Bend Fire and Rescue are excited to invite you to our Fire Department Open House at our North Fire Station (Station 305) on Saturday September 28th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Join us at 63377 NE Jamison St. for a fantastic opportunity to explore our fire station, climb aboard a fire engine, meet our dedicated firefighters and emergency responders, and connect with our community partners. Enjoy free ice cream as you tour the station and learn about the important work we do. This event is open to everyone, so feel free to bring your friends and family. We look forward to seeing you there!

Embargoed until Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 3:15 p.m.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Niccole Harrison as one of Oregon’s 18 2024-25 Regional Teachers of the Year! Harrison teaches language arts at Nixya'awii Community School located on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, outside of Pendleton. Nixya’awaii Community School is a charter school of the Pendleton School District. 

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at the Nixya’awiii Community School on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 3:15 p.m., when Harrison will be honored with staff and students. 

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12.

As shared by a student in her nomination, “Ms. Harrison’s classroom has always been a place of comfort for me, and she has made it a welcoming setting where I always feel heard, safe, and seen. She has done an excellent job of making her classroom a place where students want to learn. Her whole room is engaging and full of educational opportunities.” 

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development. 

“Now more than ever, we need powerful educators like these,” said Director of the Oregon Department of Education Dr. Charlene Williams. “Each Regional Teacher of the Year has earned this recognition because they champion every student, uplifting and empowering them to achieve, to create, and to feel a sense of belonging not only in the classroom, but in the wider world, as well. Students and families in Oregon are fortunate to have teachers like these whose inspiring contributions create lasting impacts that ripple out into their communities and beyond.” 

Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October. 

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, $1.6 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Pendleton School District, and more than $7.9 million went to Umatilla County. 

“These exceptional teachers inspire and encourage students every day in classrooms across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are proud to honor their contributions and vital role in making our communities stronger.” 

On Friday, September 20, 2024, once all 18 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.

Shortly following the event, photos from the regional surprise announcement for Harrison will be available HERE.

Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.

RICHLAND, Wash. – Students and community members seeking employment or internships will have the opportunity to meet with area employers at the Washington State University Tri-Cities career and internship fair on Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held on the WSU Tri-Cities campus, with each registrant entering through the Consolidated Information Center. Registration for both employers and participants is now open. 

Thanks to the collaboration of WorkSource, Columbia Basin College, and the Washington Workforce Portal, local organizations from a wide variety of industries are slated to attend, giving ample opportunity for students and community members to explore their options for employment. Attendees seeking employment opportunities should come prepared with copies of resumes, as well as other documents they may wish to share. 

“Bringing employers and our students together at the WSU Tri-Cities Career Fair is a great opportunity for both sides,” said John Navarro, career center coordinator. “It’s a chance for students to explore real career possibilities and connect with organizations that value their skills. Employers can meet motivated individuals who are eager to contribute, and job seekers get to see what roles might be a good fit for them.”

All attendees must register in advance. Interested employers that wish to have a booth at the event must register by Oct. 1. For information regarding the event and registration for both students and employers, visit tricities.wsu.edu/careerfair.  

The City of Richland will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting of Fire Station 76 on Tuesday, September 17, at 11:00 a.m. 

The 10,850-square-foot state-of-the-art facility is located at 4307 Trowbridge Boulevard, just off Dallas Road and Interstate 82 in South Richland. The new station is designed to serve our growing community, which includes expanding housing developments, vibrant parks, bustling commercial areas, and a future school. With its proximity to Highway I-82, the station ensures quicker response times to emergencies in the area.

The facility also features dedicated space for police officers stationed in the area, enabling them to stay close by during their shifts.

We invite all residents and the media to celebrate this important addition to our community. Meet your neighbors, greet fire and emergency personnel, and enjoy refreshments while taking a self-guided tour of the new station. This is the sixth fire station in Richland and the fourth to include space for a police presence. 

More information can be found by visiting www.ci.richland.wa.us/projects.

Umatilla County, Ore. 13 Sept 24- On Friday, Sept 13, 2024, at 4:56 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 214, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Franklin Rufus Bevins (42) of Richlands (VA), left the roadway for unknown reasons, damaged approximately 100 feet of guardrail before striking a concrete overpass railing and falling approximately 25 feet to the roadway below.

The operator of the Peterbilt (F. Bevins) and passenger, Ginger Elaine Bevins (43) of Richlands (VA), were both declared deceased at the scene. The decedents were husband and wife.

The roadway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation at this time.

OSP was assisted by the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department, Umatilla Tribal Police Department, and ODOT.

# # #

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

La Pine, Ore. — This summer, the Darlene 3 and Jackpine wildfires near La Pine, Oregon, shined a spotlight on the negative effects of long-term overstays and illegal dumping on public lands. In response, local community members approached the Bureau of Land Management with a request: could they organize a group clean-up?

The newly formed Newberry Regional Partnership gathered nearly 60 volunteers and spent a Saturday in August removing hundreds of pounds of garbage from the BLM’s Jackpine Camp, located southwest of La Pine.

The group said they saw how frustrated people were with trash on the lands in their community, and they wanted to offer a way for residents to be part of a solution.

For the BLM, the project was an easy sell—with a big caveat.

The area around Jackpine Camp was well-known as a dumping area, RV chop shop, and place of long-term overstays. The field office was already in the process of putting a contract out to bid on the same area, and they had identified a portion of the area as potentially containing human waste and asbestos.

If the volunteers were willing to stick to the open meadow, have hazmat-trained personnel on site, and provide hand-washing stations, the BLM would be a willing partner.

With that support, the Newberry Regional Partnership coordinated the cleanup with the BLM, the Public Land Stewards, the City of La Pine, Deschutes County, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District. Republic Services, a local trash and recycling company, offered staff and dumpsters for the event, and the La Pine Ace Hardware provided supplies.

"It was a perfect turn of events to partner on this," said Lisa Clark, BLM Deschutes Field Manager. “We were able to make the day more manageable for the fantastic group of volunteers and focus the upcoming contract on the hazardous materials and vehicles.”

In just a few hours, nearly 60 volunteers filled two 30-yard dumpsters, three 20-yard dumpsters, and numerous privately owned trailers with debris. Republic Services provided individual dumpsters for trash, metal, and tires, making disposal easier. The team worked tirelessly to remove hundreds of pounds of garbage, ranging from household trash to clothes to washing machines.

Although a team of yellow jackets decided to emerge and join the event, the watchful members of Public Land Stewards were able to identify the nest location and flag off areas of concern.

The event was topped off with a communal lunch and a sense of accomplishment. Many volunteers expressed their desire to participate in future cleanup initiatives.

“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in this cleanup,” said Kathy DeBone, Community Coordinator at the Newberry Regional Partnership. “The abandoned Jackpine Camp cleanup serves as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the importance of environmental stewardship.”

To schedule a media interview on this story, please reach out to Lisa Clark at 541-280-9560 or lmclark@blm.gov.

-BLM-

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

Salem, Oregon – More than 50 Oregonians have joined forces to launch the Oregon Cultural Trust’s new Cultural Ambassador Network, inspired to promote cultural giving in Oregon. Inaugural members include Norm Smith, president emeritus of The Ford Family Foundation, Oregon Poet Laureate Emerita Paulann Petersen and former state representative Margaret Doherty, as well as many cultural nonprofit executives and supporters in communities ranging from Astoria, Portland and Jacksonville to Prineville and Wallowa.

The Cultural Ambassador Network empowers dedicated and passionate individuals across Oregon to promote the work of arts, heritage and humanities nonprofits while increasing statewide funding through Oregon’s unique Cultural Tax Credit.

“We know the most effective way to inspire people to donate to cultural organizations and use Oregon’s Cultural Tax Credit – the source of our grant funds for more than 1,650 cultural nonprofits statewide – is word of mouth,” said Cultural Trust Executive Director Brian Rogers. “Hearing from someone you trust about how it works, and how easy it is to do, empowers cultural supporters to make their matching contribution.”

Cultural Ambassadors become conversant in how the Cultural Trust and the Cultural Tax Credit work – with training and support – and share the information in ways that are convenient and comfortable for them. 

Examples of Cultural Ambassador activities include:

• Committing to one-on-one conversations with 10 cultural donors about the tax credit; 
• Encouraging local cultural nonprofits to promote the Cultural Tax Credit to their donors;
• Attending local cultural events to share information about the Cultural Tax Credit;
• Presenting a Trust-provided PowerPoint at cultural nonprofit board meetings or events;
• Talking with tax preparers or CPAs about encouraging clients to use the Cultural Tax Credit;
• Presenting to local service organizations about the Cultural Trust and the tax credit;
• Hosting a social gathering at which Cultural Trust information is shared;
• Connecting with local media to share stories of Cultural Trust funding impact; 
• Connecting the Cultural Trust team to other potential Ambassadors/local thought leaders; and
• Working creatively with the Trust team on unique opportunities for promotion.

All Cultural Ambassadors are recognized on the Cultural Trust website and receive an official Cultural Trust Ambassador nametag plus information cards and a special gift – a limited-edition Celebrate Oregon! mug.

Those interested in joining the Cultural Ambassador Network should contact Communications Manager Carrie Kikel at rie.kikel@biz.oregon.gov">carrie.kikel@biz.oregon.gov.

# # #

The Oregon Cultural Trust was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2001 as a unique means to reward Oregonians who invest in culture. Oregonians who donate to a cultural nonprofit and then make a matching gift to the Cultural Trust receive a 100% state tax credit for their gift to the Trust. The Cultural Trust’s  three grant programs fund  five Statewide Partners, 45 County and Tribal Coalitions and qualified cultural nonprofits through competitive Cultural Development Grants.

Embargoed until Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 8:15 a.m.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Tori Corak as one of Oregon’s 18 2024-25 Regional Teachers of the Year! Corak teaches second grade at Enterprise Elementary School.

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at Enterprise Elementary School on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 8:15 a.m., when Corak will be honored at an all-school assembly.

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades preK-12.

“To say, ‘She goes above and beyond,’ sounds like a cliché and would be an understatement. She is the physical manifestation of the love, care, passion, focus, and drive that we all work towards representing ourselves. She is an example for all and a light in the storm,” a colleague shared in her nomination.

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development.

“Now more than ever, we need powerful educators like these,” said Director of the Oregon Department of Education Dr. Charlene Williams. “Each Regional Teacher of the Year has earned this recognition because they champion every student, uplifting and empowering them to achieve, to create, and to feel a sense of belonging not only in the classroom, but in the wider world, as well. Students and families in Oregon are fortunate to have teachers like these whose inspiring contributions create lasting impacts that ripple out into their communities and beyond.”

Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October.

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, more than $237,000 dollars of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Wallowa School District, and more than $533,000 went to Wallowa County.

“These exceptional teachers inspire and encourage students every day in classrooms across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are proud to honor their contributions and vital role in making our communities stronger.”

On Friday, September 20, 2024, once all 18 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.

Shortly following the event, photos from the regional surprise announcement for Corak will be available HERE.

Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.

Note: Jon Down's university was listed incorrectly in the previous version of this news release. It has been corrected to University of Portland

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) will be hosting an Innovation Hub on Oct. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland. This year’s theme is “Can innovative technologies make green finance better?”

The event will be hosted by Nicole Ferroux, a senior policy advisor at DFR and Innovation Hub liaison, and will include two panel discussions: Artificial Intelligence and Green Finance, and Blockchain and Green Finance. After the two panel discussions, DFR Administrator TK Keen will host a fireside chat with Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Director Charlie Clark. Their discussion will center on regulating the use of innovative technologies in green finance.

“We are always looking for ways to encourage innovation in Oregon, particularly green finance innovations that help us combat climate change,” Keen said. “Our Innovation Hub has allowed us to keep numerous conversations with stakeholders on green finance and green innovations going, and the OMSI event is another avenue for engagement on this important topic.”

The first panel includes Jon Down, professor at the University of Portland and founder of Gen AI Corp.; Josh Cole, business operations lead at Modernist Financial; and Kirsten Anderson, deputy administrator at the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation.

The second panel includes Alex Murray, assistant professor of management and director of the Intelligent Futures Lab at the University of Oregon; Mike Zajko, co-founder of Lattice Capital; and Brooke Pollack, founder and managing partner at Hutt Capital.

What does this year’s theme, “Can innovative technologies make green finance better?” really mean?

“Green finance, which includes any financial product or service created to encourage the development of a more sustainable economy, has come under some deserved scrutiny in recent years,” Ferroux said. “Greenwashing scandals, questions regarding the longevity of the financial outcomes associated with these products, and a variety of regulatory issues have raised the question of whether green finance will continue to grow or will shrink away as a fad. This year’s event explores whether innovative technologies – namely artificial intelligence and blockchain technology – can help industry and regulators overcome these challenges to move this sector forward.”

You can register for the event online. The event is free and refreshments available. The event is limited to the first 150 registrants. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. on Oct. 28.

For more information about the event and to read bios of each speaker, visit the DFR website. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Ave. in Portland.

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

September 16, 2024

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Thief Valley Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Thief Valley Reservoir in Baker and Union counties. OHA issued the advisory Aug. 5.

Monitoring and communication with partners have confirmed that water levels in Thief Valley Reservoir are very low; no recreation is taking place on the water body at this time. However, OHA still recommends visitors not let dogs eat anything that looks like an algae mat, even if it on dry ground. Algal matter may still contain toxins above recommended levels for pets.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children and pets, should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins it releases may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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Linn County, Ore. 15 Sept 24- Oregon State Police investigating officer involved shooting in Linn County.

On September 14, 2024, at approximately 12:42 a.m., Linn County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in rural Linn County, near Scio. Oregon State Police located the suspect vehicle on Shimanek Bridge Drive, off Richardson Gap Road. Upon arrival, troopers found the suspect armed and in the driver seat of the vehicle.

While officers were in contact with the suspect, the suspect discharged his firearm. The Linn County Regional SWAT Team, along with the Crisis Negotiation Team, were deployed to the scene. Officers spoke with the suspect on scene in an attempt to resolve the situation.

During the standoff with officers, the SWAT Team approached the suspect. The suspect pointed a firearm at officers and was shot. The 46-year-old suspect, identified as David Tobias Tyler, was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The involved Benton County Sheriff’s deputy has been identified as Sergeant Daniel Ball (6 yrs.). No officers were injured during the incident.

The pedestrian was treated and released from the hospital. 

The Linn County Regional SWAT Team is a multi-agency unit consisting of personnel from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Police Department, and Sweet Home Police Department. 

The Oregon State Police will be conducting the primary investigation in conjunction with the Linn County District Attorney’s Office. 

# # #

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

MEDFORD, Ore. – On Saturday, September 14, 2024, the Oregon Army National Guard's Det. 1, B Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion from Pendleton, Oregon, participated in a unique bosslift event at the Medford Airport. The event, co-organized with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), primarily involved local educators, offering them a rare glimpse into the capabilities of the National Guard's aviation assets.

Utilizing a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, the flight took participants on a scenic route from Medford Airport to Gold Beach, then south to Brookings, before returning to Medford. This bosslift marked a significant moment for Southern Oregon, being the first such event in the region in over a decade.

Mark Libantc, the Area 4 Vice Chair and Employer Outreach Representative for ESGR shared insights about the event's importance. "We've been trying to put together one for the employers forever. This is the first one that's ever come through," Libantc explained. He emphasized the value of these events in educating employers about the Guard's role and capabilities.

The event was coordinated through a collaborative effort between local recruiter Sgt. 1st Class Erik Andreason of the National Guard and Cecil Owens, the State ESGR Director. Libantc expressed hope that such flights could become a biannual occurrence.

ESGR, a Department of Defense program, aims to foster understanding between civilian employers and their National Guard and Reserve employees. While most ESGR representatives are volunteers, they play a crucial role in organizing events like this bosslift.

Looking ahead, ESGR hopes to expand these experiences to include visits to training sites like Biak Training Center or Camp Riley. "We think that would be a real eye-opener for the employers because they'd see what their citizen Soldiers are doing when they're at training," Libantc added, highlighting the educational value of such firsthand experiences.

This bosslift showcased the Oregon National Guard's aviation capabilities and strengthened the bond between the Guard and the communities it serves. As Guard members live and work in the same communities they protect, events like these reinforce why the Oregon National Guard remains the military service of choice for many Oregonians.

                                                                        -30-

Released Video: https://dvidshub.net/r/xdo7we

Released Photo: 

240914-Z-ZJ128-1001

Local educators and ESGR volunteers in front of an Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Medford Airport. The group flew along the Southern Oregon coast in a unique bosslift event on September 14, 2024. This flight, sponsored by Det. 1, B Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion, and ESGR, marks the return of bosslifts to the region after a decade-long hiatus, aiming to strengthen community ties and showcase National Guard capabilities.

HILLSBORO, Ore. – The remains of U.S. Army Private William E. Calkins were laid to rest at Fir Lawn Memorial Park in Hillsboro, Oregon on Sept. 13, 2024 during a memorial service honoring the World War II Soldier who died in a prisoner of war camp in the Philippines in 1942. Private Calkins joined the U.S. Army from Oregon and served in Company B of the 31st Infantry Regiment in the Philippines during WWII.

With full military honors provided by the Oregon Army National Guard Funeral Honor Guard team, Private Calkins remains were laid to rest at his Mother’s grave at the Fir Lawn Memorial Park after being accounted for 82 years after his death on Nov. 1, 1942. After surviving the infamous Bataan Death March from April 9 to April 17, 1942, Calkins later died of inanition at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp in Nueva Ecija Province, and was buried in a mass grave until remains were identified using DNA analysis.

Oregon Army National Guard Chaplain (Col). Jacob Scott, Oregon National Guard State Chaplain officiated the memorial service for Private “Billy” Calkins, as family members and others from the community gathered to remember his service to his country during the war.

“The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines occupies 152 acres on a prominent plateau in the capital city. In the center of those peaceful grounds stands a beautiful white marble memorial Chapel. A limestone hemisphere monument features the tablets of the missing, and contains 36,286 names,” Scott said, describing the memorial grounds where so many American service members are remembered. “Billy’s name is permanently inscribed on those tablets…but from now on, his name will forever be adorned with a Brass Rosette, signifying that Billy’s remains will now rest in a known grave.”

William Ezra Leon Calkins was born to Joseph and Ruth Calkins on August 22, 1925 and was just 17 years old at the time of his death on Nov. 1, 1942. With a strong desire to serve his country, Calkins lied about his age to join the U.S. Army at the age of 16.

Private Calkins military awards include: The Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster (posthumous), The Purple Heart (posthumous), The Prisoner of War Medal (posthumous), The Good Conduct Medal (posthumous), The American Defense Service Medal with Foreign Service Clasp, The World War II Victory Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Infantryman Badge (posthumous), The Philippine Defense Ribbon with Bronze Star and The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.

-30-

Released Photos:

240913-Z-CH590-1134: Framed family photos, Military Awards and tributes rest on a remembrance table for U.S. Army Private Billy E. Calkins at the Fir Lawn Memorial Park, Hillsboro, Oregon on Sept. 13, 2024. Calkins remains were return to Oregon 82 years after his death in the Philippines where he served with the 31st Infantry Regiment, Company B, and died at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp on Nov. 1, 1942 when he was 17 years old. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240913-Z-CH590-1117: Family members and others in the Hillsboro, Oregon community attend the memorial service for U.S. Army Private Billy E. Calkins at the Fir Lawn Memorial Park, Hillsboro, Oregon on Sept. 13, 2024. Calkins remains were return to Oregon 82 years after his death in the Philippines where he served with the 31st Infantry Regiment, Company B, and died at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp on Nov. 1, 1942 when he was 17 years old. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240913-Z-CH590-1102: Oregon Army National Guard Funeral Honors members conduct a flag folding ceremony to honor U.S. Army Private Billy E. Calkins during his memorial service at Fir Lawn Memorial Park, Hillsboro, Oregon on Sept. 13, 2024. Calkins remains were return to Oregon 82 years after his death in the Philippines where he served with the 31st Infantry Regiment, Company B, and died at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp on Nov. 1, 1942 when he was 17 years old.  (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240913-Z-CH590-1110 and 240913-Z-CH590-1114: An Oregon Army National Guard Funeral Honor Guard member presents the American Flag to family members of U.S. Army Private Billy E. Calkins during his memorial service at Fir Lawn Memorial Park, Hillsboro, Oregon on Sept. 13, 2024. Calkins remains were return to Oregon 82 years after his death in the Philippines where he served with the 31st Infantry Regiment, Company B, and died at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp on Nov. 1, 1942 when he was 17 years old. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240913-Z-CH590-1021 and 240913-Z-CH590-1083:Oregon Army National Guard Funeral Honors members carry the remains of U.S. Army Private Billy E. Calkins during his memorial service at Fir Lawn Memorial Park, Hillsboro, Oregon on Sept. 13, 2024. Calkins remains were return to Oregon 82 years after his death in the Philippines where he served with the 31st Infantry Regiment, Company B, and died at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp on Nov. 1, 1942 when he was 17 years old. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240913-Z-CH590-1027: Oregon Army National Guard Chaplain (Col). Jacob Scott, Oregon National Guard State Chaplain officiates the memorial service for U.S. Army Private Billy E. Calkins at the Fir Lawn Memorial Park, Hillsboro, Oregon on Sept. 13, 2024. Calkins remains were return to Oregon 82 years after his death in the Philippines where he served with the 31st Infantry Regiment, Company B, and died at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp on Nov. 1, 1942 when he was 17 years old. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240913-Z-CH590-1037: An Oregon Army National Guard Honor Guard member plays TAPS after a firing party honors are rendered for U.S. Army Private Billy E. Calkins at the Fir Lawn Memorial Park, Hillsboro, Oregon on Sept. 13, 2024. Calkins remains were return to Oregon 82 years after his death in the Philippines where he served with the 31st Infantry Regiment, Company B, and died at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp on Nov. 1, 1942 when he was 17 years old. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240913-Z-CH590-1003: A funeral procession for U.S. Army Private Billy E. Calkins at the Fir Lawn Memorial Park, Hillsboro, Oregon on Sept. 13, 2024. Calkins remains were return to Oregon 82 years after his death in the Philippines where he served with the 31st Infantry Regiment, Company B, and died at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp on Nov. 1, 1942 when he was 17 years old. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Update- Suspect age corrected to be 34.

Polk County, Ore. 13 Sept 24- Oregon State Police investigating officer involved shooting in Polk County. 

At approximately 4:30 a.m., September 13, Salem Police officers responded to the call of a woman reporting she was being kidnapped at 585 Wallace Rd NW (Salem).  Officers located the suspect vehicle with the woman inside. As officers attempted to stop the male driver, he turned into the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 300 block of Glen Creek RD NW. 

The suspect vehicle stopped in the complex parking lot. The woman got out of the car as officers approached the involved vehicle. The suspect exited the car armed with a knife and was shot by two of the responding officers. 

The 34-year-old suspect, Daniel Lewis Garcia, was provided immediate medical aid by officers prior to being transported to Salem Health where he is currently being treated.   

The involved Salem police officers have been identified as: Officer Nathan Bush (7 yrs.), Officer Colten Ruyle (1 yr.), and Officer Faith Hovenden (1.5 yrs.). No officers were injured during the incident.

The Polk County Law Enforcement Use of Deadly Force Plan under Senate Bill 111 has been initiated for this incident, and the Oregon State Police will be conducting the primary investigation in coordination with the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.   

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Family Fun Night with Award-Winning Author Christine Day at Heritage University!

Join us on Monday, September 16th from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at the Great Lawn area of Heritage University for a night of FREE family fun! 

Award-winning Native American author Christine Day will host a read-aloud and book signing. The event will also feature Yakima Valley Libraries’ new book mobile, where adults and kids can check out books and sign up for free library cards with a photo ID. An ambulance team will offer "Stop the Bleed" and hands-only CPR training, as well as ambulance tours for kids. Enjoy free dinner with Native American, Filipino, and Mexican cuisine options, fun learning activities, and community resource booths.

For more information, contact Kendra Korynta at ESD 105 (kendra.korynta@esd105.org). You can also learn more by following our Facebook event: 

The City of Richland will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting of Fire Station 76 on Tuesday, September 17, at 11:00 a.m. 

The 10,850-square-foot state-of-the-art facility is located at 4307 Trowbridge Boulevard, just off Dallas Road and Interstate 82 in South Richland. The new station is designed to serve our growing community, which includes expanding housing developments, vibrant parks, bustling commercial areas, and a future school. With its proximity to Highway I-82, the station ensures quicker response times to emergencies in the area.

The facility also features dedicated space for police officers stationed in the area, enabling them to stay close by during their shifts.

We invite all residents and the media to celebrate this important addition to our community. Meet your neighbors, greet fire and emergency personnel, and enjoy refreshments while taking a self-guided tour of the new station. This is the sixth fire station in Richland and the fourth to include space for a police presence. 

More information can be found by visiting www.ci.richland.wa.us/projects.

EUGENE, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon man with prior convictions for narcotics, firearms, and interstate prostitution was sentenced to federal prison today for possessing methamphetamine after he was caught by federal law enforcement, while on supervised release, with narcotics and a firearm.

Anthony Ballard Jones, 42, was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. 

“Every day the FBI works tirelessly to build strong cases to remove violent individuals like Anthony Jones from our communities,” said Douglas A. Olson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “We appreciate the work of the U.S. Attorney's Office in pursuing justice in this case.”

According to court documents, in January 2022, FBI received reports from a concerned citizen that Jones, on federal supervised release from a prior conviction, was sending threatening text messages to individuals. During the investigation, FBI received reports from another concerned citizen that Jones was engaged in illegal activities. At the same time, Jones had fled federal supervision and the U.S. Probation Office in Oregon was rendered unable to track his whereabouts or monitor his conduct. 

On March 23, 2022, FBI special agents arrested Jones in Portland, Oregon. A firearm and multiple bags were seized from Jones’ vehicle. Later, investigators searched the bags and found ammunition, a knife, drug packaging materials and paraphernalia, and distribution quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as cocaine and heroin.

On April 21, 2022, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Jones with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On September 12, 2024, Jones pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. 

This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren and Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

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CLATSOP COUNTY, Oregon— Saddle Mountain State Natural Area near Seaside will close Oct. 14-18 for a hazard tree removal and tree thinning project to support public safety and forest health. 

The work will take place throughout the park, including along the main roadway, prompting a park closure to maintain public safety. Both the Grindy Creek (lower) and Lewis & Clark (upper) gates on Saddle Mountain Road will be locked.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) rangers and instructors will perform the work as part of an OPRD training for rangers who want to expand their skills. 

The park might reopen as early as Friday, Oct. 18. Please check the park webpage for updates. We thank visitors for their patience as we work to train our rangers and improve forest health at Saddle Mountain State Natural Area.

Salem – In 2025, Oregon employers, on average, will pay less for workers’ compensation coverage, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) announced today. The decline in costs marks 12 years of average decreases in the pure premium rate – the base rate insurers use to determine how much employers must pay for medical costs and lost wages. 

Underpinning the cost decreases is the success of Oregon’s workers’ compensation system, which includes programs to control costs, maintain good worker benefits, ensure employers carry insurance for their workers, resolve disputes, and improve workplace safety and health.

The numbers illustrate positive, long-term trends, including:

• Employers, on average, would pay 91 cents per $100 of payroll for workers’ compensation costs in 2025, down from 93 cents in 2024, under a proposal by DCBS. That figure is referred to as loaded pure premium and covers workers’ compensation claims costs, assessments, and insurer profit and expenses.
• The pure premium rate would drop by an average 3.2 percent under the proposal. In fact, the pure premium will have declined by 48 percent from 2016 to 2025.

The reduction in costs is due to an improvement in loss experience in Oregon, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). NCCI is the U.S. rate-setting organization whose recommendation DCBS reviews as part of its annual public process to decide rates.

Employers’ total cost for workers’ compensation insurance includes the pure premium and insurer profit and expenses, plus the premium assessment. Employers also pay at least half of the Workers’ Benefit Fund assessment, which is a cents-per-hour-worked rate.

The decrease in the pure premium of 3.2 percent is an average, so an individual employer may see a larger or smaller decrease, no change, or even an increase, depending on the employer’s own industry, claims experience, and payroll. Also, the pure premium does not consider the varying expenses and profit of insurers or individual policyholders’ experience modification, if eligible. 

The stability of Oregon’s workers’ compensation system helps sustain the trend in lower costs. The system includes the Workers’ Compensation Division; Oregon OSHA; the Workers’ Compensation Board, which resolves disputes over the state’s workers’ compensation and workplace safety laws; the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers, an independent advocate for workers on workers’ compensation and workplace safety and health; and the Small Business Ombudsman, an independent advocate for small business owners on workers’ compensation.

The premium assessment funds those successful programs. 

The premium assessment, which is a percentage of the workers’ compensation insurance premium employers pay, is added to the premium. It would remain at 9.8 percent in 2025, the same as 2024, under the DCBS proposal. In fact, 2025 would mark the fourth straight year the premium assessment remained at 9.8 percent.

“In light of rising costs everywhere, we are glad to provide employers and workers some relief through our proposed decisions today and the continued strength of our workers’ compensation system,” said Andrew Stolfi, DCBS director and insurance commissioner. “Working to prevent injuries, provide comprehensive benefits to injured workers, and keep costs low for employers is imperative for us to maintain a healthy and robust system.”

Meanwhile, the Workers’ Benefit Fund assessment funds return-to-work programs, provides increased benefits over time for workers who are permanently and totally disabled, and gives benefits to families of workers who die from workplace injuries or diseases. 

The fund’s revenue comes from a cents-per-hour-worked assessment. The assessment would remain at 2.0 cents per hour worked in 2025. It is the lowest rate since the inception of the cents-per-hour assessment in 1996.

The decrease in the pure premium will be effective Jan. 1, 2025, but employers will see the changes when they renew their policies in 2025.

Oregon’s workers’ compensation premium rates have ranked low nationally for many years. Oregon had the 10th least expensive rates in 2022, according to a nationally recognized biennial study conducted by DCBS. 

The public hearings for the workers’ compensation assessment and the Workers’ Benefit Fund assessment are Thursday, Sept. 19, at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.

Written testimony will be accepted through 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, by the Director's Office of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, 350 Winter St. NE, P.O. Box 14480, Salem, OR 97309-0405.

The following cost chart summarizes the changes: https://www.oregon.gov/DCBS/reports/cost/Documents/wc-summary.pdf

More information about Oregon workers’ compensation costs is at https://www.oregon.gov/DCBS/cost/Pages/index.aspx

The loaded pure premium includes insurer costs, known as expense loading factors. Historic figures are adjusted to reflect the 2024 mix of employment and payroll.

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About Oregon DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. The department administers state laws and rules to protect consumers and workers in the areas of workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, financial services, insurance, and building codes. Visit dcbs.oregon.gov.

Richland, WA - The City Manager of Richland is pleased to announce the selection of Martin Pilcher as the incoming Chief of Police, contingent upon the successful completion of a thorough background investigation in accordance with RCW 43.101.095. Pilcher, a distinguished law enforcement leader with over 20 years of experience, has been chosen to lead 

Pilcher currently serves as the Chief of Police in Woodburn, OR, where he oversees 40 sworn police officers, three Community Service Officers, and 7.5 professional staff members. Prior to becoming the Woodburn Chief in 2021, he served as the Deputy Chief since 2018. Pilcher also worked for the Portland Police Bureau as an Internal Affairs Investigator and spent most of his career with the Elk Grove Police Department in Elk Grove, CA. Pilcher possesses a master’s in organizational leadership from Norwich University and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.

“I am honored and excited to be selected to serve as the Chief of Police for Richland,” said Marty Pilcher. “My goal is to work collaboratively with the community, the department, and other city agencies to ensure that Richland remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. I look forward to meeting with residents and working together to address our community’s needs.”

City Manager, Jon Amundson also expressed gratitude to all those who participated in the selection process, stating, "I would like to thank the other candidates who went through the interview process with us. In addition, I extend my appreciation to all those who participated in the public candidate forum, the multiple interview panels, and the staff who assisted with the logistics of this important process,” said Amundson.

“We are excited to welcome Martin Pilcher as our new Chief of Police,” said Amundson. “His extensive experience and dedication to community-oriented policing make him an excellent fit for our city. We are confident that his leadership will continue to strengthen our police department and support our commitment to public safety.”

The background investigation will encompass a comprehensive review of Pilcher’s professional and personal history, ensuring his suitability for this critical leadership role. The process is expected to be completed within one month.

Upon successful completion of the background investigation, Chief Pilcher will assume the duties of Chief of Police, succeeding Interim Chief, Craig Meidl who served in this capacity since April 2024.

More information can be found by visiting www.ci.richland.wa.us/PoliceChief.

Institute celebrates its fifth year, and more than 700 new supportive housing units developed or planned.

SALEM, OR - Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) today announced seven innovative affordable housing projects that emerged from the fifth Oregon Supportive Housing Institute (SHI). The new projects contribute to the more than 700 new permanent supportive housing units that have been developed or planned as a result of five years of the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute.

“Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is a proven strategy to increase housing stability and improve the health of people who have experienced chronic homelessness,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Housing and health are the foundations of everyday life that we all depend on, and OHCS has a responsibility to help make that possible for all people, regardless of what they have been through. The Supportive Housing Institute is five years into supporting the readiness of community leaders to deliver results that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. We are prioritizing people in our efforts to strengthen Oregon.”

OHCS and CSH collaborate to operate the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute designed to accelerate affordable and supportive housing development locally. Teams in Oregon consisting of developers, property managers, service providers, people with lived experience, and other critical project partners, apply to participate and receive intensive training over five months on navigating the process of developing permanent supportive housing. CSH provides individualized technical assistance and support to plan each project.

“CSH joins OHCS in congratulating our newest cohort of Institute graduates. We are inspired by their commitment to advancing supportive housing as an evidence-based approach to helping people who face complex barriers to housing in Oregon find stability and thrive. This is not easy work, and we are proud of all our Institute alums over the past five years for leading with creativity and innovation that has lasting impacts across our communities," said Rae Trotta, Senior Program Manager at CSH.

The planned projects are:

• Bridges to Change, Portland – permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness and who are impacted by substance use disorders or mental health disorders, with a focus on individuals identifying as LGBTQ+.
• Home First, Manzanita – permanent supportive housing for families experiencing long-term homelessness.
• Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon, Portland – permanent supportive housing and supportive housing for families experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse disorders.
• New Narrative, Beaverton – permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness, disabilities, and mental illness.
• Our Just Future, Portland – permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness, who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and/or LGBTQ+, unsheltered veterans, families, and immigrants.
• Path Home, Portland – permanent supportive housing for families with children experiencing homelessness with a special focus on families identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
• Housing Authority of Washington County, Forest Grove – permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness.

“CSH gratefully thanks and acknowledges Oregon Housing and Community Services for their ongoing partnership and support of the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute. Their partnership has been integral to the Institute’s success and for making quality housing and services possible for hundreds of families and individuals in Oregon,” said Deborah De Santis, President and CEO at CSH.

To date, the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute has successfully graduated 43 teams who have opened 339 new PSH units with an additional 360 units currently in development. Watch this video to learn more about the impact of the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute. 

About Oregon Supportive Housing Institute 
The Oregon Supportive Housing Institute (SHI) is a signature initiative of Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) in collaboration with and support from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). Since its start in the state, 43 teams have participated in the Oregon SHI that has resulted in 339 new PSH units, with more than 360 PSH units in development. The Oregon SHI has had diverse statewide representation from every region in Oregon, including projects from Central Oregon (Bend and Warm Springs), Coastal Regions (Astoria, Coos Bay/North Bend, Manzanita, Toledo), Corvallis, Eastern Oregon (Ontario and Lakeview), Eugene, Portland and greater Portland Metro (Gladstone, Happy Valley, Newberg, Tualatin/Tigard), Salem, and Southern Oregon (Medford/Grants Pass, Roseburg). 

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. 

About Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) is the national champion for supportive housing, demonstrating its potential to improve the lives of very vulnerable individuals and families by helping communities create more than 385,000 real homes for people who desperately need them. CSH engages broader systems to fully invest in solutions that drive equity, help people thrive, and harness data to generate concrete and sustainable results. Visit us at www.csh.org.

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELLED

Notice of Meeting Cancellation

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for September 25th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.
 

The next Applicant Review Committee meeting is scheduled for October 23rd, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
 

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is asking visitors to help slow the spread of the destructive emerald ash borer by choosing certified heat-treated firewood or firewood harvested within 10 miles of their destination to avoid bringing the invasive insect into state parks. 

OPRD also asks visitors to leave any ash, olive and white fringe tree firewood and materials at home.

The invasive emerald ash borer is considered the most destructive forest pest in North America, killing hundreds of millions of ash trees across the country. It has been detected in four Oregon counties: Washington, Yamhill, Marion and Clackamas, prompting a permanent quarantine in those counties. 

“So far, emerald ash borer has not been detected in Oregon State Parks, and we would like to keep it that way for as long as possible,” said OPRD’s Natural Resource Coordinator and Ecologist Noel Bacheller. 

The invasive insect can only travel about 10 miles on its own during its brief adult life, but humans can spread it hundreds of miles through infested firewood and other tree materials. Once an ash tree is infested, it has little chance of survival even if it’s otherwise healthy. The insect’s larvae consume the inner bark, causing ash trees to decline and eventually die.

The emerald ash borer threatens to wipe out Oregon's ash tree population as it has in other states around the country. But visitors can help slow the spread to protect Oregon’s ash trees and forests for as long as possible. 

Slowing the spread will give parks and landowners the chance to respond including underplanting with resistant tree species that can quickly fill in when ash trees decline. It will also soften the impact of the insect on forest health overall.

Help protect Oregon's trees and forests by following these firewood tips:

• Buy firewood local to your campsite: Choose firewood harvested within 10 miles of your destination or buy certified heat-treated firewood. This helps reduce the spread of invasive insects, including emerald ash borer, and diseases.
• Avoid transporting restricted wood: Do not bring ash, olive, or white fringe tree materials into any Oregon State Park even if it’s within the same quarantine area. When in doubt about the tree species, leave it out.
• Stay informed about quarantines and regulations: Learn more at Oregon Department of Agriculture’s website, including proper disposal of ash tree material, and insect and tree identification at the Oregon Invasive Species Council website. 

Ash trees grow in riparian areas along rivers, streams and other low-elevation bodies of water in Western Oregon. The loss of ash trees could have a significant impact on riparian ecology including loss of shade, increased water temperatures and decline in fish health. 

Learn more about ash trees and the emerald ash borer on our website, including emerald ash borer activity pages with lessons for all ages that show how to recognize and prevent the spread of this invasive insect.