy through continued collaboration with the emergency management GIS community, including professional associations, state agencies, and local partners. Future efforts will focus on strengthening data sharing, improving operational mapping capabilities, and supporting statewide initiatives such as Next Generation 9-1-1.
 

The strategy reflects OEM’s ongoing commitment to innovation, coordination, and whole-community preparedness.

Learn More

Emergency management and GIS professionals interested in learning more about OEM’s GIS efforts or opportunities for collaboration are encouraged to email licInfo@oem.oregon.gov">OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov to be put in contact with our GIS team.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) announced today that it has issued an order of supervision to ATRIO Health Plans, Inc., because of concerns over ATRIO’s financial condition. The company has suffered excessive operating losses over the past 12 months. Additionally, the financial condition of the company has created a claims backlog that has caused provider payments to go unpaid. As the solvency regulator, this situation has caused DFR to take this action.

As of March 2026, ATRIO enrolled a total of about 35,340 Oregonians in its Medicare Advantage plans. The enrollees are in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

An order of supervision allows DFR to have a representative on site and in control of all financial decisions to ensure that consumers are protected. The order prohibits ATRIO and its directors, officers, agents, employees, and others affiliated with the company from taking several actions, including withdrawing from any of ATRIO’s bank accounts; lending or investing any of ATRIO’s funds; transferring any of ATRIO’s property; incurring any debt, obligation, or liability of behalf of ATRIO; merging or consolidating with any other insurer or person; approving any new premium or renewing any policies; terminating, surrendering, forfeiting, converting, or lapsing any insurance policy, certificate, or contract, except for nonpayment; and releasing, paying, or refunding premium deposits, unearned premiums, or other reserves on any insurance policy, certificate, or contract.

The supervision order is available here.

DFR took this action because of ATRIO’s excessive operating losses, and inadequate capital and surplus. Capital and surplus is the amount a company’s assets exceed its liabilities.

Consumers with questions about Medicare can find help from the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program at 800-722-4134 (toll-free) or at shiba.oregon.gov. More information can be found on DFR’s website.

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been made aware of the order and more information for enrollees may be forthcoming from that federal agency. DFR regulates the financial condition of carriers, while CMS is responsible for operating the Medicare Advantage program.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Salem – The Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is hosting a series of community forums in April and May to hear from people about the high cost of prescription drugs and the effect it has on their lives and budgets.

The in-person forums will be held May 5 at the Salem Library, May 6 at the Redmond Library, May 12 at the Asian Health & Service Center in Portland, and May 18 at the Beaverton Library. Online forums are scheduled for April 28, May 11, May 13, and the online board meeting, May 20.

“We invite all Oregonians to join us at these forums and share your stories about the cost of your medications and how those costs impact your lives,” said Sarah Young, PDAB executive director. “All forums will have similar content, so choose the best option for your schedule. We would love to have patients, caregivers, and consumers join us to share their experiences. Hearing your stories will help inform the board as it reviews drugs to identify affordability challenges and high out-of-pocket costs for patients.”

The board conducts annual drug reviews and presents a list of medications that may create affordability challenges to the Oregon Legislature each year. This year, PDAB will review the following medications to evaluate their affordability and their impact on Oregonians and the state’s health care system:

• Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Ozempic (Type 2 diabetes)
• Humulin R U-500 (improve blood sugar control for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who require more than 200 units of insulin per day)
• Keytruda and Verzenio (cancer)
• Xeljanz (autoimmune and inflammatory conditions)
• Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis)
• Skyrizi (immune-mediated inflammatory conditions)
• Tremfya (plaque psoriasis)
• Xolair (allergic and inflammatory conditions)

The feedback from the community forums will help inform PDAB’s drug review process. Each of the drugs and what they treat can be found on PDAB’s website.

The three online forums are:

• Tuesday, April 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 161 635 9753 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)
• Monday, May 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 556 2737 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)
• Wednesday, May 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 948 4958 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)

The four in-person forums are:

• Tuesday, May 5, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Salem at the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE
• Wednesday, May 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Redmond at the Redmond Public Library, 817 SW Deschutes Ave.
• Tuesday, May 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Portland at the Asian Health & Service Center, 9035 SE Foster Road
• Monday, May 18, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Beaverton at the Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW Fifth St.

“We also invite everyone to share online feedback about the prescription drugs the board is reviewing,” Young said. “If you have been prescribed one of the drugs on the list, please answer the questions and submit the form.”

The feedback forms are located on the PDAB website and include options for patients, medical experts, safety net clinics, and others.

The Oregon Legislature created the board out of Senate Bill 844 in 2021 to protect Oregonians and the Oregon health care system from the high costs of prescription drugs. The board holds monthly online meetings that are open to the public. The board has eight members with backgrounds in clinical medicine or health care economics.

For more information, email pdab@dcbs.oregon.gov, call 971-374-3724 or go to dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.

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About PDAB: The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is in the Division of Financial Regulation, part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The board was established under ORS 646A.693 to protect residents of Oregon, state and local governments, commercial health plans, health care providers, pharmacies licensed in Oregon, and others within the health care system in this state from the high costs of prescription drugs. Visit dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.

FAIRVIEW, Ore. –The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) announced this month that the City of Fairview has become Oregon’s newest Tree City USA community. ODF administers the Tree City USA program in Oregon, which is sponsored by the national Arbor Day Foundation.

The program recognizes cities that manage public trees according to best practices and work to improve their urban canopy. To qualify, towns must meet four core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, establishing a tree care ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry activities, and celebrating Arbor Day. Over 3,600 communities nationwide are recognized, including 69 in Oregon.

Located in eastern Multnomah County just east of Gresham, Fairview has about 11,000 residents. Incorporated in 1908, the community has transitioned from farming to mainly residential and commercial. Almost one in four residents speaks a language other than English at home. About one resident in eight is foreign born.

Fairview Mayor Keith Kudrna said of earning the designation, “The City Council is excited to put the Tree City USA designation into action by supporting the care and planting of our public trees, including street trees. We see this less as a recognition than a commitment to enhance our city’s tree infrastructure for the long-term benefit of our community.”

ODF Community Assistance Forester Allison O’Sullivan said Fairview’s city staff have worked diligently to meet the qualifications to become a Tree City USA.

“They have a very active Community Development Department and supportive City Council, who understand the importance of looking after and expanding their tree canopy to ensure a healthy, thriving community and to work towards resiliency in the face of a hotter, drier climate and new pests and diseases,” said O’Sullivan.

She cited these examples:

The City of Fairview’s Tree Technical Work Group is working in collaboration with ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) team to review and update Fairview’s tree lists and tree ordinance.

This effort is being led by Sarah Selden, Fairview’s Community Development Director, in an effort to make the tree lists more accessible and the tree ordinance more aligned with urban forestry best management practices, such as growing a diverse urban forest.

“Any community can apply to become a Tree City USA, and any school or college can apply to receive Tree Campus Higher Education recognition, programs hosted by the Arbor Day Foundation nationally and administered by the Oregon Department of Forestry locally,” said O’Sullivan. “They can email me at allison.osullivan@odf.oregon.gov and I can answer any questions they might have and walk them through the process.”

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The auto-generated credential functionality for the annual training required for journalists to gain unescorted access to natural disaster scenes is now live. The free, one-hour online training course is provided by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

If you haven’t renewed your training credentials for this calendar year, complete the training at https://odftraining.thinkific.com/courses/media-access-2026. After you pass the quiz at the end of the course, the system will automatically generate a completion certificate that serves as your proof of training.

Journalists are encouraged to print two copies of their credentials—one to display in their vehicle and another to keep in their wallet—and to save an electronic copy to their phone or computer, just in case.

House Bill 4087 (2022) granted journalists access to certain natural disaster scenes even if a public safety organization escort is unavailable. The bill’s access provisions apply specifically to natural disaster scenes on non-federal public lands that are also closed to the public due to the disaster.

The HB 4087 guidelines created by a joint committee of public safety and media representatives provide additional important information including personal protective equipment requirements and circumstances when access may be denied.

For more information about HB 4087 and media access to natural disasters in Oregon, check out these resources from the Safe Media Access to Disaster Sites Committee and the Oregon Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. 

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Chayton Owings, age 14, who went missing from Tigard, on March 19. They are believed to be in danger.

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

Chayton Owings is suspected to be in Portland Metro area, East River Promenade in Portland. Homeless camps in and around Hawthorne Bridge Area.

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

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

Child Legal Name: Chayton Owings

Child Preferred Name: Chayton (Street Name: Jabber)

Pronouns: He/Him

Age: 14

Height: 5’2

Weight: 102 pounds

Hair color: Brown

Eye color: Blue/Grey

Specific Identifying Characteristics: Chayton has short, unevenly cut hair.

Tigard Police Department Report #260005328             

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2081530

Date Missing: March 19

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Tigard, and surrounding Metro area

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Oregon taxpayers have until midnight Wednesday, April 15, 2026 to file their tax year 2025 federal and state personal income tax returns and the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to remind taxpayers of information and options that can make the last-minute filing experience less stressful.

You must file a return to get your kicker

In 2026, Oregon is returning $1.41 billion in revenue above projections to taxpayers in the form of a “kicker” tax credit. 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. Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using the What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

Where’s my refund?

Through Friday, the Department of Revenue has processed 1.5 million of an expected 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns.

Taxpayers can check the status of their Oregon state income tax refund using Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool. The Department recommends logging in to your Revenue Online account to access enhanced tool features.

Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website.

Filing last-minute paper returns

Due to changes to US Postal Service processes in recent years, taxpayers dropping paper returns into a US Postal Service mailbox at this late date can’t be certain that their returns will be postmarked by the due date.

Taxpayers who want to mail their return can take their return to a USPS office during regular business hours no later than April 15, 2026 and make an in-person request to have their return manually postmarked at the counter before mailing it.

Revenue staff will be on hand in the lobby of the Revenue headquarters building in Salem to accept and date stamp returns for taxpayers 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Tax Day, Wednesday, April 15. Taxpayers can also hand deliver their returns to DOR Regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Medford, and Portland during regular business hours. For federal returns, taxpayers should seek a hand-stamped postmark at their local post office.

After hours, paper Oregon personal income tax returns can be deposited in drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Salem office; on the west side of the Portland State Office Building; or outside the DOR offices in Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box inside DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.

The department doesn’t recommend using the state drop boxes for federal returns. Paper federal returns should be sent to the IRS. Federal returns dropped in the DOR drop boxes are date stamped and forwarded to the IRS, but the Department of Revenue can’t guarantee that the IRS will accept them as having been filed on time.

Free e-filing options and tax preparation help

Taxpayers can use Free Fillable Forms to file their federal return and then use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return directly with the state through Revenue Online. Other free electronic filing options are available for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.

Public computer kiosks for filing taxes with Direct File Oregon and free fillable forms are available in department regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Medford, and Portland.

From IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or AARP Foundation TaxAide locations, Oregon taxpayers needing free assistance can find free tax assistance sites near them on the Department of Revenue Department’s interactive map or through the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.

Filing an extension.

Individuals who are not able to file by midnight Wednesday can file an extension directly with the Oregon Department of Revenue or with the IRS. If the IRS extension is granted, the Oregon extension is automatically granted. A timely filed extension moves the federal tax filing deadline and the Oregon filing deadline to October 15, 2026.

Taxpayers should only request an Oregon extension if they:

• Don’t have a federal extension,
• Owe Oregon taxes, and
• Can’t file their return by April 15, 2026.

Remember that an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay any tax owed. Taxpayers who can’t pay the full amount they owe should pay what they can to avoid late payment penalties.

Salem, OR— The Oregon Department of Revenue is extending the income tax filing due date for Department of Homeland Security personnel affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown—including Transportation Security Administration agents providing security services at Oregon airports.

Affected federal employees who are required to file an Oregon income tax return will get an automatic 30-day extension for this tax filing season to provide additional time to file returns and remit any taxes owed without penalty. The IRS previously announced an automatic federal extension.

The new deadline will be May 15, 2026 for affected DHS personnel.

Oregon usually follows federal tax filing extensions. However, the state doesn’t automatically waive penalties and interest for late filing, and taxpayers might need to file a waiver request. More information about penalties and interest for personal income tax and penalty waivers is available on the Department of Revenue website.

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April 14, 2026

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

Measles exposure location confirmed at Centennial Middle School in southeast Portland

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

People might have been exposed if they were at the following location at these dates and times:

• Centennial Middle School, 17650 SE Brooklyn St., Portland
  • Between 9:20 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 1.
  • Between 9:20 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, April 6.
  • Between 9:20 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 7.
  • Between 9:20 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8.
  • Between 9:20 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9.
  • Between 9:20 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday, April 10.

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

Families without a primary care provider can establish care at any of Multnomah County's seven primary care clinics or nine student health centers (based at high schools but open to anyone ages 5-18) by calling 503-988-5558 to make a new patient appointment.

OHA has been made aware of news outlets that have recently shared inaccurate information about measles exposure locations, including listing locations where exposures have not taken place. Visit OHA’s measles website for the current, accurate list of exposure locations.

Facts about measles

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

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

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

What to do if you suspect measles in your household

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

1.Have a measles-like rash, or

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

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

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

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April 10, 2026

Contact: Franny White, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">Franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539

Oregon organizations awarded federal funding to improve rural healthcare

Future Rural Health Transformation Program opportunities include May 26 proposal deadline

VIDEO: OHA Health Policy & Analytics Director Clare Pierce-Wrobel discusses the latest from Oregon's Rural Health Transformation Program.

SALEM, Ore. – A dozen projects – offering training for healthcare professionals, mental health and substance use prevention at schools, support for people managing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and much more – are the first in Oregon that are expected to receive federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is also preparing to release additional funding in the coming months. Details on future funding opportunities – including one that has a May 26 proposal deadline – are provided below.

“Where you live shouldn't determine whether you get quality health services," said OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi. “These projects show what's possible when rural communities lead, and OHA is committed to helping them turn homegrown solutions into lasting impact."

The 12 projects are expected to collectively receive up to $6.5 million this year. To quickly bring much-needed support to promising, ready-to-go projects, OHA is directly providing this specific pool of rural health funding, which OHA has named Immediate Impact Awards. The organizations that are expected to receive this direct funding are listed below. OHA expects to determine the exact funding for individual projects by May, after budget negotiations are completed.

“These early projects will help Oregon's Rural Health Transformation Program succeed in its first year, building a solid foundation upon which we can meaningfully improve rural healthcare access for years to come," said OHA Health Policy & Analytics Director Clare Pierce-Wrobel.

The Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon are also expected to receive a total of $21.7 million this year through the program's Tribal Initiative, which aims to improve Tribal healthcare access and health outcomes in rural and remote Tribal communities based on each individual Tribe's identified needs. OHA partnered with Tribal representatives to create this initiative while honoring Oregon's government-to-government relationship with the Tribes.

Project proposals accepted through May 26

Through May 26, eligible organizations can also propose their innovative projects for a competitive Oregon Rural Health Transformation Program funding pool known as the Catalyst Awards. OHA expects to grant a total of about $80 million per year for up to two years, pending federal approval, toward Catalyst Award-supported projects. Up to 80 proposals will be funded by early July through this opportunity.

Catalyst Awards will be given to projects that are ready to launch within two months of receiving funding and address at least one of the following areas: maternal and child health; co-occurring behavioral health conditions; aging in place; and chronic disease. More information about the application process is on the OHA Rural Health Transformation Program webpage

In addition to the Catalyst Awards, OHA plans to further award federal funding to hospitals, health clinics and local public health authorities to help rural Oregon improve access to critical services during a time of tremendous change and challenge in healthcare. To further support the Rural Health Transformation Program's goals, OHA expects to direct a total of $50.4 million this year by late summer.

• Each of the state's 35 rural hospitals can receive direct grants, with a total of $35 million expected to be provided this year.
• Each rural health clinic can receive direct grants, with a total of $10 million expected to be provided this year. Oregon currently has 100 certified rural health clinics.
• Each of the state's 33 local public health authorities – most of which are county health departments – can receive funding, with a total of $5 million expected to be provided this year.

OHA also plans to partner with the Oregon Office of Rural Health to support this statewide effort by facilitating regional collaboration and providing technical assistance to organizations that are planning or implementing rural health projects.

Community-driven improvement

The Rural Health Transformation Program was created by U.S. House Resolution 1, a federal tax and spending bill that became law in July 2025. While the law will cut an estimated $15 billion in federal funding for Oregon programs that provide health insurance, food benefits and more, it also created this federal program. The Rural Health Transformation Program will distribute a total of $50 billion nationwide between 2026 and 2031. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services oversees the program.

Oregon is receiving a total of $197.3 million in 2026 and could receive more in the following four years. If the federal government approves Oregon for similar amounts in future years, the state could receive an estimated total of $1 billion through the program. While each state's 2026 funding was announced in late 2025, much of Oregon's funding was restricted and could not be spent until the federal government gave approval on March 19, 2026.

OHA is investing this federal funding in community-driven projects that improve healthcare access, boost chronic disease management and prevention, grow and sustain the healthcare workforce, and expand the use of health technology and data in Oregon's rural and frontier communities. 

Oregon's Rural Health Transformation Program efforts are divided into two phases. In 2026 and 2027, OHA will swiftly support ready-to-go projects while also helping rural-serving organizations strengthen partnerships for the next phase. Between 2028 and 2030, OHA plans to award larger, competitive grants for longer-term regional projects that transform the healthcare system.

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The Oregon Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $197,271,577.67, with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents of this release are those of OHA and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS or the U.S. Government.

BEND, Oregon---The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will open the summit road at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint to vehicle traffic starting at 10 a.m. Friday, May 1, for the 2026 season.

This year’s opening comes later than in past seasons. A contracted security service that previously handled evening park closures ended last fall, and park staff will now take on those duties. Seasonal employees who assist with closures begin work in May.

Pedestrian and bicycle access to Pilot Butte is available year-round. Only vehicle access is affected. Future improvements, including automatic gate systems, are being planned to improve efficiency and support long-term financial savings.

“Opening the road on May 1 allows us to align our operations with the staffing and resources we have available this spring,” said District Manager Dani Padilla. “Like many public agencies, we’re navigating budget constraints and working hard to operate more efficiently. Even as we run leaner, our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience at Pilot Butte hasn’t changed.”

The road provides access to panoramic views of the Cascade mountains, including Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Black Butte and Mt. Hood.

Once the road opens, visitors are asked to drive slowly, stay alert, and share the road courteously. The summit route is used by walkers, runners, cyclists, and motorists, and respectful behavior helps everyone enjoy the park safely.

The road will be open from 10 a.m. to dusk, 30 minutes after sunset, daily until it closes for the season in the fall. For more information about the park, visit the webpage at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=33.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury in Portland found Hugo Gomez-Soto, 51, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Oregon, guilty today for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the fatal overdose death of a Portland man.

“This case highlights the devastating toll of fentanyl in our community. Fentanyl claims too many lives and leaves families heartbroken,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “We remain committed to fighting this epidemic and holding fentanyl traffickers in Oregon accountable.”

As presented at trial, Gomez-Soto sold illicit fentanyl in the form of powder and counterfeit pills to a 29-year-old resident of Southwest Portland. The following day, the victim overdosed on the illicit fentanyl, dying just moments after using it, despite life-saving measures, including Narcan, by those on scene. On January 25, 2024, Gomez-Soto was arrested on state charges. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of both fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.

On June 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Gomez-Soto with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Gomez-Soto faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. He will be sentenced on July 10, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit and Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott M. Kerin and Nicole Bockelman.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

# # #

MEDFORD, Ore.—A convicted felon was sentenced to federal prison today for illegally possessing firearms.

Devon James Wright, 31, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Wright was caught on two separate occasions with firearms. First, on June 23, 2024, Wright was in a car that was stopped for a traffic violation. In Wright’s backpack, police found a semi-automatic pistol and a full magazine. At the time, Wright was on parole for a previous conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm.

Second, on October 26, 2024, Wright was stopped in a stolen vehicle and before exiting placed a loaded handgun inside the purse of another occupant next to a fully loaded extended magazine.

On March 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a two-count indictment charging Wright with felon in possession of a firearm. On December 8, 2025, Wright pleaded guilty to both counts.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Portland Police Bureau and the Central Point Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa E. LeRitz and John C. Brassell.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican National pleaded guilty today for conspiring to distribute and distributing narcotics in and around Portland after being extradited from Canada.

Fernando Adolip Cruz-Lerma, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances.

According to court documents, in April and May 2019, Cruz-Lerma conspired with others to engage in drug trafficking. In April, Cruz-Lerma transported a victim from the state of Washington to Clackamas County due to a drug debt that the victim owed to members of the drug trafficking conspiracy. The victim was killed by members of the drug trafficking conspiracy in furtherance of the conspiracy. Cruz-Lerma assisted with leaving the victim’s body along a rural road in Clackamas County after the victim had been killed.

In May 2019, Cruz-Lerma distributed approximately two pounds of methamphetamine.

On June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an superseding indictment charging Cruz-Lerma with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances and to use a communication facility and distribution of methamphetamine.

Cruz-Lerma faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $10 million. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on July 8, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Cruz-Lerma has agreed to pay restitution in full. Marcos Alonso Castillo-Bernal has previously been sentenced as part of this investigation.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Portland Police Bureau, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Canadian authorities to secure the arrest and July 2024 extradition of Cruz-Lerma from Canada.

CCITF, led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force is comprised of members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by our community with the passage of the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Umatilla County man pleaded guilty yesterday on the second day of trial to attempted murder, robbery, and felon in possession of a firearm (Armed Career Criminal Act) related to an armed robbery of the Wildhorse Resort and Casino on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in 2022.

Javier Francisco Vigil, 54, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, robbery, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon (Armed Career Criminal Act).

According to court documents, on August 17, 2022, Vigil entered the Wildhorse Casino, walked straight to the cashier cage in the gaming area, and handed the cashier a note demanding $1 million. Vigil then drew a holstered pistol, pointed it at the cashier, and threatened to “bathe everyone in blood.” After getting nearly $70,000 in cash, Vigil exited the casino and shot at the responding Umatilla tribal police officer, who returned fire striking Vigil.

On December 19, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 6-count superseding indictment charging Vigil with attempted murder, interference with commerce by robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon (Armed Career Criminal Act).

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

Vigil will be sentenced on August 4, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Umatilla Tribal Police Department, with the assistance of ATF, the Hermiston Police Department, the Pendleton Police Department, Oregon State Police, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, and Morrow County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassady Adams and Arin Heinz are prosecuting the case.

# # #

The ISOR-PH Regular board meeting has been scheduled for April 16th, 2026 @11:30am.

Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that a Meeting of the Board is scheduled for April 16th, 2026 @11:30am. 

The meeting will take place on April 16th, 2026 @11:30am.

Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that the Meeting of the Board will be held at:

1.Via Teleconference - using any of the following US phone numbers

+1 253 215 8782

+1 346 248 7799

+1 669 900 9128

+1 301 715 8592

+1 312 626 6799

+1 646 558 8656

Meeting ID is: 915 0788 7277

And

2. Via Zoom Meeting Link:

https://onlineoregon-org.zoom.us/j/91507887277

The Public has been invited to the Board Meeting with notices posted at the following locations:

A. FlashNet Newswire

http://flashalertbend.net/press-releases.html

B. Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Office

603 NW 3rd Street

Prineville, OR 97754

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

BEND, OR—Each year, the Little Wonders program at the High Desert Museum transforms galleries and hallways into a space of first-time experiences for Central Oregon families. Now celebrating its 10^th anniversary, this collaborative program in partnership with NeighborImpact’s Head Start continues its mission of fostering community engagement by gifting annual memberships to families who might otherwise never step foot inside the Museum.

Little Wonders Family Nights create a special evening for families, friends and teachers to enjoy dinner, explore Museum exhibitions and engage in fun, hands-on activities—creating lifelong memories and providing access to a cultural institution they otherwise couldn’t afford to visit. This year’s events take place April 2 and April 9.

“As we celebrate 10 years of Little Wonders, we’re especially grateful to our partners at NeighborImpact Head Start and our sponsors,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “Together, we’ve helped create meaningful, shared experiences for families across Central Oregon—ensuring the Museum is a place where every child can feel welcome and inspired by our exhibitions, wildlife, and shared history.”

The Museum welcomes families from the Head Start program in Bend, La Pine, Sisters, Redmond and Prineville to these special evenings. Every family that registers for a Little Wonders Family Night, whether they can attend the event or not, receives a two-year family membership to the Museum. In 2025, the Museum gifted nearly 400 memberships.

"Ten years ago, we believed that every child—no matter their family's circumstances—deserved to stand in front of a living eagle, touch a piece of obsidian, and feel the wonder of discovery,” said Kim Brown, director of NeighborImpact Head Start. “A decade later, Little Wonders has proven something bigger than we imagined. When community partners come together around our most vulnerable kids, the ripple effects last a lifetime. We are more hopeful than ever about what the next 1o years will bring.”

NeighborImpact Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood program that supports children and families from prenatal stages through age five. Head Start and Early Head Start programs focus on preparing children for success in school while also equipping families with the tools, confidence, and support systems they need to help their children thrive long term.

The programs serve more than 600 children and their families across Central Oregon—a significant expansion from earlier years when the program served fewer than 300. That growth reflects both increased community need and a deep commitment to reaching more families with high-quality early learning opportunities.

In 2016, a conversation began between the Museum and NeighborImpact. From a shared commitment to family engagement and early learning, both organizations recognized that access to hands-on, enriching experiences outside the classroom is critical for young children. The program includes Museum access for participating families, funding for transportation, and two welcome nights of community engagement and educational exploration.

The impact of Little Wonders Family Nights at the Museum is evident in the way students light up as they spot one another—and especially their teachers—throughout the galleries. Many rush to greet familiar faces, and their enthusiastic reactions underscore the strength of those relationships and their role in helping children feel comfortable and engaged at the Museum.

“From the beginning, there was strong enthusiasm from local families to participate in the program,” said Whitelaw. “On our first Little Wonders night, we hosted 1,000 people. With the support of NeighborImpact staff, Museum educators, and our sponsors, we continue to create a welcoming, accessible experience for families.”

Little Wonders is made possible by Papé Family Foundation, RWN Foundation, Latino Partnership Program, Columbia Bank Community Impact Fund, NewSun Energy and Meta, with support from the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and MDU Resources Foundation.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: 

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

ABOUT NEIGHBORIMPACT:

NeighborImpact is a nonprofit serving Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Since 1985, we have worked across Central Oregon to meet essential needs, strengthen economic stability and expand access to opportunity. Programs span early childhood education, housing and homelessness services, energy assistance, food access and financial empowerment—supporting thousands of individuals and families each year. NeighborImpact partners with communities to create lasting, locally driven solutions that help people and places thrive. Learn more at www.neighborimpact.org.

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The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is hosting adaptive training events in the Portland/Vancouver region this spring, supporting athletes who are blind or visually impaired as they prepare for upcoming triathlons.

Media are invited to attend this Sunday’s Run/Walk event at Captain Clark Park in Washougal (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) to capture the training in action and interview an NWABA spokesperson and athlete preparing for a triathlon.

The digital media kit for triathlon training is available here. 

Please let me know if you plan to attend or would like additional information.

Haley Ellison 

--

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Athletes Who Are Blind Train for Triathlons in Portland and Vancouver

VANCOUVER, WA — April 10, 2026 — Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is bringing its adaptive sports programming to the Portland/Vancouver region this April, supporting athletes who are blind or visually impaired as they train for upcoming triathlons.

Now in its fourth year participating in regional triathlons, NWABA continues to expand opportunities for athletes to build confidence, independence, and community through sport.

From April through July, NWABA will host a series of training events, including runs and walks, tandem biking, and hiking, to prepare athletes for the Columbia River Triathlon on August 8, hosted by Why Racing Events. Athletes are supported by volunteers who serve as guides, helping participants safely navigate each activity.

“What makes these programs so powerful is the partnership between our athletes and volunteer guides, and the community that forms around them,” said Billy Henry, Founder and CEO of NWABA. “Our athletes show incredible determination and courage, and our guides are right there beside them as teammates. Together, they create an environment where athletes can push boundaries and accomplish goals they may not have thought possible.”

Training for the Triathlon Experience

NWABA’s programming is designed to prepare athletes for the full triathlon experience, building endurance, learning new skills, and gaining confidence across multiple disciplines. From swimming and cycling to running and hiking, athletes are supported every step of the way by trained staff and volunteers.

Each training session contributes to measurable progress while reinforcing the independence and resilience needed to compete.

• 8–10 athletes in the Portland and Vancouver region have completed the triathlon each year, with 11 athletes currently training for 2026

• Each NWABA athlete is supported by a dedicated one-to-one volunteer guide

• NWABA continues to see growing participation year over year across its triathlon program

These experiences go beyond competition, giving athletes who are blind or visually impaired the confidence to redefine what’s possible in both sport and everyday life.

To learn more about NWABA’s programming or find an event near you, visit www.nwaba.org.

##

About NWABA

The mission of Northwest Association for Blind Athletes is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Today, NWABA is a rapidly expanding 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides more than 5,000 program and service interactions to children, youth, adults, and military veterans with visual impairments through tailored programming which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, promotes independence, creates an inclusive community of supporters, and builds the skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life including school and employment.

Bend, OR: The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF), in partnership with
Central Oregon Lions Clubs, will offer a Roarmobile Hearing Aid Clinic for 12 pre-
qualified community members on April 10-11.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Cambia Health Foundation, OLSHF will subsidize the
hearing aid fees for this event. Cambia’s Healthy and Connected Aging focused funding is
critical for two reasons: local Lions Clubs can’t cover all the required provider and hearing
aid fees, and the need for hearing aid help in communities outpaces OLSHF’s budget.
Treating hearing loss with hearing aids can slow cognitive decline. Addressing hearing loss
can also build connection, socialization and safety for older adults.

What: The Roarmobile Hearing Assistance Program supplies qualified applicants with
exams and new digital hearing aids. Roar provides hearing exams, fittings, follow up care,
and new digital hearing aids at a discounted, accessible price. Last year OLSHF helped 78
people statewide with exams and hearing aids.

Our on-staff licensed hearing aid specialist facilitates the clinic and coordinates follow up;
he also provides mobile services in parts of Oregon, such as this event, where a local
provider is not available for hearing exams and fittings to addressing crucial gaps in
service.

When: Friday, April 10th and Saturday, April 11th

Where: Newport Avenue Church of Christ, 554 NW Newport Ave., Bend, OR 97701

Cambia Health Foundation is the corporate foundation of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, connecting the company’s philanthropic dollars to communities through nonprofit partners. Founded in 2007, the Foundation has funded over $137 million in grants to advance whole-person health.

"Social isolation among older adults has become a public health crisis, and being able to hear and connect with family, friends and communities is vital,” said Peggy Maguire, president of Cambia Health Foundation. “At the Foundation, we're dedicated to advancing whole-person health throughout the lifespan, and we’re honored to support organizations like Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation as they help older adults age well in their communities.”

About the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation (OLSHF):
OLSHF is dedicated to addressing preventable blindness and hearing loss through a variety
of programs, including access to surgeries, exams, school vision screenings, eyeglass
assistance, and hearing aids for Oregonians. Since their formation in 1959, they have
created programs in response to the need for sight and hearing assistance and established
partnerships with medical professionals for discounted rates. Learn more at www.olshf.org
or on our Facebook page.

# # #

Workers are joining ONA to stabilize the hospital and improve patient care. 

(JOHN DAY, Ore.) - An overwhelming majority of healthcare workers at the Blue Mountain Hospital District filed union authorization cards to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) April 10. The workers include more than 120 local registered nurses, radiology technologists, certified nursing assistants, emergency medical technicians, service and maintenance workers, laboratory workers, and environmental service workers who work at Blue Mountain Hospital and the district’s care center, clinics, labs, offices, and hospice services.

Local healthcare workers are coming together to gain a stronger voice in hospital decision-making, bring stability and transparency back to the district, boost recruitment and retention, and ensure local families have access to high-quality healthcare that’s reliable, affordable and close to home.

“Five years ago we had eight permanent doctors. Today we have none,” said Danielle Hunt, an ONA member and radiology technologist at Blue Mountain Hospital. “Patients shouldn’t have to start over with a temporary provider every appointment. We’re unionizing to make sure every patient has a provider who knows you, your history, and your health.” 

Blue Mountain Hospital District is a public health district that includes Blue Mountain Hospital—Grant County’s only hospital and a critical access facility—the Strawberry Wilderness Community Clinic in John Day, the Blue Mountain Care Center in Prairie City, and other essential local healthcare services. Local frontline healthcare providers and staff in the district care for more than 7,000 people in Grant County and the surrounding region, often building strong bonds and lifelong relationships with the patients they serve.  

“By the time you’ve been here 5 years, everyone who comes through the door is a friend or neighbor. By 10 years, it’s a lot of family too. We owe it to them to make sure we provide outstanding care every step of the way,” said Darol Craig, an ONA member and radiologic technologist at Blue Mountain Hospital.

Caregivers point to years of instability as a driving factor in their decision to unionize. Over the last four years, the district has had four different CEOs and undergone significant changes including care cuts, layoffs and outsourcing. Like many rural healthcare systems, the district has also struggled with looming federal cuts to Medicaid funds. 

Last fall, the Blue Mountain Hospital District laid off 9 staff members, calling it a direct response to “cuts to Medicaid in the One Big Beautiful Bill” along with rising costs and declining use. 

“I love my job and I love my team. They are incredible caregivers who do their best for our patients and community everyday. But if the district keeps going the way it is, I’m not sure we’ll have a hospital much longer,” said Doris Harper, an ONA member and a registered nurse at Blue Mountain Hospital. “We want this hospital to succeed. We want it to be here for our kids and grandkids. We want it to be here to take care of us someday. We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines and hope things improve on their own. We’re rolling up our sleeves and fighting for a voice in our community’s healthcare to make sure local healthcare providers are still here in 50 years, ready to care for the next generation of Grant County families.” 

“This is personal for us. We want the best care for every patient because we know they’re grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors. Everybody matters,” said Hunt.

Healthcare providers will now begin preparing for contract negotiations with the district. Workers plan to prioritize transparency and accountability in hospital decisions along with measures to increase recruitment and retention of skilled healthcare staff and ensure sustainable healthcare across Grant County. 

Healthcare workers at Blue Mountain Hospital District are the latest in a wave of Oregon health professionals who have chosen to join ONA in recent years. Over the last 5 years, more than 10,000 nurses and caregivers have voted to join ONA to raise standards for patients, expand access to care, improve working conditions and build healthier communities.    

###

Landmark bill holds federal immigration agents accountable in hospitals, protects patient information and ensures patients can seek care without fear.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Surrounded by nurses and allies, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed ‘The Healthcare Without Fear Act’ into law at a celebratory event April 9. The law's passage is a major victory for patients and healthcare providers and will help ensure all Oregonians can safely access care—regardless of their immigration status. 

The Healthcare Without Fear Act, Senate Bill 1570, was ceremonially signed at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization alongside other bills in the 2026 Immigrant Justice Package. The new law helps ensure federal immigration agents are held accountable to the same standards as state and local law enforcement inside hospitals; protects patients’ private health information; and ensures every Oregonian can access healthcare without fearing for their health and safety. 

The act was the Oregon Nurses Association’s (ONA’s) top legislative priority in 2026. 

“I became a nurse to care for all patients—regardless of their background or immigration status,” said Ellie Murray, an ONA member and registered nurse at OHSU. “The Healthcare Without Fear Act demonstrates our commitment to care for our neighbors and allows everyone to seek care without fear. Thank you to Governor Kotek, Senator Campos and Oregon’s elected leaders and allies for taking action to ensure our hospitals remain places of healing, dignity, and trust for everyone.”

The Healthcare Without Fear Act requires hospitals to create policies around all law enforcement interactions; designate a point person to interface with law enforcement to establish consistency, efficiency and reduce burdens on frontline caregivers; and to clearly delineate public and private spaces within hospitals. It also protects patient privacy by classifying immigration status and place of birth as protected health information and empowers healthcare providers to share information about immigration rights or legal services with patients and their families.

“Healthcare is a human right and everyone deserves to seek care without fear,” said Cristian Mendoza Ruvalcaba, ONA member, nurse practitioner and candidate for Oregon Senate District 3. “As a nurse practitioner, I’ve cared for patients from all walks of life and have seen the consequences when people are too afraid to get care—illnesses get worse, public health risks increase and trust in our healthcare systems erodes. Healthcare facilities must remain safe, welcoming spaces for all Oregonians. I’m proud to support the Healthcare Without Fear Act to protect access to healthcare, strengthen our communities, and ensure each person is treated with dignity and respect.” 

Senate Bill 1570 is part of a national effort to protect vulnerable patients and hold federal government agencies accountable. California passed a similar bill (California Senate Bill 81) in 2025. 

Last year, the Trump administration eliminated long-standing “sensitive location” protections which restricted immigration enforcement at hospitals, clinics, schools, places of worship and other areas. 

Since that change, federal immigration agents in Oregon shot two people in a hospital parking lot; arrested an entire family trying to take their sick 7-year-old daughter to the ER; and have reportedly entered hospital restricted areas, exposed patients’ private health information, and interfered with patients’ care.

“At Legacy Emanuel, we have seen federal immigration officers without proper identification, in clinical areas where they should not be, and in situations that interfere with patient care and staff responsibilities,” said Stephanie Funk, an ONA member and nurse at Legacy. “Clear, consistent laws like the Healthcare Without Fear Act are essential to allow healthcare professionals to do our jobs and give every patient the care and dignity they deserve.”

The Healthcare Without Fear Act was a key element of the 2026 Immigrant Justice Package—more than a dozen pieces of legislation designed to protect vulnerable Oregonians and respond to federal attacks against immigrant communities. 

More information on the Healthcare Without Fear Act can be found at OregonRN.org/CareWithoutFear.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Celebrate National Train Day at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Two Days of Steam, History, and Family Fun

PORTLAND, OR — All aboard for a full weekend of steam, history, and hands-on fun as the Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) presents its largest-ever National Train Day Celebration, now expanded to two exciting days on May 9 and 10, 2026.

This annual, family-friendly event invites guests to step into the golden age of railroading with immersive experiences, live steam locomotives, and interactive exhibits that bring the Pacific Northwest’s rail history to life.

Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see Portland’s legendary locomotives — Southern Pacific 4449 and Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700 — under steam and on display throughout the weekend. These living, breathing machines are a powerful reminder of the region’s railroading legacy and the volunteers who keep them running today.

But the experience doesn't stop there. Guests can also make their visit even more memorable by riding behind the historic Polson No. 2, a 114-year-old steam locomotive, on a 45-minute scenic excursion along the Willamette River to Oaks Park and back. Trains depart every 90 minutes from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

“This weekend is about more than just trains—it’s about bringing history to life,” said Rick Franklin, President of the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation. “There's nothing quite like seeing, hearing, and riding behind these locomotives. It connects people to the past in a way that books and photos just cannot.”

Event Highlights

• SP 4449 and SP&S 700 under steam
• Cab tours of these legendary locomotives
• Demonstrations of the historic Brooklyn Turntable
• Steam train excursions behind the Polson No. 2
• Model railroad displays from local clubs and enthusiasts
• Food trucks and refreshments
• Family-friendly activities
• Opportunities to explore the museum and rail yard
• And plenty of railroading excitement all weekend long!

Admission & Tickets
General admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center for National Train Day is $5 per person, with free admission for children under age 3 and ORHC members. Steam train ride tickets include admission to the Center and start at $25 for adults and $15 for children, with discounted senior, military, and family pass tickets also available. Proceeds directly support the Oregon Rail Heritage Center’s mission to preserve, restore, and share Pacific Northwest railroad history.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at www.orhf.org. Advance ticket purchase for train rides is strongly recommended, as many train departures are expected to sell out. A limited number of day-of train ride tickets may be available at higher pricing.

Getting There

Limited free parking is available. Guests are encouraged to use TriMet or the Portland Streetcar. The Center is conveniently located across from the OMSI MAX Station.

Event Details
What: National Train Day Celebration

When: Saturday, May 9 & Sunday, May 10, 2026 | 10:00am-6:00pm
Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR, 97214
General Admission: $5.00 (Free for children under 3 and ORHC members)
Train Ride Tickets (Advance): Adult $25 | Senior & Military $22.50 | Child $15 | Infants (under 3) Free | Family Pass $72
Train Ride Departures: 11:00am | 12:30pm | 2:00pm | 3:30pm | 5:00pm

Don't miss one of Portland’s most exciting and historic events of the year — come see, hear, and ride living railroad history.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://orhf.org/blog/national-train-day-returns-may-9-10-2026/.

About the Oregon Rail Heritage Center

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

Media Contact
Renee Devereux, Executive Director

Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Phone: (503) 233-1156
Email: devereux@orhf.org">rdevereux@orhf.org
Website: https://orhf.org/

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Portland, Ore., April 8, 2026 – Earth Month is bringing volunteers together across Central and Eastern Oregon for hands-on cleanup and restoration projects throughout April. From hot springs stewardship and river cleanups to community-wide town beautification efforts, these events offer meaningful ways to care for local landscapes and shared spaces.

As part of SOLVE’s Earth Month celebrations, more than 200 volunteer projects are taking place across Oregon and Southwest Washington throughout April. In Central and Eastern Oregon, volunteers can help restore beloved recreation areas, clean up rivers and lakes, and prepare communities for the spring season.

Featured Earth Month Events in Central & Eastern Oregon

Sisters Community Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 9 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Fir Street Park, Sisters
Join neighbors to spiff up the town of Sisters for spring. Volunteers can clean assigned areas or choose their own favorite spots, with coffee, donuts, and family-friendly locations available.
Link to register

2026 Earth Day Weekend at Breitenbush
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
WHERE: Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs, near Detroit
Be part of the tenth annual Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs Cleanup. Volunteers will help steward this unique natural soaking area by removing trash and improving conditions for visitors in partnership with Friends of the Breitenbush Cascades and the Detroit Ranger District.
Link to register

Detroit Lake Spring Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Detroit, Oregon
Celebrate Earth Month with a community litter cleanup around Detroit Lake. Volunteers will help beautify the area and prepare the community for spring recreation.
Link to register

Umatilla River Cleanup (Pendleton)
WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 9 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Stillman Park, Pendleton
Help clean the 2.5-mile Umatilla River Parkway, including walking paths, levees, and riverbanks. Volunteers will spread out upriver and downriver to remove litter from this important community waterway. Link to register

Powder River and Downtown Baker City Spring Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 10 am – 1 pm
WHERE: Geiser-Pollman Park, Baker City
Join a community cleanup along the Powder River followed by snacks and prizes. Volunteers will help remove trash from the river corridor and surrounding downtown area.
Link to register

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer: Browse the event calendar for more events and register yourself or a group at volunteer.solve.org/oregon-spring
• Encourage participation: Invite schools, workplaces, and community groups to take part in Earth Month action
• Spread the Word: Share local events with friends, neighbors, and your community

The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2026 is made possible through the partnership with Portland General Electric and generous support of Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon State Park & Recreation, The Standard, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, KOIN6, LAM Research, Lithia & Driveway, National Parks Recreation & Parks Association, and PepsiCo.

For more information or to register, visit solve.org/oregon-spring

About SOLVE 

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.