Emergency Reports | News Releases | Search | Media Contacts
Sort by: Date | Category
Columbia (Tri-Cities/Yakima/Pendleton) News Releases for Thu. Feb. 19 - 8:28 am
State
State issues first 2026 income tax refunds for e-filed returns; Refunds for paper-filed returns won’t start until April
Oregon Dept. of Revenue - 02/18/26 9:00 AM

Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Revenue has begun distributing refunds for the 2025 tax year. Through February 17, the department has processed more than 500,000 electronically filed tax returns.

 

Most taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds within two weeks of the date their return is filed. Some returns, however, require additional review and can take up to 20 weeks before a refund is issued.

 

Oregon is returning a $1.41 billion revenue surplus “kicker” to taxpayers in 2026. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer's refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

 

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

 

The department encourages taxpayers to file electronically. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Those who file paper returns will experience a significantly longer wait in 2026 due to processing delays.

 

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax form information to the Oregon Department of Revenue. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns will not begin until the end of March. The first refunds for paper-filed returns are not expected to be issued until April.

 

Taxpayers can check the status of their e-filed refund by using the department’s Where’s My Refund? tool. The Department of Revenue recommends that taxpayers wait one week after they have electronically filed their return to use the Where’s My Refund tool. Paper-filed returns won’t show up in the Where’s My Refund? tool until processing begins in late March. Taxpayers mailing their return should wait two weeks after the department starts processing paper returns in late March or after mailing their return, whichever is later.

 

The Where’s My Refund? tool has been updated for 2026, providing clear messaging about the status of their return to taxpayers who are signed into their Revenue Online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers who don’t have a Revenue Online account can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool but won’t be able to see the updated features.

 

A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.

 

Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to make a change to their return. They should choose to either file electronically or by paper. Doing both will delay processing of their return.

In addition to checking the status of their refund, taxpayers can make payments, or get tax forms by visiting the department’s website. Questions can be emailed to questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

 

Taxpayers can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), the department accepts all relay calls.
 

-30-

Media contact:
Robin Maxey
Public Information Officer
robin.maxey@oregon.gov
971-718-4483

| Oregon Dept. of Revenue
WorkSource Oregon, Department of Revenue team up to provide free tax help events (Photo)
Oregon Employment Department - 02/13/26 10:00 AM

 

Description: COMM:COMM3:Clip Art:Logos-Revenue:DOR Logos-Color:DOR Logo color.eps

 



For Immediate Release: Feb. 13, 2026

Media Contact:  Communications@employ.oregon.gov; obin.Maxey@dor.oregon.gov">Robin.Maxey@dor.oregon.gov

 

WorkSource Oregon, Department of Revenue team up to provide free tax help events 

 

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon taxpayers can get free help filing their federal and state personal income tax returns electronically at six different WorkSource Oregon locations across the state in February and March.

 

WorkSource Oregon and the Oregon Department of Revenue are teaming up to provide the assistance. Volunteers from Revenue will be stationed at local WorkSource Oregon centers to help guide taxpayers through the filing process using the free public-access computers and Wi-Fi internet service.

 

The first event is planned for Wednesday, February 18, at the WorkSource center at 120 E Lincoln, Suite 115b, in Woodburn. Other events are planned in Hillsboro, Eugene, southeast Portland, Lebanon, and Bend.

 

“WorkSource Oregon centers are trusted community spaces where Oregonians come to find jobs, build skills, and get connected to services,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, director of the Oregon Employment Department, which is a partner of WorkSource Oregon. “Partnering with the Department of Revenue to offer free tax filing assistance is a natural extension of our customer-service mission. We are thrilled to help Oregonians get support in filing their taxes, claiming the credits they’ve earned, and keeping more money in their pockets.”

 

“We know that filing your taxes can be a scary and confusing process. We are excited to partner with WorkSource Oregon to provide in person help to make it easier for Oregonians to file their taxes for free, check if they are eligible for refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Oregon Kids Credit, and claim their share of the kicker,” said David Gerstenfeld, Department of Revenue director.

 

WorkSource Oregon is a statewide partnership with the Oregon Employment Department and state, local, and nonprofit agencies. WorkSource provides a variety of employment and training services to job seekers and employers in Oregon, helping people find jobs and businesses find talent. 

 

Taxpayers are encouraged to set up a Revenue Online account through the Department of Revenue’s website before coming to an event if they plan to use Direct File Oregon. They should bring tax information with them, including:
 

  • Social security number or ITIN for everyone on their tax return
  • Forms W-2 (wages from a job)
  • Forms 1099-G, 1099-R, 1099-INT (other income) if applicable
  • Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)
  • Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit (can be found on their checks)
  • Last year’s tax return

The full schedule includes events at the following locations.

 

February 18
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WorkSource Oregon
120 E Lincoln St #115B
Woodburn, OR 97071

 

February 25
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WorkSource Oregon
241 SE Edgeway Dr
Beaverton, OR 97006

March 4
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WorkSource Oregon – Lane
2510 Oakmont Way
Eugene, OR 97401

March 11
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WorkSource Oregon
6401 SE Foster Rd
Portland, OR 97206

 

March 18
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WorkSource Oregon
44 Industrial Way B
Lebanon, OR 97355

 

March 25
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WorkSource Oregon – Bend
11007 SW Emkay Dr
Bend, OR 97702

 



The Oregon Employment Department (OED) provides economic stability to Oregon communities by providing vital services to both businesses and workers. OED supports businesses with finding qualified job candidates, labor market information, tax incentives and support, and retaining talent through economic downturns. OED promotes employment through wage replacement benefits during unemployment and significant life events, job placement, training, and useful career information. Learn more at employment.oregon.gov.  

 

OED’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, interview practice, and job search strategies. For employers and businesses, WorkSource Oregon provides support for job postings and finding qualified candidates, hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data – all at no cost. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information. 

 

To get tax forms, check the status of their refund, or make tax payments, taxpayers can visit the Department of Revenue website or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. Taxpayers can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing- or speech-impaired), the Department of Revenue accepts all relay calls.

  ###

 

Communications@employ.oregon.gov; Robin.Maxey@dor.oregon.gov



Attached Media Files: Press_Release_2_13_26_Free_tax_help_events.pdf

| Oregon Employment Department
Hepatitis B infant vaccinations, birth parent screenings decline
Oregon Health Authority - 02/17/26 2:40 PM

February 17, 2026

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov 

Hepatitis B infant vaccinations, birth parent screenings decline 

OHA’s new interactive dashboard tracks virus data back to 2020 

 

What you should know:

  • Vaccinations against hepatitis B at birth have fallen over the past four years. 
  • Rates of hepatitis B screening of the birth parent have also fallen over the same period. 
  • Up to 90% of infants infected with hepatitis B at birth develop chronic infection, and about 25% of infected children will eventually die from cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.

PORTLAND, Ore.–The number of newborns vaccinated at birth against hepatitis B has fallen slightly over the past four years, according to the new Infant Hepatitis B Immunization Data dashboard launched by Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Likewise, the number of birth parents who are screened for hepatitis B during pregnancy has also decreased, the dashboard shows.

“It’s very concerning to see the number of babies getting a dose of hepatitis B vaccine after birth going down while the number of birth parents screened for hepatitis B is also decreasing,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., state health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA’s Public Health Division.

“This dangerous combination puts more babies at risk for the devastating effects of hepatitis B, which can impact them throughout their lifetimes. The hepatitis B vaccine has been extremely successful at almost eliminating these illnesses, and with decreasing vaccination rates, we will see more children get sick,” he said.

The new dashboard tracks data going back to 2020, including: 

  • The percentage of infants who have received a birth dose of HepB statewide and by county.
  • HepB birth vaccination rates reported by individual birth hospitals.
  • Rates of hepatitis B screening of the birth parent by facility.

In 2024, 82% of infants born statewide received the HepB birth dose, down from 86% in 2022, with county-level rates ranging from 60% to 90%. 

Statewide, the rate of birth parent hepatitis B screening was 94%, down from 96% two years earlier.

If a pregnant person is infected with hepatitis B, they can spread it to their newborn during childbirth.

Screening for hepatitis B during pregnancy is critical and guides treatment of infants born to people with the virus.

Most Oregon hospitals reported screening rates exceeding 90% or higher in 2024. Some facilities reported rates below 80%. 

Facts about hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a highly infectious virus that attacks the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease, liver cancer, liver failure and death.

It spreads easily, even without visible blood or body fluids and can survive on surfaces for up to seven days.

Before the United States adopted a recommendation for universal infant hepatitis B vaccination in 1991, thousands of children were infected each year—at birth and during childhood.

Infants and young children are especially vulnerable: up to 90% of infants infected at birth develop chronic infection, and about 25% of infected children will eventually die from cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.

The vaccine is effective, well tolerated, and decades of global data support its safety. In December, the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) strongly recommended the hepatitis B vaccination continue to be routinely offered to all newborns, with the first dose given within 24 hours of birth for newborns weighing at least 2,000 grams (4 pounds, 7 ounces), followed by completion of the vaccine series.

HepB vaccination of all newborns within 24 hours of birth, followed by completion of the HepB vaccination series, is essential to protecting infants and young children, who are at greatest risk from complications from hepatitis B.

OHA’s new Infant Hepatitis B Immunization dashboard will be updated annually every April. Data for 2025 will be available in the coming months.

###

 

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

| Oregon Health Authority
Oregon Housing and Community Services and Tribal Nations launch first-of-its-kind housing initiative
Oregon Housing and Community Services - 02/17/26 10:14 AM

SALEM, Ore. — The state announces the launch of the Tribal Housing Grant Fund (THGF), which is a first-of-its-kind program to provide state funds to help address the housing needs of the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon. 

 

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund creates a new framework for how the state works with the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “It represents a meaningful step forward in honoring our government-to-government relationship and ensuring Tribes have the resources and flexibility they need to address their critical housing needs.”

 

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and representatives from Tribal Nations, including housing directors, health and human services directors, and council members, worked for more than a year to develop the program.

 

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund is a landmark program that elevates Tribal self-determination in a state-funded program,” said Sami Jo Difuntorum, executive director of Siletz Tribal Housing Department and Housing Stability Council member. “The THGF will provide Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes with critical housing resources, providing flexibility in program design.”

 

“The values, culture, and housing needs of communities are best understood locally,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. "In consultation with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes, the Tribal Housing Grant Fund emphasizes self-determination and flexibility in how Tribes use state resources to address local needs. Honoring Tribal sovereignty, in its richest form, calls on us to operationalize this shared value."

 

In the 2025 Legislative Session, lawmakers allocated $10 million to OHCS to establish the program. Program funds can be used for affordable rental housing and homeownership initiatives, as well as to maintain By and For Initiative-Native American Tribes of Oregon (BAFI-NATO) investments. 

 

Tribal Nations will receive funds based on a formula that was previously used by the BAFI-NATO program, where each grantee receives a base amount along with Tribal enrollment numbers.

 

To obtain the funds, grantees must submit a housing plan every biennium outlining how they will use the money.

 

Eligible THGF program activities include:

  • Homelessness response and prevention ​
  • Affordable rental housing
  • Homeownership support such as down payment and mortgage assistance
  • Land acquisition, infrastructure, development, and rehabilitation ​
  • Financial assistance and support services for households that qualify
  • Capacity building​

Visit the THGF webpage for more program details.  

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Delia Hernández
HCS.mediarequests@hcs.oregon.gov

For a video quote (soundbite) of Sami Jo Difuntorum, visit https://youtu.be/mbB5hT1jjiA.

| Oregon Housing and Community Services
Oregon Lottery Earns Highest Certification in Responsible Gaming (Photo)
Oregon Lottery - 02/17/26 9:03 AM
Oregon Lottery has received the World Lottery Association’s highest level of certification for its Responsible Gambling/Safer Play program.
Oregon Lottery has received the World Lottery Association’s highest level of certification for its Responsible Gambling/Safer Play program.
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2026-02/4939/186796/WLA_Logo.png

Salem, Ore. – For the third time in a row, the Oregon Lottery has received the World Lottery Association’s (WLA) highest level of certification for its Responsible Gambling/Safer Play program. The certification of Oregon Lottery’s program is a “best in class” designation for a three-year period. 

 

WLA Level Four Certification for Responsible Gambling is the highest level of responsible gambling certification recognized internationally. The Oregon Lottery was one of the first lotteries in the U.S. to reach this level, first being certified in 2018. Receiving WLA Level Four Certification represents the highest standard of commitment to player protection, demonstrating that an organization has fully embedded responsible gambling principles into its governance, operations, and culture.  

 

“Maintaining our WLA Level Four certification for more than eight years demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement in Safer Play,” said Mike Wells, director of the Oregon Lottery. “To keep pace with a fast-evolving gambling market, we have responded with innovation and will continue to focus on trust with our players.”

 

The WLA is recognized as the global authority on the lottery business. It serves the interests of 167 state-authorized lotteries world-wide and gaming organizations from more than 89 countries on six continents. The WLA’s Responsible Gaming Principles and Framework is a certification program that outlines lotteries’ level of commitment to corporate social responsibility and responsible gaming. It allows for cultural and regional differences and is designed to complement and improve the safeguards that individual lottery operators have in place. Oregon Lottery’s program has several unique and impactful focus areas, including the following: 

  • Investment in research to identify opportunities to support those just beginning to experience gambling harms and those affected by someone else's gambling. 
  • Lottery staff and retailer training that includes self-care strategies for those charged with the important work of promoting Safer Play. 
  • "Always On" Safer Play specific advertising to engage players with tools and connect them to help.  

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned $17.8 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery or to read the Responsible Gaming Impacts Report, visit www.oregonlottery.org

Melanie Mesaros
Oregon Lottery
971-719-0464
Melanie.Mesaros@lottery.oregon.gov



Attached Media Files: Oregon Lottery has received the World Lottery Association’s highest level of certification for its Responsible Gambling/Safer Play program.

| Oregon Lottery
Oregon Lottery Sports Wagers Generate $1.3 Million from Super Bowl (Photo)
Oregon Lottery - 02/13/26 8:32 AM
Oregonians placed $8.4 million in sports wagers for the Super Bowl.
Oregonians placed $8.4 million in sports wagers for the Super Bowl.
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2026-02/4939/186765/DraftKings1.jpg

Salem, Ore. – With more than $1.3 million in revenue generated for Oregon in sports betting, this year’s Super Bowl is the biggest single sports event of the year. Oregonians placed $8.4 million in wagers for the Super Bowl, up from $8.2 million last year, through Oregon Lottery’s DraftKings Sportsbook. There were more than 450,000 bets placed with an average wager of $18.30.

 

“The Super Bowl is a significant revenue-driving event for Oregon,” said Kerry Hemphill, Oregon Lottery sports betting products manager. “This year, revenue trended down from last year because of the strong in-state support for the Seahawks, who were favored and won.”

 

Players had more than 1,000 “prop bets” to choose from, such as which team would score first, and which player would be named MVP. Below are the results of some of the prop bets:

  • On the coin toss, 9,159 bets were placed and 3,932 won the wager for the Patriots to win the toss.
  • Of 9,679 bets, 1,488 correctly picked the Gatorade color as yellow. 

The player with the biggest win of the day was a customer from Portland who placed a $1,000 bet in August 2025 on the Seahawks winning the game. That wager resulted in a $60,000 win.

 

Oregon saw a 9% increase in the number of unique, active players who placed a wager on the gaming platform from 2025. Last year, Oregon players placed 456,000 bets. Oregon Lottery debuted online sports betting in October 2019.

 

To play Oregon Lottery’s DraftKings Sportsbook or for more about the game, go to https://www.oregonlottery.org/sports/.

 

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $17.8 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

 
Melanie Mesaros
Oregon Lottery
971-719-0464
Melanie.Mesaros@lottery.oregon.gov



Attached Media Files: Oregonians placed $8.4 million in sports wagers for the Super Bowl.

| Oregon Lottery
Oregon State Parks to hire seasonal Park Rangers, Park Ranger Assistants
Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. - 02/17/26 9:00 AM

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon State Parks is hiring seasonal Park Rangers and Park Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2026 season.

 

Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through June with new positions listed on a rolling basis on the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.

 

Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.

 

Salaries start at $20.28 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.79 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, who are enrolled in high school start at $20.27 or more per hour, depending on experience.

 

Several of Oregon State Parks' top leaders started their careers as seasonal employees, including all three Region Directors.

 

“We are focused on developing an engaged workforce by partnering with staff on career development, investing in skill building and fostering a culture of belonging. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you make a difference in protecting and promoting Oregon’s special places,” said interim Director Stefanie Coons.

 

Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Park Rangers at parks around the state. Positions are available in Oregon’s coastal areas, scenic valleys, and mountain regions, offering opportunities to work in some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.

 

For more information about current openings, visit https://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Recruiting D.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.

 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.

 

 

 

###

Mike Baden
971.719.3316
Mike.Baden@oprd.oregon.gov

| Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept.
Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission to meet Feb 23 and 24 virtually
Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. - 02/13/26 8:00 AM

SALEM, Oregon—The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene February 23 and 24 for a virtual meeting.

 

On February 23, commissioners will hold a work session from 1-3 p.m. on natural resource policy updates and conflict of interest training.

 

On February 24, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. virtually to discuss acquisition priorities and opportunities, and potential litigation. The Executive Session will be held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e) and (h) and is closed to the public.

 

A business meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. virtually and will be open to the public. All public commission meetings are streamed live to YouTube at https://bit.ly/oprdlive.

 

Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting; instructions on how to listen will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. The business meeting includes time for informal public comment not related to items on the agenda.

 

Registration is required to speak during the informal public comment portion. Register online at https://bit.ly/registerfeb2026commission. The deadline to register to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., Feb. 20. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. Feb. 20 to Cpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRCpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.

 

The full agenda and supporting documents are posted on the commission web page. Notable requests:

  • Acknowledgement of a donation from Fastap Screw Company.
  • Request to approve grant recommendations for the following:
    • County Opportunity
    • All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
  • Request to approve construction contracts for Lake Owyhee and Cape Lookout.
  • Request to approve adoption of proposed amendment to rules regarding operations of unmanned aircraft systems in state parks and along the ocean shore.
  • Request to approve adoption of proposed changes to update Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy, which includes possible changes to the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting in 2026. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellation.

Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance at burton@oprd.oregon.gov">denise.warburton@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-779-9729.

 

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year at locations across the state.

 

 

 

###

Katie Gauthier, external relations manager
503-510-9678
katie.gauthier@oprd.oregon.gov

| Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept.
Courts/District Attorneys
Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Federal Law Enforcement Officer (Photo)
U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon - 02/18/26 3:30 PM

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man pleaded guilty today after assaulting a federal officer at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

 

Robert Jacob Hoopes, 25, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of a federal employee with a dangerous weapon resulting in bodily injury.

 

According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Hoopes threw a large rock and struck an ICE officer in the head, causing a significant laceration over the officer’s eye. Later that same day, he and two other individuals were seen using an upended stop sign as a makeshift battering ram, which resulted in significant damage to the main entry door to the ICE building. 

 

On August 5, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Hoopes with aggravated assault on a federal employee with a dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property.

 

Hoopes faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on May 12, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

 

As part of the plea agreement, Hoopes has agreed to pay full restitution, estimated to be over $7,000

 

The FBI is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

 

# # #

Public Affairs Officer
USAOR.PublicAffairs@usdoj.gov



Attached Media Files: PDF Release

| U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon
Oregon Business Owner Sent to Prison for Employment Tax Crimes (Photo)
U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon - 02/18/26 2:23 PM

PORTLAND, Ore.— The owner of a tree removal business was sentenced to prison today for willfully failing to pay over employment taxes to the IRS on behalf of the company she owned and operated.

 

Joyce Leard, 47, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Leard was also ordered to pay $2,880,346.25 in restitution and $100 special assessment.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately 2017 through 2024, Leard owned and operated Mr. Tree Inc., a Happy Valley, Oregon, company that provided tree removal and landscaping services to customers. The company advertised itself as being in business for thirty years and employed approximately 50 to 75 employees each year.

 

Leard was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from the wages of her employees and paying those funds over to the IRS each quarter, as well as filing quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS.

 

From the fourth quarter of 2018 through the fourth quarter of 2020, Leard withheld taxes from her employees’ wages but did not pay over those taxes to the IRS or file quarterly employment tax returns. Instead, she used funds in Mr. Tree’s business bank account to pay other expenses and creditors and purchased approximately $3.5 million of real estate. During this period, the company also did not file a corporate tax return, and, from 2018 through 2020, Leard did not file a personal income tax return, as required by law. 

 

Leard’s conduct caused a total tax loss of over $3.5 million.

 

On January 14, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 12-count indictment charging Leard with willful failure to account for and pay over tax and willful failure to file return.

 

On June 16, 2025, Leard pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over tax.

 

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorneys J. Parker Gochenour and Megan E. Wessel of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section prosecuted the case with substantial support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Public Affairs Officer
USAOR.PublicAffairs@usdoj.gov



Attached Media Files: PDF Release

| U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $20,238,028.08 in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2025 (Photo)
U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon - 02/13/26 4:42 PM

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today that the District of Oregon collected more than $20.2 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, nearly $15 million was collected in criminal actions and over $5.2 million was collected in civil actions. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

 

“The District of Oregon’s Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit provides critical support to victims of crime by holding those who profit from criminal conduct accountable and pursuing civil recoveries,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “We take seriously our obligation to make victims as financially whole as possible. Our annual collections reflect the dedication, persistence, and resolve of our team in the pursuit of justice.”

 

For example, to date, the government has recovered over $4.5 million in restitution from Sergey and Galina Lebedenko, who used their ill-gotten gains to purchase fourteen homes and properties, seven vehicles, an ownership interest in a private jet, and countless luxury items. After pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and wire fraud, the Lebedenkos were ordered to pay over $33 million in restitution. The government sought to remit and restore forfeited assets on behalf of the victim, including real properties and nineteen financial accounts.

 

In another example, the government secured the full restitution payment totaling $1.346 million from Michael James Defrees, who was convicted of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Defrees agreed to satisfy this obligation prior to sentencing, but failed to do so. The United States secured payment through seizing three vehicles, multiple winter sports equipment, a racing boat, and a trailer, and helped facilitate the sale of two parcels of real property to pay his restitution judgment in full and satisfy his forfeiture money judgment.

 

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

 

# # #

Public Affairs Officer
USAOR.PublicAffairs@usdoj.gov



Attached Media Files: PDF Release

| U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon
Tri-Cities-area School Districts
Nine Regional Educators Honored with 2026 Crystal Apple Awards
ESD 123 - 02/17/26 2:51 PM

Pasco WA - For the 28th year, nine exceptional educators from across the Mid-Columbia region are being recognized for the difference they make in the lives of students every day. The Dream Builders Educational Foundation has announced the 2026 Crystal Apple Award honorees, who will be celebrated during a community ceremony from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at Educational Service District 123 (ESD 123) in Pasco.

 

The Crystal Apple Awards celebrate outstanding educators from nine local school districts, honoring those who inspire learning, build strong classroom communities, and create meaningful opportunities for students to succeed. The annual program highlights the power of public education and the lasting impact educators have across our region.

 

This year’s honorees are:

  • Angie Boothe, 6th–8th grade interventionist for math and English language arts, Columbia Middle School, Burbank School District

  • Sydney Freitag, 6th and 7th grade English language arts and STEM teacher, Finley Middle School, Finley School District

  • Kori Cannon, kindergarten teacher, Westgate Elementary School, Kennewick School District

  • Beth Kalinga, 8th grade physical science teacher, Kiona-Benton City Middle School, Kiona-Benton City School District

  • Charlie N. Dansie, 7th–12th grade agriculture science, mechanics and CDL teacher, Connell High School, North Franklin School District

  • Tonya Lewis, secondary math teacher, Othello High School, Othello School District

  • Elizabeth Copsey, self-contained special education teacher for grades K-4 and structured learning classroom teacher for grades 2-5, Maya Angelou Elementary School, Pasco School District

  • Sydney Charvet, 5th grade teacher, Heights Elementary School, Prosser School District

  • Nicole Tamura, high school life skills teacher, Richland High School, Richland School District

Founded in 1999 by Dr. John Umbarger, the Crystal Apple Awards were created to honor the education profession by recognizing individuals who make a lasting and positive impact on students’ lives. Since its inception, the program has celebrated more than 300 educators across the region and continues to be supported by community service groups, local businesses, and individuals who believe in recognizing excellence in public education.

 

During the ceremony, superintendents from the participating districts - Burbank, Finley, Kennewick, Kiona-Benton City, North Franklin, Othello, Pasco, Prosser, and Richland - will present each honoree with a $1,500 cash award, a crystal apple and a certificate.

 

Community members are encouraged to attend the celebration, which begins promptly at 4:30 p.m. in the Cascade rooms at ESD 123 in Pasco.

Elena Olmstead
ESD 123 Director of Communications
eolmstead@esd123.org
(509) 544-5787

(Headshots of all honorees are available. Contact me if you'd like them.)

| ESD 123
Green Park Elementary Principal to Step Down at end of school year; Comprehensive Search Planned (Photo)
Walla Walla Sch. Dist. - 02/18/26 8:31 AM
CesarHernandez.jpg
CesarHernandez.jpg
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2026-02/1288/186816/CesarHernandez.jpg

WALLA WALLA - 

Green Park Elementary School Principal Cesar Hernandez has announced he will step down from his position at the end of the current school year as he pursues professional opportunities outside of Walla Walla Public Schools.

 

Hernandez began his career with Walla Walla Public Schools in 2011 as a para-educator. He later served as a teacher at Edison Elementary for five years and was assistant principal at Green Park for two years. He was hired as principal at Green Park in 2022. Throughout his tenure, he has been recognized for his dedication to students, families, and staff, as well as his commitment to inclusive and high-quality education.

 

Superintendent Dr. Ben Gauyan praised Hernandez for his strong parent outreach, commitment to dual language programs and positive influence on students’ academic and personal growth.

 

“Cesar has been a passionate advocate for students and families,” Dr. Gauyan said. “His dedication to building strong relationships, supporting bilingual education, and creating welcoming learning environments has had a lasting impact on Green Park and our district. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him well in his next chapter.”

 

Walla Walla Public Schools will conduct a comprehensive and inclusive search process to identify the next principal of Green Park Elementary. The district is committed to engaging staff, families and community members throughout the process.

Additional information about opportunities to provide input and participate in the search will be shared in the coming days and weeks.

 

###

Mark Higgins, Communications Director
(509) 526-6716 / mhiggins@wwps.org



Attached Media Files: CesarHernandez.jpg

| Walla Walla Sch. Dist.
Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors Special Meeting/Executive Session: February 18, 2026
Walla Walla Sch. Dist. - 02/13/26 4:54 PM

Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997

Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information:  https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule

Veronica Esparza
Walla Walla Public Schools
Executive Assistant to the
Superintendent of Schools
509-526-6715
vesparza@wwps.org

| Walla Walla Sch. Dist.
Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors Regular Business Meeting: February 17, 2026
Walla Walla Sch. Dist. - 02/13/26 3:49 PM

Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information:  https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule

Veronica Esparza
Walla Walla Public Schools
Executive Assistant to the
Superintendent of Schools
509-526-6715
vesparza@wwps.org

| Walla Walla Sch. Dist.