View this release online.

Note: This story has been updated to reflect that both children and their mother have been safely located, and the children's names and photos have been removed to protect their identities now that public assistance is no longer required.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Tonight, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) issued an AMBER Alert for two missing and endangered children who are believed to be with their non-custodial mother.

Based on preliminary information, in December 2025, a Multnomah County judge granted temporary custody of eight-year-old [Name Removed] and seven-year-old [Name Removed] to their father. The court ordered supervised parenting‑time conditions for the mother, 37-year-old Ann Marie Quarles. 

On February 13, 2026, a family member dropped off both children with Quarles, but she did not return the children as expected. On February 20, 2026, the court determined Quarles to be in violation of the custody order and directed law enforcement to assist the father in recovering the children.

On February 24, 2026, MCSO went to Quarles’ apartment, located in the 2600-block of Southeast 145^th Avenue in Portland, but neither she nor the two girls were there. 

During the investigation, deputies were told Quarles may have left over the weekend with the girls. Due to the circumstances, MCSO law enforcement deputies requested assistance from MCSO detectives.

Deputies reached Quarles by phone on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, who told them she was in Moses Lake, Washington but refused to give her exact location. Deputies instructed her to contact local law enforcement, but she refused. Quarles also told deputies that she did not intend to comply with the court’s order. 

Detectives believe [Name Removed] and [Name Removed] may be in danger.

Although Quarles told deputies she is in Washington, that information has not been confirmed. There could be a chance she and the two girls are in Portland. 

[Name Removed] and her sister, [Name Removed], are both white females, approximately 4 feet tall and weighing between 40 and 45 pounds. They each have dark blonde hair and blue eyes.

Community members are urged to call 9-1-1 if they see [Name Removed] and [Name Removed] or Quarles. 

AMBER Alerts are issued to rapidly disseminate vital information to the public and partner agencies to assist in the safe recovery of children believed to have been abducted and are in imminent danger. 

An AMBER Alert is issued only when certain criteria are met, including:

• Reasonable belief that an abduction has occurred.
• The missing child is 17 years of age or younger and believed to be in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death.
• Sufficient descriptive information is available about the child, suspect, and/or suspect’s vehicle that can assist in the child’s recovery.
• Required information has been entered into national law enforcement information systems. 

[Photo Removed]

(Above photo: [Name Removed])

[Photo Removed]

(Above photo: [Name Removed]) 

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View this release online.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is providing an update on a case that involved two missing and endangered children.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday February 25, 2026, MCSO deputies safely located 37-year-old Ann Marie Quarles and her two children in the 17000-block of Northeast Sacramento Street in Gresham.

Neither child appeared injured.

Detectives will complete their investigation and forward the case to the district attorney’s office.

MCSO initiated the AMBER Alert process based on the information available at the time and the concern that both children were at risk after being taken by their non‑custodial mother in violation of a court order.

After the alert was requested, Oregon State Police (OSP), which manages Oregon’s AMBER Alert system, informed MCSO that the circumstances did not meet the criteria required for issuance of an AMBER Alert.

MCSO appreciates the community members and media who helped share the information in this case. In situations such as this, community involvement plays an important role in supporting investigations and generating tips that may assist in locating those involved.

At this time, no further information is available for release.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

PacifiCorp Announces Settlement of All Federal Claims for Damages from 2020 Labor Day Wildfires and 2022 McKinney Fire

Portland, Ore. (February 20, 2026) — PacifiCorp has reached a comprehensive settlement for $575 million resolving all known federal government claims for damages related to the 2020 Labor Day wildfires—including the 242, Archie Creek, Echo Mountain, Slater and South Obenchain fires—and the 2022 McKinney wildfire. 

“This settlement is another significant milestone demonstrating our ongoing commitment to resolve all reasonable claims related to the devastating fires that affected Oregon and California,” said Ryan Flynn, President of Pacific Power. “Setting aside claims arising from the Beachie Creek/Santiam Canyon fire, we have now settled nearly 90 percent of known claims for a total of more than $2.2 billion, providing certainty for customers and progress toward a financially healthy utility.”

PacifiCorp continues to invest in wildfire prevention and mitigation initiatives, including situational awareness, advanced monitoring technologies, enhanced vegetation management and system strengthening. The company remains dedicated to collaborating with regulators, legislators and customers to develop long-term solutions that address the growing threat of wildfire and other extreme weather events.

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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.

Two Defendants Indicted for Forced Labor, Victim Tampering, Aggravated Identity Theft, Mail Fraud, and Wire Fraud involving

Yakima and Benton County H-2A Workers and 

Four Defendants Charged via Superseding Indictment for Fraud and Exploitation-Related Federal Offenses involving Yakima and Benton County H-2A Workers

DPSST Telecommunications Curriculum Advisory Committee Membership Opportunity

The DPSST Telecommunications Curriculum Advisory Committee (TCAC) is currently seeking interested individuals for membership. 

Who Should Apply?

We already have strong representation from managers and supervisors and are looking to expand our membership to include line staff, coaches, and trainers from various agencies across the state, representing different agency sizes.

TCAC Overview and Member Responsibilities:

The TCAC operates as a subcommittee of the DPSST Telecommunications Policy Committee (TPC), with all members appointed by the TPC. Responsibilities include convening bi-annually or as needed by DPSST to review curriculum for Telecommunications and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Field Training Manuals, and EMD cards. Members, serving as subject matter experts (SMEs), will recommend updates and revisions based on these reviews.

Length of Service and How to Apply:

The commitment is for a minimum of two (2) years. Interested individuals are invited to submit a letter of interest to Kathy.Fink@dpsst.oregon.gov by March 10, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed, and selections will be made to create a well-rounded committee.

BASIC CORRECTIONS FIREARMS

WORKGROUP MEETING

SCHEDULED

Tillamook Highway during December floods,, photo courtesy of ODOT

SALEM, Ore. — Gov. Tina Kotek has requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump following severe storms that struck Oregon from Dec. 15 to Dec. 21, 2025. The request seeks public assistance for nine counties — Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Union and Yamhill — and statewide access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.  

 "The scale of damage from December's severe storms impacted multiple Oregon communities, with more than $15 million in losses and needed repairs. Rural communities are stretched beyond their limits, and help from FEMA is urgently needed,” Governor Kotek said. “I'm requesting a major disaster declaration from President Trump because Oregonians did the hard work of showing up for each other and they deserve federal support to rebuild." 

The storms brought record rainfall, high winds and an atmospheric river that caused widespread flooding, landslides and mudslides. At the peak, more than 300,000 Oregonians were without power, and multiple highways and interstates were closed. One person died in Yamhill County. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has created an interactive StoryMap detailing the event and its timeline. 

A joint preliminary damage assessment validated more than $15.4 million in eligible damages. Tillamook County had the highest per-capita damage at $154.29 per person. Without federal assistance, rural communities and consumer-owned utilities could face significant financial strain. 

“This storm struck our communities with little warning, leaving widespread damage and compounding the hardships from earlier storms and ongoing recovery efforts,” Erin McMahon, OEM director, said. “Local governments and utilities have worked tirelessly to protect lives and restore essential services, but the scale of destruction far exceeds what local resources can manage alone. Federal assistance is critical to help communities recover and build resilience against future disasters.” 

If approved, the declaration will provide funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to roads, bridges, utilities and other public infrastructure. Hazard mitigation funding would support long-term projects to reduce future disaster impacts.

For more information on Oregon’s disaster recovery efforts and how to be better prepared for disasters, visit Oregon.gov/OEM. 

SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet virtually at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 2. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Finalize Board Policy Manual (BPM) language updates
• Finalize agenda development document
• Develop plan to update board governance performance evaluation
• Discuss adding a Roberts Rules/Meeting Protocol section to the BPM
• Plan our presentation for the Board of Forestry (BOF) meeting on March 4
• Schedule next meeting

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov.

This standing board committee recommends policies (or policy changes) to the board pertaining to governance issues and processes including the oversight and management of the Board Policy Manual, orientation and training of new board members, the evaluation and improvement of the board, the repository of board materials, and oversight of the written conflict of interest policies, procedures, and review of annual or special statements of board members. Learn more about the committee.

SALEM, Ore. — The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) will meet at 10 a.m. on March 3, 2026, in the Tillamook Room, Building C, Oregon Department of Forestry at 2600 State Street in Salem. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Harvest tax allocation for fiscal year 2027 (FY27) district budgets
• Weather update
• Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF) fiscal year 2025 (FY25) ending balance and current financial status
• Status reports on EFCC work groups
• Fiscal year 2025 (FY25) audit report
• Administrative Branch/Protection Division/Administrator reports

The meeting is open to the public to attend in-person or virtually via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the end of the meeting. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-881-8292 or by email at na.m.hobbs@odf.oregon.gov">lorna.m.hobbs@odf.oregon.gov.

The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) oversees the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF), established by the Oregon Legislature as a fund with the purpose of providing funds for fiscal year budgets of forest protection districts, investments in supplemental fire prevention, detection or suppression resources that enhance fire protection in the state and issuing loans to the Oregon Department of Forestry or forest protection associations that relate to wildfire costs. View more information on the EFCC webpage.

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4. The meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. The meeting is open to the public and will also be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel. 

The board’s business agenda includes:

• State forester introduction
• Legislative session update
• Board of Forestry Governance Committee’s recommendations to the Board Manual and best practices
• Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee comments
• State Forests: Update on the rulemaking process for the Western Oregon Forest Management Plan and Performance Measures
• Governor’s Natural Resource Team update
• Update on the Adaptive Management Program
• Tethered logging rulemaking

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage.

Signing up for live testimony is required. Instructions are available online. Written testimony will also be accepted. Written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day by mail to the Board Support Office, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310 or email to oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. Please include the appropriate agenda item and topic with the submission.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov" target="_blank">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. 

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. Learn more about the board.

The Governing Board of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) will meet on Tuesday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. This public meeting will be conducted as a teleconference.

The meeting agenda, including call-in information, is available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/about/govboard/boardagenda_03_10_2026.pdf

The DOGAMI Governing Board sets policy, oversees general operations, and adopts a strategic plan every six years. The Board meets at least quarterly. As active members of their communities, Board members provide an important connection between Oregonians and DOGAMI’s mission of providing earth science information and regulation to make Oregon safe and prosperous.

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For Immediate Release: Feb. 26, 2026

Media Contact:  Communications@employ.oregon.gov;

Anna Johnson, Senior Research Analyst, Anna.L.Johnson@employ.oregon.gov

Oregon Private Job Vacancies Flatten Out in 2025

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon private employers reported 58,500 job openings at any given time in 2025. This was essentially unchanged from the 57,800 job openings seen in 2024, according to new data from the Oregon Employment Department’s Job Vacancy Survey.

In research published today, senior research analyst Anna Johnson reports that the health care and social assistance industry saw the strongest level of hiring in 2025, with over a quarter of all vacancies coming from companies in that sector. Most job openings across the state tended to be for full-time and permanent positions. Vacancies with higher education requirements also had a greater likelihood for prior experience requirements, and higher average wages.

Oregon saw record high levels of job vacancies in the recovery from the pandemic recession in 2021 and 2022. Vacancies returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2024 and 2025. For the full analysis, see the article Oregon Private Job Vacancies: 2025 Job Vacancies Remained Flat.

About Workforce and Economic Research

The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department develops and distributes quality economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and support a thriving economy. Staff collect data from state and federal records and surveys; analyze the available information; and share insights with the public in a variety of ways, including regular reports, publications, and the website, QualityInfo.org.

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

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February 23, 2026

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831 

Application deadline extended for OAC Council

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon Health Authority is seeking applicants to serve on the Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC), a Council established by Ballot Measure 110 in 2020. The OAC is a public body of the state of Oregon that advises the Oregon Health Authority on the grant program described in ORS 430.389

Members of the OAC serve four-year terms. Members may be eligible for a stipend to compensate them for their time engaged official duties of the OAC. OHA is seeking new members in the categories described below:

• An academic researcher specializing in drug use or drug policy
• A representative of a coordinated care organization

Application extended: To apply, submit an application here by 11:59 pm, March 15, 2026.

A team at OHA will review applications and inform applicants of appointments by March 31, 2026.

For questions or more information, email HRN@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">BHRN@oha.oregon.gov ,or contact Karli Moon at li.moon@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Karli.moon@oha.oregon.gov or 971-240-8690.

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February 23, 2026

Media Contact: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov  

Oregon Health Authority welcomes new Principal Ombuds

The 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference: Stories, Culture, Place – Weaving Community Heritage will be in Woodburn and surrounding areas April 29 – May 2, 2026.
 

The conference is a time for people who share a common passion for Oregon’s heritage and history to come together to share insights, understand connections, develop relationships, learn new ways, reinforce the value of the work and leave energized to keep moving forward.
 

Designed to be interdisciplinary and cross-pollenating, the conference focuses on all sectors of cultural heritage, such as historic preservation, museums, archives, libraries, Main Streets, historic cemeteries, archaeology, Tribes, genealogy, public history, and local, state, federal government.
 

Communities are complex and varied, how they are viewed by visitors and residents is informed by the long history of human experience in that place and their own experiences. The 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference will explore the intersection of stories, culture and place to develop community heritage. This heritage is the anchor for participation, economic development, connection, and possibilities for a vibrant and healthy community. 
 

The City of Woodburn and Oregon Museums Association are valuable conference partners. Get conference details and registration information at www.oregonheritage.org. 

Highlights include:

• Keynote Speaker Monica Rhodes is an internationally recognized cultural heritage leader whose work is redefining how our nation understands memory and the future of historic places. She will be exploring the future of heritage work. This speaker was funded in part by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
• Celebrate with the Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards!
• Oregon Humanities Consider This – Labor, Farmworker Organizing, and Histories of Indigenous Communities in Oregon. Free and open to the public!

The sessions, workshops and tours will be spread throughout Woodburn and the surrounding area to help people preserving and sharing heritage and history in Oregon through 32 sessions, 6 topical networking meet ups, 8 workshops, 3 demonstrations, 10 tours, and a celebration of amazing heritage preservation work across the state.
 

Registration is available for Monica Rhodes keynote and the Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards alone and as part of the full conference registration.
 

Thanks to our conference sponsors: Oregon Correction Enterprises, America 250 Oregon Commission, University of Oregon Libraries, Historic Oregon Newspapers, Energy Trust of Oregon, and Proxi. And thank you to the 2026 Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards Sponsor Oregon Historical Society.

To learn more about the conference, visit www.oregonheritage.org. For additional questions, translation and accessibility needs contact Kuri Gill at i.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

SALEM, Oregon— Starting March 30, 2026, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will no longer waive the parking fee at 22 additional day-use parks.

A day-use parking permit is currently $10 for in-state visitors and $12 for out-of-state visitors and is valid for the entire day of purchase at any Oregon state park.

Access to parks remains free for visitors who walk, bike, or use public transportation. Visitors who drive in can show valid parking by displaying a current hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a current 12 or 24-month parking permit. Visitors who purchase parking permits online or via the parking QR codes can associate their license plates with valid payment.

Currently, OPRD requires a day-use parking permit at 46 parks and waives parking fees at over 150 parks across the state. The 22 additional parks were selected based on amenities and features that require maintenance and operation such as restrooms, trails, paving, irrigation, boat ramps and more. Parking fees help pay for maintenance, operation, and keep these offerings available for all visitors.

“These updates are about protecting the experiences visitors love,” said Interim Director Stefanie Coons. “We know fee changes are tough and we truly appreciate the support from visitors. These changes help us take care of things people count on like restrooms, boat ramps, and trails, so we can keep parks safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.”

Oregon State Parks has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. It is not funded by general fund taxes.

For frequent visitors looking to save on parking, an annual parking permit is available for Oregon State Parks and can be purchased online. The 12-month parking permit costs $60 for Oregon residents. The 24-month parking permit is no longer for sale, but valid permits will be honored until they expire.

Additionally, March 30 also marks the start of a $10 fee at 19 RV dump stations across the park system. This fee helps cover the cost of maintaining this amenity and supports efforts toward more sustainable operations. Visitors can pay easily by scanning a QR code at the dump station or by paying online.

Whether you are visiting for the day or camping overnight, Oregon State Parks recommends that you visit the park webpage before your visit. Conditions can change quickly and some parks may have construction or seasonal closures.

Oregon state parks with parking fees added March 30, 2026:

• Agate Beach State Recreation Area
• Angel’s Rest Trailhead
• Banks-Vernonia State Trail
• Bob Straub State Park
• Brian Booth State Park
• Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
• Cape Blanco State Park
• Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
• Carl G Washburne Memorial State Park
• Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
• Elijah Bristow State Park
• Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area
• Gleneden Beach State Recreation Area
• Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site
• Lake Owyhee State Park
• Latourell Falls Trailhead at Guy Talbot State Park
• Molalla River State Park
• Oceanside Beach State Recreation Area
• Roads End State Recreation Site
• Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
• Wallowa Lake State Park
• William M Tugman State Park

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SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) will host a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. PST. This meeting gives customers a chance to share their thoughts on Cascade Natural Gas Corporation’s proposal to raise customer rates. Earlier that day, PUC staff will hold a virtual workshop from 2-4 p.m. to give customers an opportunity to learn more about the proposed rate increase and ask questions.

Cascade Natural Gas filed a request with the PUC to increase the amount of money it collects from customers by $16.4 million or 15.82 percent. If the request is approved, a typical residential customer using an average 59 therms of natural gas per month would see their bill increase by about $11.07 (from $63.63 to $74.70 per month). Actual bill changes will vary depending on customer type (residential, commercial or industrial), how much gas is used, and the rate each customer pays.

Cascade Natural Gas reported the increase is needed to pay for system safety and reliability improvements, and growing operations and maintenance costs.

This is the company’s first general rate case since 2020. The filing is undergoing a nearly year-long review by the PUC, the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, and other stakeholders. This public meeting is part of the review. The PUC Commissioners will make a final decision in October of this year. The Commissioners may approve or modify Cascade Natural Gas’ request and will only approve rate increases if fully justified by the company. Any new rates would take effect October 26, 2026.

Informational Workshop

When: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. PST

This virtual/phone-in workshop provides an opportunity to learn about Cascade Natural Gas’ proposal and ask questions of PUC staff. This session is informational only; public comments will not be taken.

Zoom link and phone-in details: https://bit.ly/4s1tjTk

Ways to Comment

Community members can share their comments on Cascade Natural Gas’ rate request in several ways.

Comment at the virtual public meeting

When: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. PST

This meeting may run past 7 p.m. to allow more people to comment. The Commission will work to provide an opportunity to comment for those who join before 7 p.m. The meeting will end at 7 p.m. if no members of the public are waiting to speak. To ensure time to comment, please join as close to 6 p.m. as possible.  This event will not be livestreamed.

Zoom link and phone-in details: https://bit.ly/4kRYXQQ

Spanish translation services are offered at no charge for community convenience. To access translation services, sign in to Zoom and choose English or Spanish at the bottom of the screen. Translation is not supported for participants joining by phone.

Other ways to comment

Please submit comments by June 15, 2026, using one of the following options:

• Public Comment Form online
• Email: licComments@puc.oregon.gov">PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov  
• Phone: 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 (all relay calls accepted)
• Mail: Oregon Public Utility Commission, Attn: AHD – UG 525, PO Box 1088, Salem OR 97308-1088
   

Stay Informed

To receive updates and public documents related to this case, request to be added to the distribution list. Email ings@puc.oregon.gov">puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or call 503-378-6678. Please include Docket No. UG 525 in the request.

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Cascade Natural Gas General Rate Case: Docket # UG 525

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury in Portland, Oregon, found Brandon Charles Nelson, 40, guilty yesterday of escape after failing to report to the Northwest Regional Re-entry Center (NWRRC) in Portland.

According to court documents, Nelson was convicted of felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 36 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release. On Feb. 25, 2025, after violating his release conditions for a third time, Nelson’s supervision was revoked, and he was sentenced to 12 months in prison and 18 months of supervised release. While in custody at Victorville Federal Corrections Institute (FCI), Nelson met criteria for placement in a residential re-entry center and was referred to the NWRRC. He was approved to travel unescorted and required to report no later than Nov. 20, 2025. Nelson absconded and failed to report as directed and required. Victorville FCI reported Nelson as an escapee to the United States Marshals Service (USMS) on Nov. 21, 2025, and the USMS arrested him on Dec. 5, 2025, without incident.

On Dec. 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Nelson with escape from custody.

Nelson faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on June 8, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge.

The USMS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arin Heinz prosecuted the case.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sex trafficking three minor victims.

Eric Lamont Harris, 51, was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Harris began trafficking 15-year-old Minor Victim 1 in Spring 2022. Minor Victim 1 was a ward of the state and reported missing in March 2022. Harris began trafficking 16-year-old Minor Victim 2 in June 2022. In July 2022, Harris brought Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 from Portland to Kennewick, Washington, with the intent that they engage in prostitution at a hotel he booked in Kennewick. After Minor Victim 2’s parents reported her missing, the FBI and Kennewick Police recovered Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 in Kennewick. Harris met 17-year-old Minor Victim 3 in June 2022 and began trafficking her in August 2022.

Each victim lived with Harris while he trafficked them. Harris booked hotel rooms for the minor victims’ commercial sex dates, transported them to and from those dates, facilitated the posting of online escort advertisements featuring the minor victims, and received thousands of dollars’ worth of commercial sex proceeds from the minor victims.

On September 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an eight-count second superseding indictment charging Harris with transportation with intent to engage in prostitution, three counts of sex trafficking of a child, three counts of sex trafficking of a child – benefitting from participation in a venture, and sexual exploitation of children.

On November 6, 2025, Harris pleaded guilty to the eight-count indictment on the fourth day of his ten-day trial.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Portland Police Bureau, the Kennewick Police Department, and the Medford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charlotte Kelley and Robert Trisotto prosecuted the case.

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

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

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Gearhart, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today for secretly filming a minor victim while nude and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Joseph Tyler Biamont, 35, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, Gearhart Police discovered that Biamont was in possession of a thumb drive containing secretly recorded videos of the minor victim while nude. The videos were filmed from what appeared to be a dummy smoke detector above the victim’s bed, behind a teddy bear, and from Biamont’s cell phone, depicting the minor victim going to the bathroom, showering, and changing clothes. Biamont is visible in some of the videos. Investigators also found files of CSAM of other minor victims on Biamont’s thumb drive and videos of an adult victim nude in the bathroom.

On May 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Biamont with sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.

On count one, Biamont faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life of supervised release. On count six, Biamont faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 19, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Biamont has agreed to pay restitution to the victims.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and the Gearhart Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlotte Kelley is prosecuting the case.

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

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MEDFORD, Ore.—A Central Point, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for felon in possession of a firearm after he and his co-defendants targeted an elderly victim and stole over $250,000 worth of gold, cash, and firearms.

Jonathan Anthony Kinsella, 53, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. 

According to court documents, in August 2023, Kinsella, a convicted felon, came up with a plan and solicited his wife and friend to burglarize an elderly victim. Kinsella and the two co-defendants split approximately $103,000 in cash, $180,000 in gold coins, and five firearms. Police executed a search warrant at Kinsella’s residence and found a .40 S & W caliber pistol, a .30-30 Winchester caliber rifle, a Colt .38 Special revolver, and a 12-guage weapon made from a shotgun.

On February 1, 2024, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Kinsella with two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.

On October 20, 2025, Kinsella pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Harper prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Salem, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for ordering live-streamed child sexual abuse material from child sex traffickers in the Philippines in exchange for money.

Steven Daniel Griswold, 44, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $12,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

According to court documents, from 2018 through 2019, Griswold paid for and received livestreamed “shows” featuring the sexual abuse and exploitation of children as young as three years old in the Philippines. During the livestreams, Griswold gave child sex traffickers in the Philippines specific instructions on how to abuse the children and received child sexual abuse material from the traffickers. Griswold typically paid traffickers between $20 to $40 for the livestreams. Griswold left the United States for the Philippines in 2020 after learning he was under investigation for uploading child pornography to Snapchat in an unrelated case.

On November 14, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Griswold with sexual exploitation of children, attempted sexual exploitation of children, and receiving child pornography.

Griswold was arrested in the United States in March 2024 after being deported from the Philippines. He was transported to Portland, Oregon, for his arraignment on May 9, 2024. On November 5, 2025, Griswold pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children.

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

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

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

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PORTLAND, Ore.— PacifiCorp has agreed to pay $575 million to resolve the United States’ claims for damages resulting from six wildfires in Oregon and California.

The four Oregon fires are:

• The “242 Fire,” which began on Sept. 7, 2020, near Chiloquin and burned 8,916 acres of federal land;
• The “Archie Creek Fire,” which began on Sept. 8, 2020, near French Creek in the Umpqua National Forest and burned 67,000 acres of federal land;
• The “Echo Mountain Complex Fire,” which began on Sept. 7, 2020, near Otis and burned approximately 2,500 acres, including federal land; and
• The “South Obenchain Fire,” which began on Sept. 8, 2020, east of Eagle Point and burned 14,780 acres of federal land.

The two California fires are:

• The “Slater Fire,” which began on Sept. 8, 2020, on Slater Butte National Forest lands within the Klamath National Forest and burned 157,229 acres of federal land within the Klamath, Six River, and Rogue River Siskiyou National Forests; and
• The “McKinney Fire,” which began on July 29, 2022, on land next to the Klamath National Forest and burned 39,000 acres of federal land.

The settlement resolves the United States’ claims that PacifiCorp’s electrical lines negligently started all six fires. The settlement monies will help repay the United States for the substantial costs it incurred fighting the fires, which is critical because the U.S. Forest Service now spends more than half of its budget on wildfire suppression annually. Settlement funds will also be distributed to the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to restore some of the 290,000 acres of public land that were burned.

These recoveries are among the largest federal wildfire recoveries to date.

“The United States and PacifiCorp have reached a settlement that ensures fair compensation to the American taxpayer for fire-related damages,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This agreement strikes a balance by addressing the government’s significant fire-suppression costs and loss of natural resources without preventing PacifiCorp from offering electricity at fair prices.”

“Wildfires remain a recurring threat to our natural resources, the safety of our communities, and their economic well-being. The costs of land losses and fire responses are substantial,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Recouping the costs associated with these wildfires is a priority for our office, and this settlement achieves that.”

“This settlement served the Department’s longstanding policy of holding individuals and corporations responsible for damages caused by wildfires. Every fire impacting federal lands, no matter the size, is a priority,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant of the Eastern District of California.

This settlement is the result of a joint effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for Oregon and the Eastern District of California, the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis Lien of the District of Oregon and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Amin and Kelli L. Taylor of the Eastern District of California handled the cases for the U.S. Attorney’s Offices.

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. PacifiCorp continues to deny liability for these fires.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Romanian national pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with an online intrusion into an Oregon state government office, along with multiple cyber attacks on other U.S. victims.

Catalin Dragomir, 45, formerly of Constanta, Romania, pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a protected computer and aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, Dragomir sold access to a computer on the network of an Oregon state government office after obtaining unauthorized access to it in June 2021. During the sale of access to the computer, Dragomir provided the prospective buyer with samples of personal identifying information from the computer to prove he had actual access to the network. Dragomir also sold access to the computer networks of numerous other victims in the U.S., causing losses of at least $250,000.

On May 21, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a five-count indictment charging Dragomir with obtaining information from a protected computer, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.

Dragomir was arrested in Romania in November 2024 and extradited to the United States in January 2025.

Dragomir faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for obtaining information from a protected computer and a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000, and one year of supervised release for aggravated identity theft.

He will be sentenced on May 26, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Dragomir has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victims and forfeited cryptocurrency.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorneys Benjamin A. Bleiberg and Alison M. Zitron of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Romanian Ministry of Justice, Directorate for International Law and Judicial Cooperation, and the Romanian judiciary to secure the arrest and extradition of Dragomir. The Department of Justice also thanks Darkweb IQ for its assistance with the investigation.

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.

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The City of Richland is now accepting applications from food and beverage vendors and concessionaires interested in operating within City parks during the 2026 season (April 1-October 31, 2026).

Vendors play an important role in enhancing the park experience for residents and visitors, and the City is seeking high-quality, reliable operators who offer services that complement the unique character and use of each park location.

The selection process is competitive. Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including vendor availability, feedback from provided references, the type of food or beverage services offered, and how well those services align with City standards.

• Applications received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, will receive priority consideration.  
• Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026. 

Prospective vendors are encouraged to carefully review available vending locations before applying.  Applications, requirements, park vending locations, and additional details for the 2026 vending season are available online at www.richlandparksandrec.com/ParkVendor.

The Richland Public Library invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of “The Lawn,” a new outdoor gathering space designed to expand library programming beyond its walls and provide a welcoming place for events, play, study, and connection.

The grand opening will take place on Saturday, March 7, beginning with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m. at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive. The ceremony will be followed by a full day of free, family-friendly programming on “The Lawn.”

Following the ribbon cutting, the Library will host Story Time on “The Lawn” at 10:15 a.m., offering families a special outdoor storytelling experience. At 1:00 p.m., the community is invited to return for Holi: Festival of Colors, a vibrant cultural celebration marking the arrival of spring and emphasizing joy, unity, and renewal.

“The Lawn creates new opportunities for the Richland Public Library to bring people together in meaningful ways,” said Chris Nulph, Library Manager. “This space allows us to offer programs that encourage learning, creativity, and community connection in an open, accessible outdoor setting. In addition to hosting events, it provides a place for families to play, students to study, and community members to gather. We’d like to extend special appreciation to the Richland Library Foundation for their financial contribution, which helped make this project a reality.”

Designed as a flexible, multi-use space, “The Lawn” features outdoor lawn games available for children and families, as well as tables and seating with access to power and Wi-Fi, supporting everything from casual play and reading to studying and small group activities. The space will support a wide range of Library programs, events, and partnerships throughout the year, reinforcing the Library’s role as a community hub.

All events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

For more information about the project, visit www.myrichlandlibrary.org/TheLawn.

PASCO, WA - February 24, 2025 - Columbia Basin College (CBC) TRIO programs, including Student Support Services (SSS) and Upward Bound, are volunteering at Second Harvest on Wednesday, February 25, 3 to 5 pm at 5825 Burlington Loop, Pasco, WA. This event is part of a nationwide celebration with other colleges and universities commemorating the 40th annual National TRIO Day. The day recognizes the transformative impact of the Federal TRIO Programs, honoring the achievements of first-generation, income-eligible students, students with disabilities, and veterans pursuing higher education.

One of the key tenets of TRIO is service projects that benefit first-generation students. Second Harvest was chosen as this service project as it addresses the needs of food insecurity for many CBC students. Rising food prices and increasing living costs stretch many families. Hunger Free Washington states 17% of children in Franklin County and 18% of children in Benton County are food insecure.

“CBC is grounded in our local community; our students are reflected in these statistics. We continue to see the impact through the increased usage of our campus Food Pantry over the last several years”, says Rebekah S. Woods, President of CBC.

According to the American Psychological Association, food insecurity is more pronounced in community college students (23.4%) compared to students in 4-year institutions (20.9%). Food insecurity can affect a student's ability to dedicate time to their studies.

“TRIO programs at CBC are proud to give back to our community by supporting Second Harvest in response to the growing need for food resources in our area,” said Araceli Cumpston, Director for Student Support Services at CBC. “This year, we are celebrating 40 years of TRIO Programs. This milestone reminds us that TRIO was founded to address social, economic, and cultural barriers within higher education in the United States. By supporting local food access efforts, we not only honor our mission but also uplift and serve the communities our students come from.”

For more information about CBC TRIO SSS programs, visit columbiabasin.edu/sss or to learn more about National TRIO Day, visit coenet.org/national-trio-day-2.

Event Contact: Araceli Cumpston, 509-542-4868, acumpston@columbiabasin.edu

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Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities since 1955. CBC’s mission is to inspire, educate, and support all students in an environment of academic excellence leading to the completion of degrees, certifications, and educational transfers, while fostering meaningful employment, engaged citizenship, and a life-long joy of learning. CBC offers both two and four-year degrees and one-year Certificates. Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are offered in Applied Management, Applied Management in Agriculture or Healthcare Administration, Cyber Security, Dental Hygiene, Information Technology, Health Physics, Community Health, Teacher Education, and Project Management. CBC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Computer Science.

PASCO, Wash. — An exhibit in downtown Pasco is bringing renewed attention to the largely overlooked history of East Pasco’s African American community. “Eastside Temporalities,” on display at Cafe con Arte through the end of March, blends art, archival materials and multimedia storytelling to document life in the neighborhood from World War II through the early 1970s.

Just blocks from the 150-acre railyard that once divided Pasco along racial lines, the exhibit traces how Black families built a thriving community despite discriminatory housing policies that restricted where they could live. The project is the latest milestone in a multiyear, grant-funded initiative led by Washington State University Tri-Cities faculty in collaboration with community partners.

“By 1950, Pasco is about 20 percent Black, which per capita, is one of the largest Black populations in the West Coast,” said Robert Franklin, WSU Tri-Cities assistant professor of history and associate director of the Hanford History Project. “But it’s relegated to East Pasco.”

Franklin, the project’s principal investigator, has spent nearly a decade gathering photos, essays, oral histories and personal artifacts that anchor the exhibit. The materials illustrate both the opportunities and challenges that shaped the community, from Hanford-related job growth to the lack of basic infrastructure, exclusionary business practices and the impact of sundown policies in the region.

The exhibit also highlights stories of resilience, including the rise of Black-owned businesses and community organizing during the civil rights movement, as well as the lasting effects of 1970s urban renewal that displaced many families.

As part of the research project, Franklin's team made plans to facilitate two public workshops aimed at community engagement. The first was an Aug. 30 mapping event at Morning Star Baptist Church, the oldest Black church in the Tri-Cities. That event gathered surviving members of the old East Pasco community to mark up a giant map of the neighborhood with the former locations of homes and businesses. The exhibit itself serves as the second workshop, blending historical essays and photos with original artwork by East Pasco-raised photographer and mixed-media artist Joel Nunn-Sparks.

“Eastside Temporalities,” also features digital components, including audio and video stories accessible by mobile phone. Kyley Canion-Brewer, a WSU Tri-Cities doctoral candidate and Hanford History Project intern who helped organize the workshops, said the exhibit represents the work and efforts of many contributors, including business owners, WSU Tri-Cities students and more.

“This is a labor of love, but it’s very collaborative,” she said. 

If future funding allows, the team hopes to develop an interactive web application based on the community mapping project. For now, an artistic rendering of the map is included as part of the exhibit.

The exhibit is free and open to the public through March at Cafe con Arte in downtown Pasco. 

Additional background information on the history of East Pasco’s African American community can be found on the WSU Tri-Cities website: https://tricities.wsu.edu/local-exhibit-reclaims-the-african-american-history-of-old-east-pasco/

Kelso High School has two students and one staff member heading to the national stage for something special. Unified athlete Isayah Eddleman, partner Mallory Wells, and Head Coach/Paraeducator Karen Cloke were selected to represent Washington at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota this June not as competitors, but as Youth Leaders. They are the only Washington Youth Activation Committee team traveling with athletes to experience the 10-day event.

Before heading to nationals, Isayah, Mallory, and Cloke will continue their leadership journey at the Winter State Games in Wenatchee, February 27–March 1, as part of the Youth Leadership Experience. There, they will deliver presentations about Unified Sports, lead activities, participate in student Q&A panels, build social media outreach, and assist with Winter Games events. Cloke will also collaborate with Unified coaches and school directors from across the state, mentoring and guiding schools as they expand their programs and deepen their impact.

For Cloke, the results of Unified Sports are visible far beyond the basketball court.

“Experiences with Unified sports seeps into the whole school,” said Cloke. “Students who had limited opportunities to interact with each other before are now giving each other hugs and high fives in the hallways. They greet one another with smiles and excitement. Thanks to Unified sports, their compassion grows and they form genuine bonds of friendship that go beyond athletics.”

As Kelso High School prepares to represent Washington on the national stage, one thing is clear: Unified Sports is not just building teams—it’s building leaders, friendships, and a culture where everyone belongs.

How They Were Selected

During the 2024–25 school year, the trio interviewed and were selected to serve on the Washington Youth Activation Committee (YAC) for Unified and Special Olympics. In their interview, they were asked to reflect on their experiences in Unified Sports and its personal impact. Isayah and Mallory shared how their friendship—formed through basketball—has shaped who they are as both athletes and individuals. Together with Cloke, they spoke passionately about their mission to expand inclusion and ensure every student feels accepted and supported in school and in sports.

Last June, the team attended a statewide conference where they met other Washington YAC members. They engaged in meaningful discussions about what inclusion looks like in their schools and how it changes lives. The Kelso team also assisted with the Special Olympics Summer Games—participating in events, conducting interviews with athletes and volunteers, and amplifying the voices of the Unified community.

Soon after, Cloke received extraordinary news from Morgan Larche, Director of Unified Schools for Special Olympics Washington: Isayah and Mallory had so impressed leaders with their authenticity, leadership, and commitment to inclusion that they were invited—along with Cloke—to represent Washington at the 2026 USA Special Olympics competition in Minnesota this June.

Why It Matters

Unified Sports is about more than competition — it’s about belonging.

By bringing together students with and without disabilities on the same team, Unified Sports creates authentic relationships that extend far beyond the court. At Kelso High School, those relationships are reshaping school culture.

Programs like Unified Sports directly support Kelso School District’s commitment to Climate & Culture by:

• Expanding opportunities for every student to feel seen and valued
• Creating student leaders who model inclusion
• Building empathy and compassion across peer groups
• Strengthening school connectedness — a key indicator of student success

When students feel that they belong, they show up differently — academically, socially, and emotionally.

Unified Sports is not just building teams. It’s building a school where everyone belongs.

February 19, 2026

Grandview School District Awarded $4 Million Federal Grant to Launch Yakima Valley School Psychology Consortium

Grandview, WA — The Grandview School District (GSD), in partnership with RGI Corporation, has been awarded a $4 million federal grant to establish and lead the Yakima Valley School Psychology Consortium (YVSPC) — a regional initiative designed to address the critical shortage of school psychologists in rural, high-need districts.

The majority of the $4 million investment will directly support paid internships, practicum placements, and travel costs for school psychology graduate students serving in rural districts. By removing financial barriers and creating structured, high-quality placements, the consortium aims to build a sustainable, locally rooted workforce dedicated to serving the region’s students and families.

This four-year grant positions Grandview School District as the fiscal agent and lead district in a collaborative effort serving students across the Yakima Valley and surrounding communities.

“This grant represents transformational investment in the mental health infrastructure of students and districts in rural Washington,” said Dr. Rob Darling, Superintendent of Grandview School District. “We are not only addressing immediate staffing shortages — we are building a long-term pipeline of highly trained school psychologists who understand and are committed to our communities.”

A Regional Partnership

The consortium includes the following partner school districts:

• Mt. Adams School District
• Wapato School District
• Sunnyside School District
• Mabton School District
• Toppenish School District
• Ephrata School District
• Othello School District

Higher education partners include:

• Central Washington University (CWU)
• Eastern Washington University (EWU)

Both universities will collaborate to identify, prepare, and supervise graduate candidates, ensuring practicum and internship experiences align with National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) credentialing standards.

Recognition of RGI Corporation.

Grandview School District extends sincere appreciation to RGI Corporation for their exceptional grant writing leadership and ongoing evaluation support. RGI played a critical role in developing the grant proposal and will continue to assist with data collection, outcome analysis, quarterly reporting, and federal performance reporting throughout the life of the grant.

“This award is the result of a true collaboration between districts, universities, and RGI,” Darling added. “Their expertise and commitment to rural communities made this opportunity possible.”

What the Grant Will Accomplish

Over the four-year period, the consortium will:

• Recruit, train, and place graduate students into high-need rural school districts
• Provide paid internship and practicum stipends
• Increase recruitment and retention of qualified school psychologists
• Reduce school psychologist-to-student ratios
• Establish sustainable systems for long-term workforce development beyond the life of the grant

Grandview School District will oversee grant management, implementation across participating districts, university coordination, and fiscal stewardship. The grant will fund a full-time Project Director and a .5 Administrative Assistant to support consortium operations for four years.

The initiative’s long-term goal is to eliminate rural school psychologist shortages while strengthening evidence-based mental health services for students throughout the Yakima Valley region.

Building Sustainable Infrastructure

Beyond recruitment and placement, the consortium will develop sustainable infrastructure to maintain placements, hiring pipelines, and training systems beyond the life of the grant. By year four, the model will be positioned for replication and expansion to other rural regions facing similar workforce challenges.

“This is about addressing a significant need in our region,” Darling said. “Students in rural districts deserve the same access to high-quality supports as students anywhere in the state. Through this consortium, we are taking bold, strategic action to make that a reality.”

-Dr. Rob Darling

Superintendent

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Good afternoon,

Please see the attached release regarding Wapato High School’s plans to celebrate its State Champion Boys’ Wrestling Team and more winter sports success.  We would love to have you attend if you are available.

Also, could you please make sure this info makes into the hands of your sports department.

Thanks for your time and consideration.

HAREFEST ANNOUNCES 2026 LINEUP

The Mother of All Tribute Festivals Continues to Set the Standard 

Canby, OR – (February 23, 2026) HAREFEST has announced its lineup for the 14th year of the annual tribute band music festival at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds & Event Center. The 3-day festival takes place July 16–18, 2026 and features 24 bands on two stages, including tributes to QUEEN, FLEETWOOD MAC, LED ZEPPELIN, DEF LEPPARD, EAGLES, MOTLEY CRUE, TOM PETTY, RUSH, AC/DC, ABBA, DURAN DURAN, FOO FIGHTERS, JUDAS PRIEST, HEART, ALICE IN CHAINS, THE CARS, BON JOVI, STEVE MILLER BAND, BILLY JOEL, BOSTON, BEASTIE BOYS, IRON MAIDEN, YACHT ROCK, and more. Each night features a finale set in the Event Center’s courtyard (dubbed “Hippie Hollow”) that includes a laser light show produced by Laser Gator. 

Harefest returns to the Clackamas County Fairgrounds & Event Center and is once again expanding its footprint to include additional RV parking and tent sites after selling out well in advance for several consecutive years. In all, nearly 500 overnight spaces are available for what’s been referred to as “The Coachella of Tribute Bands.” 

Other event highlights for this year’s edition of HAREFEST include: 

• An “After 5pm” ticket option for Friday and Saturday nights

• Video walls on each side of the main stage for enhanced concert viewing

• A Saturday morning “Yacht Rock Brunch” featuring Red Light Romeos

• The “Farewell Performance” of Anthem - Rush Tribute

• Rock Shop’s Headbangers Ball with special guests, closing out the festival and hosted by legendary Ozzy impersonator Tim Tugg of Crazy Train – Ozzy Osbourne tribute

Now in its 14th year, Harefest has grown from a regional gathering of tribute band fans into the cornerstone event of a multi-festival portfolio produced by Harefest LLC. In addition to Harefest, the company also produces Legends Reloaded, Capital City Retro Fest, 90’s Flannel Fest, and Seattle Retro Fest, further expanding its footprint as a tribute-focused festival producer in the Pacific Northwest.

“Over the past few years, we’ve been fortunate to grow beyond Harefest and launch additional festivals throughout the region,” said co-founder Jason Fellman. “But Harefest remains the event that started it all. It’s our biggest production, our most established tradition, and the one that continues to set the standard for everything we do. Every year we reinvest what we’ve learned across our other events to make Harefest even better.”

Harefest is a 21-and-over event. Tickets go on sale Friday, February 27 at 10 a.m. via Afton Tickets at harefest.com/tickets. 

LINKS 

Festival website: www.harefest.com

Additional Band Info: www.j-fell.com 

Logos / Images / Site Maps: https://bit.ly/HarefestMedia 

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Oregon Senate Bill 1570 will hold federal immigration officers accountable inside hospitals, protect patients’ and providers’ rights, and ensure everyone can access healthcare without fearing for their safety.

(SALEM, Ore.) – Healthcare workers applauded Tuesday as the Oregon Senate voted to pass the Healthcare Without Fear Act, Senate Bill 1570, to ensure hospitals are places of healing and trust; not fear or intimidation. The Healthcare Without Fear Act ensures federal immigration agents are accountable to the same standards as state and local law enforcement inside hospitals; safeguards patients’ private health information; and improves Oregonians’ health and safety.

“This bill is not abstract policy—it is a promise. A promise that Oregon’s hospitals will be safe spaces. A promise that violence and intimidation have no place in healthcare settings. A promise that caregivers can do their jobs without fear. And a promise that all patients are treated with the dignity, humanity, and protection they deserve,” said ONA President Tamie Cline, RN. 

The Healthcare Without Fear Act comes after recent federal policy changes have made hospitals, clinics, and schools targets for immigration enforcement actions from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In Oregon federal immigration agents 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 reportedly failed to follow protocols inside hospitals by entering restricted areas, exposing protected health information, and interfering with patients’ care. 

Senate Bill 1570 requires hospitals to create policies around all law enforcement interactions, designate a point person to interface with law enforcement to reduce burdens on frontline caregivers, and clearly designate public and private spaces. It protects patients’ 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.

“Our patients do not feel safe seeking necessary and life-saving medical care. This injustice strikes at the heart of our healthcare system,” said ONA member Jayesh Palshikar, RN. “The Healthcare Without Fear Act will protect providers and patients, hold federal officers accountable to basic hospital standards and begin restoring trust in our healthcare system.”

Following today’s successful Senate vote, the bill will move on to the House Committee on Health Care.

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

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In partnership with Northwest Public Broadcasting, Mid-Columbia Libraries invites the community to a special evening program, “Wrecked: A Screening & Author Conversation.” Join historian and author Coll Thrush for an exploration of the haunting history of shipwrecks along the Pacific Northwest coast.

The event will take place at the Kennewick library at 1620 S. Union St. on Monday, March 2 at 6 pm. The program begins with a screening of “Wrecked,” inspired by Thrush’s acclaimed book of the same name, followed by a brief author talk and a fireside chat with question and answer moderated by Anna King, Senior Correspondent for Northwest Public Broadcasting.

“Wrecked,” traces the stories of iconic shipwrecks along the Graveyard of the Pacific, a dangerous stretch of coastline that has claimed more than 2,000 ships. The film and conversation examine how these maritime disasters have shaped coastal communities, influenced Indigenous history, and contributed to the region’s identity.

Books will be available for purchase at the event, with a signing to follow the program. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided while supplies last.

About Mid-Columbia Libraries

Mid-Columbia Libraries empowers people, supports learning, and strengthens community through literacy, enrichment, and connection. Since 1949, we have grown to 12 library branches, a rural delivery service, and a digital branch. Today, we offer cardholders systemwide, 24/7 access to more than 400,000 books, audiobooks, magazines, and videos, including more than 100,000 downloadable eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and streaming video. Visit midcolumbialibraries.org for more information.

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