PORTLAND, Ore.—The owners of a local real estate investment company were sentenced to federal prison today for their role in a $17 million fraud scheme. 

Robert D. Christensen, 56, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release and Anthony M. Matic, 56, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. 

According to court documents, from January 2019 through June 2023, as part of their scheme, Christensen and Matic told individual investors that they would use their investments to purchase and renovate undervalued residential real estate properties. Christensen and Matic also claimed they would rent the properties to generate income and refinance the properties to extract any increased value from the renovations. The pair further misled investors into believing they would be repaid their full principal investment along with interest as high as 8 to 15 percent and a large lump sum payout, all within periods as short as 30 to 90 days.

Christensen and Matic used new investments to repay earlier investors to keep their business afloat. When they were unable to raise enough money from new investors, Christensen and Matic began submitting loan applications with false financial information to different commercial lenders and based on their misrepresentations, received millions of dollars in loans.

In total, Christensen and Matic’s two schemes defrauded individual investors out of more than $10 million and commercial lenders out of more than $7 million.

This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Trisotto. 

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EUGENE, Ore.—Eight individuals have been charged for their role in a transnational criminal organization (TCO) transporting narcotics into California from Mexico and distributing it across the United States including Oregon.

The following individuals have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl:

1. Tania Argueta, 47, residing in Las Vegas, Nevada;
2. Patsy Escobar, 25, residing in Los Angeles, California;
3. Angel Lopez, 25, residing in Los Angeles;
4. Rene Cazares, 39, residing in Salem, Oregon;
5. Julia Dorfler, 32, residing in Springfield, Oregon;
6. Matthew Medieros, 38, residing in Coos Bay, Oregon;
7. Patrick Newport, 28, residing in Corvallis, Oregon; and
8. Felicia Waite, 40, residing in Eugene, Oregon.

According to court documents, the TCO transported drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl into California from Mexico before distributing it across the United States, including Oregon, through shipping carriers, sometimes hidden in children’s toys or cereal boxes, and vehicles.

Argueta was a drug and money courier for the TCO traveling all over the United States to pick up drug proceeds. Cazares operated a stash house in Salem receiving large amounts of controlled substances from couriers that he distributed at the direction of a co-conspirator to local Oregon customers. Escobar and Lopez operated a stash house in Corona, California, where they distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl across the United States. Dorfler, Newport, Waite, and Medieros were all local distributors for the TCO.

During the course of this investigation, law enforcement has seized approximately 56 pounds of fentanyl, 116 pounds of methamphetamine, more than $300,000, and 20 firearms from members of the TCO.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, Springfield Police Department, Eugene Police Department, South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team, Linn Conty Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team, Corvallis Police Department, Corona Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case, with assistance from the New York Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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PORTLAND, Ore.—An Aloha, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today for pointing a laser at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter landing at the Hillsboro, Oregon, airport and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Brian K. Kapileo Nepaial, 38, pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents, on October 3, 2025, a CBP helicopter was struck by a green laser, causing it to abort its planned landing. The flight crew observed an individual walking near a residence and disappearing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the residence and, on October 10, 2025, executed a federal search warrant at the residence. FBI special agents seized a laser from the bedroom of Kapileo Nepaial and found over 100 grams of methamphetamine and evidence of drug trafficking.

On December 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Kapileo Nepaial with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Kapileo Nepaial faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for Count One. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine, and five years of supervised release for Count Two. Kapileo Nepaial will be sentenced on July 28, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

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

The case is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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Salem, Ore. – It was a lucky night for Powerball players across the country, including Oregon, with the drawing producing four large wins for Oregon players. Two lucky people in Kansas and Indiana won the $143 million jackpot prize, and a total of almost 90 wins were won across 20 states for Powerball’s $2 million and $1 million prizes.

The winning tickets in Oregon were purchased in the following locations:

$2 million – Coos Bay

$2 million – Creswell

$1 million – Gresham

$2 million – Medford  

Oregon Lottery retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, a retail location that sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus.

Oregon’s largest Powerball win was in 2024, when Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, his wife, and a friend together shared a jackpot worth $1.3 billion. The biggest Powerball jackpot ever won in history was a $2.04 billion jackpot in 2022 by a player in California.

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.

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

Point Source Youth and the Oregon Department of Human Services will expand a successful cash support and homelessness prevention pilot program and focus it on youth who have experienced foster care

Salem, OR - April 30, 2026 - New and actionable research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that one-time direct cash payments help prevent youth homelessness. In a seven-state pilot of Point Source Youth’s (PSY) Targeted Housing Assistance Program (THAP), 92 percent of 345 participants did not need to enter the homelessness system within six months of receiving support.

PSY, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Connected Lane County partnered for Oregon’s initial pilot, which launched in 2024. The pilot supported communities in providing needs-based cash payments and other supports to young people. In its initial phase, Oregon enrolled 56 young people in Lane County, who were at imminent risk of homelessness. They also received financial and youth-driven supportive programming. Payments averaged $3,700 and were typically dispersed within 48 hours.

The Lane County pilot’s one-time cash assistance complemented an initiative – called Direct Cash Transfer (DCT+) – that provides 24 months of ongoing payments for young people who were actively experiencing homelessness at launch.

Building on the success of the initial pilot, PSY and ODHS are expanding the program so more young people can get help before a housing crisis results in homelessness. The expanded pilot includes partnering with Jackson Street Youth Services. It will focus on young people who have experienced foster care in the child welfare system and are stepping into independence. Eligible young adults from the ages of 18 to 23, who have experienced foster care and are at risk of homelessness, can be referred to Jackson Street Youth Services in areas throughout the state where services are provided.  As of March 2026, the pilot began identifying eligible youth and distributing funds. At least 60 youth will receive cash support. The ODHS pilot will also partner with researchers to track outcomes and learn from participants’ experiences over a six-month period.

This expansion follows promising results in Lane County with 82 percent of participants surveyed reporting that they were in stable housing after the first month.

“These findings suggest that quick, tailored cash assistance with supportive services can keep young people housed and out of shelters,” said Larry Cohen, co-founder and executive director of Point Source Youth.“Youth homelessness starts with a crisis and then becomes a long-term trauma because help arrives too late, if at all. That’s why we’re scaling this program immediately — expanding into 10 new communities and launching new sites to translate these findings into action to keep young people securely housed and to prevent them from experiencing homelessness — right now.”

Within ODHS, the expanded pilot is supported by several programs: Youth Transitions and Family First programs in Child Welfare and the Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (YEHP) in Self-Sufficiency Programs.

“Our unique Targeted Housing Assistance Program pilot initiative fills a critical gap in our state’s systems to support young adults stepping into independence,” said Matthew Rasmussen, who manages ODHS’ Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (YEHP). “By collaborating, we can offer young people the stability and opportunities they need before they are forced to enter the homelessness system—while still honoring the work to support young people who are already experiencing it.”

The one-time cash benefit helps young people overcome the overwhelming number of hurdles they face just to secure and maintain a safe place to live, Rasmussen said. “We are greatly encouraged that we may be able to support as many as 60 additional young people across the state this year.”

Kendra Phillips, executive director of Jackson Street Youth Services, said, “We, at Jackson Street Youth Services, are honored to partner with Point Source Youth to bring the Targeted Housing Assistance Program to Oregon at a statewide scale. This model allows us to respond quickly and effectively to young people at risk of homelessness, providing the flexible support they need to stay safely housed and build stability. It represents a transformative step forward in how we prevent youth homelessness in our communities.”

In PSY’s initial seven-state pilot, 345 youth households across sites in Oregon, Arizona, California, Georgia, Michigan, New York and Texas, impacted a total of 623 people, including household members and dependents. Unlike most housing and homelessness programs, this program provides crucial funds and support to youth who are at imminent risk of entering homelessness, including those who are asked to leave current housing, living in an unsafe situation or facing eviction.

Point Source Youth is also expanding pilots in California, Michigan and New York, and launching new sites in Hawai‘i, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina and Oklahoma. Together these states will provide a total of $3 million in direct cash payments to an estimated 1,000 young people, allowing them to obtain help before their acute crisis leads to homelessness.

With initiatives that are delivered through community-based organizations, Point Source Youth trains staff working with participants to develop individualized housing plans before funds are distributed. Supportive services, including case management, financial coaching and housing navigation, are available but optional, preserving youth autonomy and reducing barriers to access. The program is modeled after Washington state’s Homelessness Prevention and Diversion Fund, which has reported strong housing outcomes at 12 months. 

Point Source Youth National Press Release: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60418acae851e139836c67ed/t/69f245b6eaa9547394c6903c/1777485238940/PSY_7-STATE-PRESS-RELEASE.pdf

About the Targeted Housing Assistance Program (THAP): https://www.pointsourceyouth.org/oregon-thap-direct-cash-to-prevent-youth-homelessness.

  About Point Source Youth

Point Source Youth is a national organization working to prevent and end youth homelessness in the U.S. Point Source Youth provides thought leadership, advocacy, technical assistance, and evaluation to scale proven interventions that can cost effectively prevent youth homelessness in the first place or provide young people with the resources they need for stable housing if they are experiencing homelessness. After 10 years of work in the field, Targeted Housing Assistance and Direct Cash Transfers, both with youth-directed support, are the interventions that are cost-effective, scalable and work. To learn more, visit https://www.pointsourceyouth.org/  

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) works to help Oregonians achieve well-being and independence. The agency provides direct services to more than one million Oregonians a year. The Targeted Housing Assistance Program (THAP) Foster Youth Pilot is supported by three programs within ODHS: Self Sufficiency Programs’ Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program and Child Welfare’s Youth Transitions and Family First teams.

About Jackson Street Youth Services
Jackson Street Youth Services is a nonprofit organization based in Corvallis, Oregon -- serving Linn and Benton counties, dedicated to   supporting youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Since 2001 (celebrating 25 years!), Jackson Street has provided a continuum of care including emergency shelter, transitional living, outreach and prevention services. Through trauma-informed, youth-centered programming, the organization empowers young people to build stability, develop life skills and achieve long-term self-sufficiency. Jackson Street works in partnership with community organizations to ensure every young person has access to safe housing, education and supportive services.  

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Portland, OR — On April 11, 160 middle and high school students gathered at Willamette University in Salem for the 2026 Oregon History Day competition. Students traveled from Albany, Corvallis, Philomath, Beaverton, Portland, Mt. Angel, Aloha, Bend, Hood River, St. Helens, Scappoose, Medford, Creswell, and Cottage Grove to present their documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances and websites inspired by the annual theme, Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History. 

The statewide affiliate of the National History Day® program, Oregon History Day is a student-directed, project-based interdisciplinary learning program. Creating projects inspired by an annual theme, young historians in grades 6–12 choose topics to explore, conduct historical research, practice critical thinking skills, and analyze primary and secondary sources while considering diverse viewpoints. 

“Getting to see all the amazing candidates for Oregon History Day and seeing their peers who are so young cheering each other on in pursuit of research, knowledge, and truth was heartwarming,” said volunteer judge Grace H. 

After having their projects evaluated by volunteer judges, 54 students qualified for the National Contest, which will take place June 14–18 at the University of Maryland. These students will proudly wear shirts and trade buttons featuring a design by Sunset High School’s Anuva S., winner of the 2026 Oregon History Day Design Contest for her creative interpretation of the theme. They join 3,000 competitors from across the nation at this annual celebration of student scholarship.

During this trip, Oregon students will have the opportunity to explore museums and historic sites around Washington, D.C., including a special tour of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, hosted by Mary Lang Bishop. They will also meet with Oregon senator Jeff Merkley and take a tour of the U.S. Capitol building with Senator Ron Wyden’s staff.

Five projects were also awarded special prizes at Oregon History Day for their outstanding research on overlooked histories across Oregon. Award-winning projects include:

Black History in Oregon Award
Oregon’s Black Exclusion Laws: The Drive for a White Utopia (Junior Group Documentary)

Mia D., Isla W., Ryla R., ACCESS Academy, Portland

Indigenous History in Oregon Award

The Twisted Legacy of the Cayuse War (Senior Group Documentary)

Emma S., Maggie M., Westview High School, Beaverton 

LGBTQ+ History in Oregon Award

Measure 9: Oregon’s Hate and Oregon’s Pride (Senior Group Documentary)

Naail A., Nathan C., Byron L., Ryan L., Westview High School, Beaverton 

Women’s History in Oregon Award

The Petticoat Revolution: How Seven Women Changed History (Junior Group Performance)

Livia H-B., Savanna W., Clara W., ACCESS Academy, Portland 

Maritime History Award

Sponsored by the Northwest Commandery of the Naval Order of the United States

Pearl Harbor: A Date Which Will Live in Infamy (Junior Group Documentary)

Dionisis F-K., Vaughn K-S., Guani R., ACCESS Academy, Portland 

Beyond the competition, Oregon History Day leaves a lasting impression on students, equipping them with skills in critical thinking, research, and communication that endure far beyond the classroom.

“It has all been such a blast,” said volunteer judge Siddharth S. “I am so reinvigorated by the passion that some students put into their historical exhibits, and I believe they will represent Oregon well.”

Oregon History Day’s success was made possible thanks to passionate educators, staff and dedicated volunteer judges who provided invaluable feedback and support.

Congratulations to all who participated — and best of luck to Oregon’s national finalists!

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

YAKIMA, WA — Yakima School District will offer a free, full-day summer learning program at elementary and middle schools this summer. DiscoverWorks combines daily reading and math lessons with hands-on activities, field trips, and meals. Families pay nothing to take part.

The program serves students who will finish kindergarten through eighth grade this school year. It will run on a full-day schedule from June 29 to July 27, 2026. Yakima School District is one of 19 school districts selected to take part across Washington.

About the Program

Each day, DiscoverWorks combines daily instruction in reading and math with hands-on enrichment, including arts and STEM, sports, and field trips. The program provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks in a safe and structured setting.

“Summer programs are powerful drivers of student success,” said Connie Ballmer, Co-Founder of Ballmer Group. “Schools want to provide more summer learning opportunities for students, but many can’t afford to. DiscoverWorks helps fill that gap. It provides a safe, engaging place for kids to learn and grow over the summer, with strong results for students and meaningful support for families." 

“Washington has been our home for a long time,” Connie added. “We’re excited for students to participate in this program, which has been very popular with both kids and families. Summer is an essential time for fostering growth and sparking curiosity in learners.”

Proven Results

DiscoverWorks builds on the success of a program launched in Southeast Michigan in 2024, which grew to serve 30,000 students in 2025. Students showed measurable gains in both reading and math, with the greatest improvements among those who started the program furthest behind academically. Families and educators reported high satisfaction, noting that students felt more prepared and confident heading into the next school year.

Summer 2026 is the first time this program has been offered in Washington. Students in two educational service district (ESD) regions will take part: Puget Sound ESD in King and Pierce counties, and ESD 105 in Grant, Klickitat, Kittitas, and Yakima counties. After this pilot year, DiscoverWorks will expand to more regions across the state.

How Families Can Sign Up

Families can find registration information at ysd7.org/discover works. Enrollment closes on Friday, May 8, 2026. 

Program Criteria

School districts applied to participate in the program. Eligible schools meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a traditional public school, charter school, or tribal school

• Be located within ESD 105 or Puget Sound ESD regions

• Serve a student population with at least 50% qualifying for free lunch

• Provide in-person programming for students entering grades 1 through 9 in fall 2026

Learn More

• DiscoverWorks Website 

• Media Kit

The Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) and Ballmer Group launched DiscoverWorks to expand access to high-quality summer programming. Ballmer Group funds the program, which means families pay nothing. ESD 105 coordinates the program across 11 school districts in our region, including Yakima School District.

Click here for a media kit featuring interviews with tobacco retailers in Oregon

April 30, 2026

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, ica.j.heartquist@oha.oregon.gov">erica.j.heartquist@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon sees big gains in youth protection through tobacco retail compliance

Gold Beach retailers highlighted for helping keep tobacco out of youth hands

PORTLAND, Ore.—Communities statewide are helping drive down tobacco sales to youth, according to a new Oregon Health Authority report on compliance with state tobacco retail licensing requirements.

The 2025 Tobacco Retail Inspections Report shows that only 11% of tobacco retailers sold to youth during Tobacco Retail License Program inspections last year, a significant drop from 26% in the program’s first year.

The Oregon Legislature in 2021 created the Tobacco Retail License Program, a partnership between OHA and the Oregon Department of Revenue. The program works to ensure compliance with federal and state tobacco sales laws, such as making sure tobacco isn’t sold to people younger than 21. In addition to inspections, the program provides training and education for retailers.

Drop in violations statewide

OHA staff inspected more than 99% of all licensed retailers in 2025. The 11% violation rate represents a sustained decline in sales to underage inspectors, down nearly 60% since 2022.

“The drop in violations is the result of a collective effort, with communities statewide leaning in to create healthier environments for young people,” says Sarah Wylie, manager of the Oregon Tobacco Retail License Program, based at OHA’s Public Health Division.

“By working collectively, through education, compliance checks and shared commitment to the wellbeing of Oregon’s youth, this progress reflects the belief that protecting young people is a responsibility we all share.”

The 2025 Tobacco Retail Inspections Report also outlines upcoming efforts to sustain community momentum, including:

• Expanded retailer training and resources.
• Continued use of young adult compliance checks.
• Focused support in communities with higher violation rates.

Tobacco sales inspection process

To verify if a store is only selling to customers 21 and older, the state works with young adult inspectors ages 18 to 20. These inspectors use their real identification cards to attempt to purchase a tobacco product. If a store employee asks how old they are, the inspector gives their real age.

If the store sells the tobacco product to the young adult inspector, an adult compliance specialist enters the store to inform them they failed the inspection. The store license holder then receives a letter with the results, more information about the violation, and resources to strengthen clerk training. If the clerk refused to sell, the young adult gives them a letter that thanks them for their work to prevent youth nicotine addiction. Some stores give clerks bonuses or other incentives to reward them for passing an inspection.

Gold Beach retailers setting the standard

While public health efforts play a major role, OHA emphasizes that responsible retail practices are critical to preventing youth access to tobacco. 

In Gold Beach, local businesses like McKay’s Market and Nesika Market are recognized as examples of retailers helping keep Oregon communities safe. 

At McKay’s Market, Manager Chalain Hatfield says consistent training and attention to detail are key. “We’re pretty strict on training when it comes to alcohol and tobacco sales,” Hatfield said. “We require ID for anyone who looks under 30 and train staff on what to look for—things like expired IDs or signs of fraud. We run a tight ship.” 

Hatfield credits ongoing education and regular check-ins for their success. “If you keep your clerks up-to-date and confident, they’re going to do the right thing.” 

At Nesika Market, owner Jim Turner says experience and a clear process make all the difference. “The main thing is making sure you always have someone who really understands how to check IDs,” Turner said. “If there’s any question, we tell staff, ‘Stop and ask. Don’t guess.’” 

Turner says the policy is simple and consistent: “If someone isn’t over 21, we don’t sell. No exceptions. It’s the same every time.” 

Resources for tobacco retailers

Resources are available for retailers that sell tobacco products to help them stay in compliance with tobacco laws. Retailers are encouraged to visit OHA’s website for tobacco retailers for a training manual, fact sheets, compliance checklists, and other educational resources. For questions about OHA compliance inspections and enforcement, or to request help, visit healthoregon.org/tobaccoretailsales, email acco.Inspections@odhsoha.oregon.gov">Tobacco.Inspections@odhsoha.oregon.gov, or call: 971-673-2283.

“Tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Oregon. Retail checks are a critical way we protect people from those harms,” said Wylie. “Each successful inspection supports a future where more young people can thrive, free from tobacco addiction and with greater chances for lifelong health.”

Learn more

• 2025 Tobacco Retail Inspections Reports: TRL Data and Reports
• Tobacco Retail License Program: OHA TRL Info & Resources
• In this report, tobacco refers to commercial products made and sold by tobacco companies. Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes (sometimes called e-cigs or vapes), nicotine pouches and other products. Commercial tobacco does not include traditional tobacco used by American Indian and Alaska Native persons for sacred or ceremonial purposes.

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A two-day event in eastern Oregon will put a spotlight on the importance of workplace safety and health, addressing everything from farm machinery safety and prevention of heat illness to proper selection of personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness.

The 18th annual Blue Mountain Occupational Safety and Health Conference, to be held June 16-17 at the Pendleton Convention Center, will also feature preconference workshops on key topics and learning sessions in Spanish. Employers are encouraged to take advantage of those Spanish-language sessions by sending staff members who would prefer to gain safety and health knowledge in Spanish.

The conference is a collaborative effort by Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (Oregon OSHA) – a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services – SHARP Alliance, and employers and employees in northeast Oregon.

On Wednesday, June 17, Luke Betts will deliver the keynote presentation: “You Get More Flies With Honey: The Importance of Recognition.” Betts, senior safety management consultant with SAIF Corporation, will emphasize the importance of cultivating a culture where positive actions are intentionally recognized and reinforced.

The workshops on Tuesday, June 16, include such topics as root cause analysis, and best practices for improving safety and health performance. Additionally, Tuesday’s schedule offers sessions in Spanish, including hazard identification in agriculture, machine guarding, incident investigation, and safety committees.

Conference topics include:

• Effective Quarterly Safety Inspections
• I’m on the Safety Committee, Now What?
• Nutrition and Wellness in the Workplace
• Building a Safer Workplace: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hazard Assessments
• Training Evolution: Raising the Standard of Incident Command System Training
• Practical Strategies to Prevent Same-Level Slip, Trip, and Falls
• Hazard Identification
• Safety on the Move: Tractors, Equipment, and ATVs
• The Value of Voluntary Compliance

Registration for the preconference workshops on Tuesday, June 16, is $60. Registration for the Spanish-language sessions (lunch included) on Tuesday, June 16, is $60. Registration for the conference on Wednesday, June 17, is $130 (breakfast and lunch included). To register, go to https://safetyseries.cventevents.com/blue26.

For more information, contact the Oregon OSHA Conference Section, 503-947-7411, or email egon.Conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov">Oregon.Conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Bend Fire & Rescue, in conjunction with the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, reminds you that outdoor debris burning will close tonight for the Bend area.

Outdoor debris burning will be open as conditions allow in the rural areas surrounding Bend until midnight tonight, Thursday, April 30. Debris burning is not allowed within Bend city limits, per City of Bend Ordinance.

Backyard fires, which include warming fires, campfires and cooking fires are typically allowed year-round in the city of Bend and the surrounding areas covered by Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2, when following Bend Fire & Rescue burning regulations. Additional restrictions can be placed on campfires during peak temperatures to reduce fire risk.

Please check restrictions every time you burn by calling the Bend area information hotline at 541-322-6335. Learn more about burn regulations and permitting at bendoregon.gov/burninginfo.

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El Departamento de bomberos y rescate de Bend, con la colaboración con la Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association (Asociación de jefes de bomberos del centro de Oregon), anunció que el jueves se prohibirá la quema de residuos al aire libre en la zona de Bend.

Se permitirá la quema de residuos al aire libre, siempre que las condiciones lo permitan, en las zonas rurales de los alrededores de Bend hasta la medianoche esta noche del jueves 30 de abril. Según la normativa municipal de la ciudad de Bend, está prohibido quemar residuos dentro de los límites de la ciudad.

Por lo general, las fogatas en jardines de casa, como las fogatas para calentarse, los fogones y los fuegos para cocinar, están autorizados durante todo el año en la ciudad de Bend y en las zonas circundantes que abarca el Departamento de protección contra incendios n.º 2 de Deschutes, siempre que se respeten las normas sobre quema de residuos del Departamento de bomberos y rescate de Bend. Pueden imponerse restricciones adicionales a las fogatas durante las horas de mayor calor para reducir el riesgo de incendio.

Puede averiguar las restricciones cada vez que vaya a encender una fogata al llamar a la línea de información de la zona de Bend, al 541-322-6335. Para obtener más información sobre la normativa y los permisos para quemas, visite bendoregon.gov/burninginfo.

MEDIA ADVISORY
April 30, 2026

CONTACT:
Sam Tenney, Communications Coordinator

sam.tenney@dpsst.oregon.gov

503-931-4069

Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony to honor fallen officers

The 2026 Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. The ceremony is held annually to honor the state’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial bears the names of 199 officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. These include law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal, and federal agencies. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and Oregon’s law enforcement community are grateful that no new names were added to the memorial this year.

Families, colleagues, and loved ones of fallen officers gather at the ceremony each year to preserve the memories of those whose names adorn the memorial. It is a significant and meaningful event for DPSST and Oregon’s law enforcement community, who remain committed to ensuring that the sacrifices of these officers are never forgotten.

Oregon’s memorial ceremony is held ahead of National Police Week events in Washington, D.C., so that family members and coworkers can attend both observances. More than 23,000 officers who have died in the line of duty are honored on the national memorial.

DPSST is honored to hold the ceremony each year in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and statewide law enforcement associations.

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About DPSST

The mission of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is to pursue excellence in training and accountability for public safety professionals. DPSST certifies and licenses police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, as well as regulatory specialists, emergency telecommunicators and medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, fire service professionals, and polygraph examiners in the state of Oregon.  DPSST works with public and private safety agencies around the state to provide basic, leadership and specialized training at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

For more information on the Oregon Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/Memorials/LawEnforcement/Pages/default.aspx.

On May 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. the Oregon Historic Cemeteries Grant committee will meet to score and rank the applications for the Oregon Historic Cemeteries Grant program. The meeting will be held online at 1:00 p.m. Interested parties may register to access the meeting by Zoom. The meeting agenda includes the registration information.
 

The recommendations from the committee will be forwarded to the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries for final review and approval on May 27, 2026.
 

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances.
 

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling 503-986-0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: i.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov.

PORTLAND, Ore.—Two Romanian nationals unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty for their role in a conspiracy to steal benefits from low income and food insecure individuals and families.

Aramis Manolea, 35, and Cristina Manolea, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States.

According to court documents, from April 2025 through November 2025, A. Manolea and C. Manolea conspired to use stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account information and PINs to fraudulently purchase SNAP-eligible items, like infant formula. The stolen goods were packaged in storage units and loaded into vans and trucks for shipment to California. In total, A. Manolea and C. Manolea are responsible for  stolen benefits valued at almost $27,000.

On November 12, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 26-count indictment charging A. Manolea, C. Manolea and their co-conspirators with conspiracy to defraud the United States, unauthorized use of access devices, possession, production, and trafficking of device-making equipment, and aggravated identity theft.

A. Manolea and C. Manolea face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. C. Manolea will be sentenced on May 22, 2026, and A. Manolea will be sentenced on May 29, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, A. Manolea and C. Manolea agreed to pay restitution in full.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation are investigating the case with assistance from the United States Marshals Service for the District of Oregon, Eastern District of California, and the Central District of California, and the Oregon Department of Human Services. Geoffrey A. Barrow and Nicholas D. Meyers, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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April 29, 2026

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

OHA seeks 14 organizations to host AmeriCorps VISTAs in 2026, 2027

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority’s AmeriCorps VISTA Partnership Project is seeking 14 organizations around the state to host full-time volunteers for one to three years to work on projects that build local capacity to alleviate poverty and improve public health.

Organizations are invited to host one or more VISTA members who serve from Aug. 10, 2026, through Aug. 9, 2027. Projects, which must focus on economically disadvantaged communities, can last up to three years.

Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations, as well as local, state, Tribal or federal agencies in Oregon can become an AmeriCorps VISTA host site. Host sites identify significant program-level work that will help build local capacity to reduce poverty and improve public health. Host sites provide a financial match, direct the project, supervise and mentor the VISTA member, and provide necessary administrative support to complete the goals and objectives of the project.

Cost: OHA offers two cost options

• Classic, $15,000 (annual)—This is the standard VISTA rate and reflects the full cost of participation. Organizations with substantial funding and resources are expected to contribute at this level to support the program’s sustainability and impact.
• Subsidized, $4,000 (annual)—OHA supports a limited number of subsidized VISTA positions to ensure accessibility for organizations and communities with significant financial constraints. These positions are intended for organizations with extremely limited resources. 

Costs subject to change annually. Note: Metro-area host sites are required to pay an additional $1,200 to pay for a one-year transit pass for the member.

Due date: Applications are reviewed and approved on a rolling basis between now and May 11, 2026. Contact OHA’s AmeriCorps VISTA staff as soon as possible before starting the application process to ensure alignment with OHA goals and federal AmeriCorps priorities.

• Contact: Caroline Tydings, 503-432-7574, oline.d.tydings@oha.oregon.gov">Caroline.d.tydings@oha.oregon.gov

What AmeriCorps VISTA members do: AmeriCorps VISTA members spend one year in full-time service to address the needs of low-income communities and improve public health. All projects focus on building permanent public health infrastructure in communities to help them more effectively bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Projects are developed by the host site and must only focus on economically disadvantaged communities.

Organizations interested in becoming a host site should review the OHA VISTA Host Site webpage for more in-depth information and reach out to oline.d.tydings@oha.oregon.gov">caroline.d.tydings@oha.oregon.gov to schedule time to discuss a potential project.

Application materials:

• OHA VISTA Host Site Application Instructions and FAQs –  August 2026
• Application to Host an OHA AmeriCorps VISTA Member – August 2026
• OHA VISTA Recruitment Timeline – August 2026

Host site information session: Interested in hosting an AmeriCorps VISTA at your organization? Join this webinar to learn about the program, host site requirements, application process, and more.

• When: Fridays through May 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Pacific Time. Join here

For more information about hosting an AmeriCorps VISTA, visit OHA’s VISTA website.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A former Postal Service employee pleaded guilty yesterday for engaging in a scheme to steal money orders from the U.S. Postal Service.

Jessica Alires, 46, of Nehalem, Oregon, pleaded guilty to misappropriation of postal funds.

According to court documents, from September 2024 through December 2024, as a U.S. Postal Service employee in Wheeler, Oregon, Alires voided money orders in the U.S. Postal Service electronic system after issuing them to paying customers. She then reissued the money orders and took them for herself. Alires also issued herself money orders reporting false cash and debit and credit payments to cover the cost of the money orders she issued to herself.

In addition to her money order scheme, Alires stole a credit card in the mail and charged $500 to purchase a money order and stole a letter from the mail containing $200 in cash.

On February 19, 2026, Alires was charged by information with misappropriation of postal funds.

Alires faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on October 14, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Alires has agreed to pay restitution in full.

The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cardani is prosecuting the case.

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Good morning,

Please see the attached release regarding the Wapato School District being selected to offer a new summer learning program starting this summer.

Thanks for your time,

Leading one of the largest ecological and cultural restoration projects in the American West, Parry receives the pre-eminent prize awarding collaboration in solving environmental challenges in the region

Press Kit Link - Images and Messaging

Bend, OR — April 29, 2026 — The inaugural Schnitzer Prize of the West was awarded to Brad Parry, the Vice Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation in Ogden, UT and leader of the Wuda Ogwa Cultural and Land Restoration Project. The $50,000 award granted by the High Desert Museum in Bend, OR is the first of its kind in the American West, celebrating and honoring uncommon collaboration and innovation in solving the legacy challenges of the region. Parry will receive the prize during a ceremony in Portland, OR on May 16, 2026.

Parry was awarded for his leadership transforming the site of the 1863 Bear River Massacre in Preston, Idaho, where more than 400 tribal members were killed in one of the deadliest acts of violence against Native Americans in U.S. history, into a place of ecological and cultural healing. When the Tribe purchased the 350-acre site from private owners in 2018, it also became an opportunity to bring wider awareness to a long-overlooked piece of history.

“How we view the restoration is a project not just of restoring the land, but restoring the spirit of forgiveness, and that starts with a small seed. We bring volunteers that come out to plant those seeds, and when they plant it, they bring new friends and family with them. Restoration brings brightness, hope, resilience, and remembrance, but most of all, it brings forgiveness of the past to continue forward in the future. And that’s what this project is,” says Rios Pacheco, Northwestern Shoshone spiritual leader.

Through his collaborations with Tribal members, local farmers and ranchers, academics, state and local governments, and community groups, Parry has built one of the most efficient models of watershed restoration in the American West. Despite scarce resources, ongoing institutional and local tensions, and financial restraints, Parry’s work is successfully restoring the land to its natural state by putting the creek back in its historic path and removing what didn't belong. Under his leadership, the project is removing invasive species, planting more than 70,000 native plants, restoring wetlands, and freeing the flow of a Bear River tributary. Water is now able to flow more freely downstream, benefitting local farmers, neighboring communities, and ultimately the Great Salt Lake—returning an estimated 10,000 acre-feet of water annually to the lake, which is in its own ecological crisis due to a climate-driven drought. Also central to the restoration project is Parry’s vision for a Cultural Interpretive Center, which will memorialize the site’s history as a landmark to the Northwestern Shoshone’s resilience and their long journey to federal recognition.

“Brad’s visionary leadership is critical to this project's success. He’s deeply engaged with local biologists, ecologists, and engineers, as well as community groups like the Youth Coalition for Great Salt Lake. He understands that this work is intersectional, and he's brought together a coalition of stakeholders to make this ambitious project possible,” says Katie Newburn, Education Director of FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake. 

Launched in partnership with Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, the inaugural Schnitzer Prize of the West celebrates Parry, his uncommon collaborations, and his innovative response to the urgent issues of sovereignty, ecological restoration, and water security. As the 2026 Prize Winner, Parry’s work illustrates a model for others across the region and the nation to follow.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be the inaugural recipient of the Schnitzer Prize of the West, a recognition I proudly accept on behalf of the Wuda Ogwa project. This achievement embodies the resilience and unity of our Tribe, our people, and our community, building upon the legacy of those who came before us. At its heart, this work is driven by a steadfast commitment to caring for our land, revitalizing our connection to history and culture, and building bridges with other communities—an essential responsibility we must uphold for our future generations,” said Schnitzer Prize of the West 2026 Winner Brad Parry.

“The Schnitzer Prize of the West celebrates remarkable individuals working together collaboratively to compromise and forge policies that benefit us all, and not just for us and our children, but generations to come,” said Jordan D. Schnitzer, President of Schnitzer Properties and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.

Parry’s nomination was selected by an esteemed panel of 13 advisors with deep backgrounds in tribal leadership, ranching and farming, water policy and river restoration, and prominent academic centers focused on the American West. The panel evaluated nearly 100 nominations across 12 states. 

Among the nominations, the Advisory Committee also recognized four finalists—Amy Bowers Cordalis, Talent, OR; Kelley Delpit, Bend, OR; Julie Rentner, Chico, CA; and Laura Van Riper, Bend, OR—who will each receive a $2,500 cash prize during the Portland ceremony on May 16. More information on the selection committee and finalists are available on the High Desert Museum’s website.

Administered through the High Desert Museum, the Schnitzer Prize of the West will begin accepting new nominations in May 2026. Nominations for consideration for the 2027 Prize must be received by December 31, 2026 to be eligible. Nominees not selected in one cycle remain eligible in future cycles.

For more information on the Schnitzer Prize of the West, nominations, eligibility, and award cycles, please visit highdesertmuseum.org/schnitzer-prize.

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About Schnitzer Prize of the West 2026 Winner Brad Parry

Brad Parry is the Vice Chairman for the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, where he also serves as the Tribe’s natural resource officer, currently managing and directing the Wuda Ogwa restoration project.  He is actively involved as a member of the Weber River Commission, the Bear River Commission, the Jordan River Commission, the Great Salt Lake Advisory, and the University of Utah’s Board for Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement.  Brad spent over 16 years with the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation, focusing on water quality improvement and Colorado River Basin salinity control. Brad spent his formative years in Syracuse, Utah, near the Great Salt Lake, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication from the University of Utah.  In his spare time, he enjoys golf, fishing, music, spending time with his family, and teaching about his cultural heritage.

About Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation

Jordan Schnitzer has a vibrant legacy supporting the High Desert Museum. He is the visionary and sponsor of the Schnitzer Prize of the West.

Through the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Jordan carries on the legacy of his late parents and their belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the CARE Foundation and its leaders have given over $300 million to fund hundreds of nonprofit projects that touch lives and enrich communities.

Schnitzer is also a prominent West Coast businessman. He is President and CEO of Schnitzer Properties, one of the West Coast’s Top 10 private real estate owners with offices in six Western states. Schnitzer is also an ARTnews Top 200 Art Collector globally and shares his vast contemporary art collections at no charge to museums and institutions and supports accompanying programming, educational opportunities and publications.

About the High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

EUGENE, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard teamed up with other military branches and veterans at the University of Oregon’s annual Spring Football game, transforming Autzen Stadium into a vibrant celebration on April 25, 2026. This traditional Spring Game brought the community together and honored military members, veterans, and their families with strong ties to Oregon.

Beneath clear blue skies, fans mingled with service members and caught an exciting glimpse of the Ducks’ upcoming NCAA football season. While the teams battled on the field, heartfelt tributes unfolded throughout the stadium, honoring those who have served the nation, state, and local community.

Right before kickoff, service members, veterans, families, and area first responders presented a large American flag on the field. Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Ben Pasi sang the National Anthem, and two F-15 Eagles fighter jets from the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing in Portland flew a patriotic flyover as more than 45,000 fans cheered.

Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, had the honor of performing the ceremonial “Coin Flip” to officially start the game.

During the afternoon, military families and local veterans were recognized. At halftime, new recruits, along with current service members extending their service commitments, took the Oath of Enlistment, administered by Gronewold. The traditional post-game T-shirt exchange between service members and members of the football team closed out the afternoon, which saw the “Combat Ducks” beat the “Fighting Ducks” 17-10.

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RELEASED IMAGES:

260425-Z-CH590-1311: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, administers the Oath of Enlistment to new recruits, along with current service members extending their service commitments at halftime of the annual University of Oregon Spring Football Game at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260425-Z-CH590-1729:  University of Oregon Head Football Coach Dan Lanning celebrates the conclusion of the annual University of Oregon Spring Football Game during the T-Shirt Exchange with a member of the Oregon Army National Guard at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260425-Z-CH590-1942: Members of the Oregon Army National Guard toss T-shirts to excited Duck Football Fans attending the annual University of Oregon Spring Football game held at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260425-Z-CH590-1430: Two F-15 Eagle Fighter jets from the 142nd Wing in Portland, Oregon, conduct the pre-game flyover at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026, prior to the kickoff of the annual University of Oregon Spring Football game. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260425-Z-CH590-1421: Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Ben Pasi, sings the National Anthem during the annual University of Oregon Spring Football game, held at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260425-Z-CH590-1190: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, performs the ceremonial “Coin Flip” to officially start the annual University of Oregon Spring Football Game, held at Autzen Stadium, in Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260425-Z-CH590-1583: A large American Flag is quickly refolded after being presented on the football field during the playing of the National Anthem, as part of the annual University of Oregon Spring Football Game at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon, on April 25, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. – Six Oregon military veterans were inducted into the 2026 Oregon Military Hall of Honor during a formal ceremony held at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026, in recognition of their acts of heroism and exceptional service to the nation.

The six inductees, all of whom served in the U.S. Army or the Oregon Army National Guard, are Specialist 5th Class Carston R. “Bud” Calkin, Sergeant First Class Riley E. Lott, Jr., Command Sergeant Major Brunk Conley, Major Charles “Larry” Deibert, Lieutenant Colonel Leonard DeWitt, and General Daniel R. Hokanson.

“The men chosen for this year's Oregon Military Hall of Honor have shown acts of valor ‘above and beyond the call of duty,’ as well as exceptional post-service contribution in the community or state,” said Daniel Lacy, a member of the Forward Assist Board of Directors and the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Both Command Sgt. Maj. Conley and Gen. Hokanson began their careers on active duty before joining the Oregon National Guard. They addressed the audience, describing the military careers that took them to the highest levels of service at the Pentagon. Spc. 5 Carston, Sgt. 1st Class Lott, Maj. Deibert and Lt. Col. DeWitt were honored posthumously by friends, family members, and fellow veterans.

“This story is about the Oregon National Guard, and the organization that learned to love,” Conley said. “I became a team leader as I focused on being a guardsman and citizen-soldier.”

As the last of the six inductees to address the audience, Hokanson acknowledged both veterans who have worn the nation's uniform and those currently serving.

“I look at the example that each of us sets. I go back to whether someone served or not; that's important in how we conduct ourselves," Hokanson said. "We also need to tell our story to the next generation. That's why today's event is important.”

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Released Imagery:

260418-Z-CH590-1124: Oregon Army National Guard Gen. (ret.) Daniel R. Hokanson, former Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard and Chief of the National Guard Bureau (left), receives his Hall of Honors citation from Daniel Lacy (right) during the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260418-Z-CH590-1115: Oregon Army National Guard (ret.) Command Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley, 10th Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard (left), receives his Hall of Honors citation from Daniel Lacy (right) during the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260418-Z-CH590-1126: Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees, former Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, presents the Hall of Honors induction citation to Suzanne Deibert, the wife of Maj. Charles “Larry” Deibert was posthumously awarded during the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260418-Z-CH590-1104: An Oregon Army National Guard Color Guard presents the nation's colors during the playing of the National Anthem to open the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

Video B-Roll:  https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1003024/2026-oregon-military-hall-honors-induction-ceremony

Yakima, WA – Educational Service District 105 is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Sevigny to its Board of Directors. Mrs. Sevigny was officially sworn into her role on April 28, bringing a unique blend of military leadership, classroom expertise, and practical business experience to the ESD 105 leadership team.

Mrs. Sevigny’s professional background is rooted in a career of service. She began in the United States Air Force, establishing a foundation of discipline that transitioned into over a decade in education. Serving as a Secondary Special Education Teacher and Secondary Literacy Coach, she specialized in improving literacy outcomes and supporting student achievement. Her experience also includes serving as a K-8 Online Teacher, where she designed virtual learning environments for diverse populations.

Currently, Mrs. Sevigny co-owns several businesses and serves as Business Operations Manager, overseeing financial management, human resources, and daily operations. This role provides her with a practical, systems-based perspective on organizational leadership and budgeting.

Reflecting on her appointment, Mrs. Sevigny expressed her enthusiasm for returning to the field: Education has always remained my true passion. It’s what energizes me and gives me a sense of purpose. Serving on the ESD 105 Board is an opportunity to return to that passion while bringing a broader perspective shaped by my experience in business and operations.

The Board’s decision to appoint Mrs. Sevigny reflects a commitment to balanced leadership and thoughtful solutions. Their confidence in her ability to advocate for diverse learners and ensure operational excellence will support the continued growth of students and education communities across the region.

More information regarding the ESD 105 Board of Directors can be found on our website at esd105.org/about-us/board-of-directors.

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities will honor more than 330 graduating students this year, including graduates from the fall 2024 and spring 2025 terms.

Executive Vice President for WSU Statewide Campuses Sandra Haynes will deliver opening remarks, followed by WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell, special guest Rep. Dan Newhouse, and a keynote address from WSU alumna Rachel Ruggeri, former executive vice president and chief financial officer for Starbucks.

The two-hour WSU Tri-Cities commencement ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at the Toyota Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., in Kennewick. No tickets are required. Parking is free. Doors open at noon. The Toyota Center enforces entry requirements, including a clear bag policy.

Background on the graduates

The 2025–26 graduating class includes 15 doctoral candidates in biological and agricultural engineering, chemical engineering, food science, math and science education, nursing practice, and special education.

Twenty-six master’s candidates will receive degrees in computer science, educational leadership, electrical engineering, elementary or secondary education, engineering and technology management, horticulture, language, literacy and technology education, and mechanical engineering.

More than 280 bachelor’s candidates will receive degrees in biology, business administration, civil engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, digital technology and culture, earth and environmental science, education, electrical engineering, English, history, humanities, mechanical engineering, nursing, psychology, science, social sciences, and viticulture and enology.

Keynote speaker

Rachel Ruggeri is a seasoned finance executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience across public, nonprofit and global organizations. She spent more than two decades at Starbucks Coffee Company, where she held senior finance and enterprise leadership roles during a period of significant global expansion.

From 2021 to 2025, she served as executive vice president and chief financial officer—the first woman to hold the role—and later as interim chief executive officer, helping guide the company through a major leadership transition.

Known for her people-centered leadership style, Ruggeri is passionate about mentoring, talent development and building strong organizations. Her professional journey reflects adaptability, purpose and a deep commitment to developing future leaders.

SALEM, Ore. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed Gov. Tina Kotek that Oregon will not receive funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program as part of the 2025 December storms major disaster declaration. The December storms caused widespread damage across nine Oregon counties. Gov. Kotek has instructed the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to file an appeal of this decision.

The President approved the Governor’s request for a major disaster declaration on April 7, 2026, authorizing Public Assistance for Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Union and Yamhill counties. However, the denial of hazard mitigation funding leaves a significant gap in Oregon’s ability to reduce long-term risk and strengthen community resilience.

OEM Director Erin McMahon emphasized that hazard mitigation funding is essential for Oregon communities already strained by repeated severe weather.

“Our communities are doing the hard work of recovery, but they cannot reduce future risks alone,” McMahon said. “Federal mitigation funding is essential to protect infrastructure, safeguard lives and support long‑term resilience throughout Oregon. We are committed to advocating for this support.”

Severe impacts from December storms

The December 2025 atmospheric river brought record rainfall, destructive winds, widespread flooding, landslides and mudslides across the state. More than 300,000 Oregonians lost power at the height of the storm, numerous highways and interstates were closed, and one fatality occurred in Yamhill County.

A joint preliminary damage assessment identified more than $15.4 million in eligible public infrastructure damages, with Tillamook County experiencing the highest per‑capita impact at $154.29 per person.

This is the second time in the past year a major disaster declaration has been approved without mitigation funding. This move is historically unusual, as it was previously thought mitigating from future repeats of the same disaster was a prudent cost saving measure.

Also, for the first time, the state has not received any FY25 funding for post‑fire mitigation (HMGP‑PF) work. HMGP‑PF funding is traditionally made available alongside Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs)—but despite Oregon receiving five FMAGs last year, no HMGP-PF money was made available. FEMA has provided no specific reason for this change in precedent, other than stating the program is under broader review.

Why hazard mitigation funding matters

Hazard mitigation funding is designed to reduce or eliminate long‑term risk to people and property from natural hazards. Projects typically include:

• Stabilizing landslide‑prone hillsides
• Elevating or relocating repeatedly flooded structures
• Strengthening critical infrastructure such as utilities, bridges and transportation corridors
• Improving stormwater systems and restoring natural floodplains
• Hardening facilities that provide essential services during emergencies

Oregon has a demonstrated record of successful mitigation projects in communities including Reedsport, Coos Bay, Tillamook and Vernonia. FEMA estimates that every $1 invested in hazard mitigation saves $6 in future disaster costs.

“Without federal mitigation dollars, local governments lack the resources to build safer and more resilient systems,” McMahon said. “These projects reduce the impacts of future storms, save taxpayer dollars and prevent loss of life.”

Next steps in the appeal process

OEM will submit the state’s appeal and supporting documentation to FEMA and will continue working with federal partners throughout the review process. If the appeal is approved, Oregon will be able to pursue mitigation projects that reduce long‑term risks in the counties impacted by the December storms.

More information on Oregon’s disaster recovery efforts and emergency preparedness resources is available at Oregon.gov/OEM.

EUGENE, Ore.—A Burns, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for repeatedly stealing mail while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee at the Hines, Oregon Post Office.

Patrick Wright, 44, was sentenced to 45 days in federal prison and two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay over $2000 in restitution.

According to court documents, from January 2024 through June 2024, while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee, Wright opened mail and stole the contents, including money and gift cards.

On April 17, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a one-count indictment charging Wright with theft of mail by a postal employee.

Wright pleaded guilty today to Count One.

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

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Sweet.

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The Davis Art Department is proud to invite the community to the 11th Annual Davis Art Show, hosted at the Davis KIVA. This annual event celebrates the dedication, creativity, and visual achievements of our talented student artists.

The gallery will be open for public viewing daily from Monday, May 18, through Thursday, May 28, between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

In addition to daily viewing hours, a Special Evening Showcase will be held on Wednesday, May 20, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This evening event offers a relaxed setting for students, staff, families, and community members to appreciate the artwork together.

Event Highlights:

• Art for Sale: Select student pieces will be available for purchase, directly supporting our young artists.

• Interactive Learning: Some classroom tours will be available.

Public support is invaluable to our students; having their work appreciated by the community provides essential encouragement and motivation for their artistic journeys. We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate the visual results of our students' hard work.

Bend Fire & Rescue has named Drew Whyte as the new deputy chief of prevention and fire marshal.

Whyte joins the department with 29 years of fire service experience. He began his career in 1998 as a firefighter/EMT with the Austin Fire Department in Texas. In 2001, he joined the San Jose Fire Department in California, where he served in multiple roles, including firefighter/paramedic, fire inspector, acting assistant fire marshal and arson investigator.

Whyte retired from San Jose Fire in 2024 and most recently served as assistant fire chief and fire marshal for the City of Berkeley Fire Department in California.

He holds a Master of Science in forensic science from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Science in communications from Vermont State University.

As Bend Fire & Rescue’s deputy chief of prevention and fire marshal, Whyte leads the Fire Prevention Division and oversees community risk reduction efforts, including code enforcement, plan review, public education and fire investigations. He also supports major incident operations and serves as acting fire chief when needed.

“I believe wholeheartedly that having a robust fire prevention program can save lives, and my top priority in this role is maintaining the expectation that fire code is followed so Bend’s residents, visitors, businesses and firefighters are safe,” Whyte said.

“Chief Whyte brings exceptional leadership and deep fire prevention expertise to our organization,” Fire Chief Todd Riley said. “His experience in complex urban environments and commitment to community risk reduction will strengthen our Prevention Division and enhance the safety and resilience of Bend’s growing community.”

Whyte began his new assignment in February. He has purchased a home in Bend and is working to relocate his family in time to experience a Central Oregon summer.

Portland, OR — The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is among 12 recipients of an Oregon Heritage Excellence Award. Presented to individuals, organizations, and projects that have made outstanding contributions to preserving Oregon’s heritage, the 2026 honorees will be recognized at an Awards Presentation and Dinner on April 29 in Mt. Angel, Oregon, hosted in conjunction with the 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference.

OHS received the award for its work preserving and sharing the story of the Yasui family through digitization efforts, scholarship, curricula, and an original exhibition, The Yasui Family: An American Story.

What started with a donation of objects and business records from Homer Yasui in 1991 has led to a decades-long relationship with the family. Thanks to crucial grant funding, OHS has been able to translate and digitize many of the materials held in its research library collection and make them accessible through OHS Digital Collections.

Additionally, the Museum Collection Portal includes hundreds of records relating to the Yasui family, including recollections by Homer. It is due to the meticulous preservation efforts and thoughtful stewardship of the Yasui family that OHS has had the opportunity to offer a window into the lives of Japanese immigrants and their families in the decades before and after mass incarceration during World War II.

“The history of the Yasui family is both unique and similar to the experiences of other immigrants to the United States, and it truly reflects the complexity of the American story. All of us at OHS are very grateful that the Yasui family has entrusted us with their compelling collection of family history, thereby allowing us to share an incredibly timely story of the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship,” said OHS Boyle Family Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk.

“The Award recipients are representative of efforts and activities that are exemplary and go above and beyond for an individual, organization, and project, serving as a model for heritage preservation work in Oregon,” said Katie Henry, Coordinator for the Oregon Heritage Commission. “This year we had several nominations focused on the work of documenting, preserving, and sharing a more complete story of Oregon’s history.”

The Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards are a program of Oregon Heritage. Oregon Heritage is a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department that includes the State Historic Preservation Office and four State Commission/Committees: Oregon Heritage Commission, State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation, Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries, and Historic Advisory Review Committee. 

The Yasui Family: An American Story is on view at the Oregon Historical Society’s museum in downtown Portland through September 6, 2026. Museum hours are 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday. Admission is free every day for youth 17 and under, OHS members, and Multnomah County residents, who provide crucial operational support through the Oregon Historical Society levy. Learn more and plan your visit at ohs.org/visit.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

The Oregon State Marine Board held its quarterly meeting on April 23 at the Port of Tillamook and approved proposed rules for the Siletz River and denied a petition for a change in boat operations in the pass-through zone of McGuire Island on the Columbia River. The Board also approved a variety of boating facility grants under its Cycle Two funding opportunity.

Siletz River Petition to Prohibit Motorboats Upstream of Jack Morgan Park

After reviewing public testimony, written comments, and a summary from the Siletz River Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC), Board members considered options within its authority while also acknowledging the vast perspectives from property owners, anglers, guides, members of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The Board approved a proposed rule that allows small motors between Jack Morgan Park and Old Mill Park, with motors prohibited upstream of Old Mill Park. The Board also directed staff to hold two public hearings and a work session prior to its July meeting.

Next steps in the rulemaking process include filing the proposed rule language with the Secretary of State. A public comment period will open from May 1 to June 15, and the agency will solicit written comments on the rule language. Hearings will then be scheduled in May and June, along with a work session prior to July’s quarterly Board meeting. The Board will then have its next opportunity to approve, modify, or deny final rules.

McGuire Island Pass Through Zone Petition

A petition was received in February to replace the existing pass-through zone in the channel between McGuire Island and the mainland on the Columbia River with a slow no-wake zone. This area would extend from the south channel adjacent to McGuire Island, between the east end of Big Eddy Marina, and to the west end of McGuire Point Marina. The desired outcome from the petitioners included wake protection for floating homes and moorages, boating safety for all users, and increased serenity to the floating home and moorage community and wildlife.

The Board denied the petition and directed staff to work with METRO, the facility owner of the nearby Chinook Landing Marine Park and M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp access sites, on signage to better educate boaters on the boat operations that are currently allowed in the pass-through zone. The Board also directed staff to work with local marine law enforcement and the agency’s Boating Safety Advocates to engage with floating homeowners and boaters using both access sites.

Boating Facility Cycle Two Grant Applications Approved

The Boating Facilities Program received 20 Cycle Two grant applications, highlighting $5.8 million in boating needs and requesting $3.3 million of the agency’s 2025-2027 facilities funding. The requests for Waterway Access Permit grant funds exceeded by over three times the available non-motorized waterway access funds. The motorized applications received for the Boating Facility Grant also exceeded available funds by nearly $300,000.

The following boating facility grant applications were approved:

Washington County Parks: Eagle Landing non-motorized boating access improvements. The project includes a floating kayak launch, a debris boom, a gangway that reduces slope, and an accessible route for recreational boating access that everyone can enjoy. The Board approved $375,000 in Waterway Access Grant funding, combined with $900,000 in applicant match, for a project total of $1,275,000. The project, developed over 10 years, is the second upgraded non-motorized access site on the Tualatin River.

City of Coos Bay: Empire boat ramp. The grant will replace the deflection booms and piling supporting the boarding docks. Upgrading the debris boom will reduce wave impact on the docks and boat ramp, improving boat launching and retrieving. The Board approved $595,192.86 in Boating Facility Grant funds, combined with $141,889.51 in applicant match, for a project total of $737,082.37.

Bureau of Land Management: Replace and expand the composting toilets at Whiskey Dick Boat-In Campground along the Lower Deschutes River. Newer models have a longer use life with fewer components to potentially break. The Board approved $117,384.61 in Waterway Access Grant funding to match $29,346.15 in applicant match for a project total of $146,730.76.

Lane County Parks: The grant will replace the boarding docks at Orchard Point Marina on Fern Ridge Reservoir. The Board approved $150,000 in Boating Facility Grant funding, combined with $182,985 in applicant match, for a project total of $332,985.

Bureau of Land Management: This grant funds the replacement of recreational boating safety, regulatory, and education signs along the John Day River main stem and North Fork. This is Phase 1 of sign kiosk replacements on the John Day River. The Board approved $36,010 in Boating Facility Grant funding, combined with $43,787.95 in applicant match, for a project total of $79,797.95

City of Gold Hill: This grant will fund archaeological reports for Gold Hill Sports Park on the Rogue River. This information will inform decisions for future boating access improvements. The Board approved $15,580 in Boating Facility Grant funding and $5,770 in Waterway Access Grant funding, combined with $5,675 in applicant match, for a project total of $27,025.

Wallowa County: This grant will fund replacing the 25-year-old boarding and ski docks at Wallowa Lake County Park. The Board approved $450,000, combined with $100,000 in applicant match, for a project total of $550,000.

The Board also approved the following requests for additional funding due to rising costs for materials:

• Douglas County: The county is in the process of its project improvement work at Cooper Creek East and West to replace the boarding docks and upgrade the parking. Inspection of the West access parking area revealed issues that need extra funding. The Board approved a cost increase of $400,000 in Boating Facility Grant funds to match $200,000 in applicant match for a total cost increase of $600,000.
   
• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: Coyote Creek non-motorized Launch, parking, and vault toilet. The additional cost is due to unforeseen circumstances, including the need to install a sheet pile wall to support the abutment and gangway connections due to soil conditions, a modified stormwater treatment system, and increased material costs. The Board approved the cost increase of $140,000 in Waterway Access Grant funds to match $151,000 in applicant match from OPRD’s Recreational Trails Program for a total cost increase of $291,000.

Clean Vessel Act grant funding

• Columbia Crossings, LLC: This grant will fund the replacement of six marine sewage pumpout stations for Jantzen Bay, Tomahawk Bay, and Hayden Bay marinas, which are over 20 years old and managed by Columbia Crossings, LLC. These Marine Board-certified Clean Marinas have been maintaining the pumpout stations well past their expected useful life of 8-10 years. The Board approved $131,463 in federal Clean Vessel Act funds and $43,821 in state Boating Facility Grant funds, combined with $10,254 in administration, equipment, and applicant cash for a project total of $185,538.

A block of grant requests was deferred for future funding opportunities due to a variety of reasons, including timelines, permitting, and funding challenges.

For more details, meeting materials are available on the agency’s Public Meetings page.

-End-

Salem, Oregon -- This week, Emma Keen, a junior at Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, will represent Oregon in the 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Competition in Washington, D.C. Her itinerary also includes a meeting with Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and a tour of the Capitol.

Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation contest for high school students. Keen wowed judges in Salem for the state Poetry Out Loud title on March 7. She will compete in the national semifinals on Tuesday, April 28, in a group with the other Western states representatives starting at 2 p.m. PST. The competition will be live-streamed on the National Endowment for the Arts website. The link will be posted on the day of the competition.

Nine students will advance to the national finals, which will begin at 4 p.m. PST on Wednesday, April 29. It will also be live-streamed.

Closed captioning and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided for both the Poetry Out Loud National Semifinals and Finals.

Keen, who in addition to Poetry Out Loud is the student body president, in the drama club and an avid photographer, is excited to perform in the nation’s capital. For the competition, Keen selected “Low-Tide” by Edna St. Vincent Millay, “From One Who Stays” by Amy Lowell, and “I am Like a Leaf” by Yone Noguchi.

“My connection with the poems is strong _­-- I feel like the poems are in my soul,” Keen said. “I’m looking forward to being in Washington D.C., seeing beautiful sights, taking good pictures and meeting new people!”

“The performing of poetry allows students to express themselves freely, create connections, and showcase the bright future of Oregon’s arts community,” said First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, who attended the Poetry Out Loud State Contest. “Congratulations to Emma Keen for representing Oregon in the national competition. Oregon is rooting for you!”

Poetry Out Loud is organized in Oregon by the Oregon Arts Commission in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts. Participants memorize and present poems, practicing public speaking skills while exploring the complexity of poetry.

A total of $50,000 in cash prizes and school or organizational stipends will be awarded at the national finals, including $20,000 for the Poetry Out Loud National Champion, and $10,000 and $5,000 for the second- and third-place finalists, respectively.

See video of Keen performing and being named Oregon’s champion by First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson.

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, arts programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Commissioners appointed by the Governor establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. The Arts Commission is part of Business Oregon in recognition of the vital role the arts play in supporting the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state.

The Oregon Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at artscommission.oregon.gov and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

2026 Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

 and Policy Committee

Open Vacancy – Recruitments

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

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

• One member who is a representative of the collective bargaining unit that represents the largest number of individual workers in the DOC
• Public Member

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

Corrections Policy Committee:

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

Police Policy Committee:

• One person recommended by and representing the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association
• One non-management law enforcement officer
• One public member who has never been employed or utilized as a police officer

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

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

Private Investigator Subcommittee:

• Two currently licensed private investigators

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• One person representing Emergency Medical Services & Trauma 
• One person representing the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association

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

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

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

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

Thank you,

DPSST Board & Committees Staff

SALEM, Ore. –After an uncharacteristically warm winter, Oregon is experiencing various levels of drought and a record-low snowpack. May and June rainfall, or lack thereof, determines whether the state faces an early start to fire season. If the spring drying trend persists, the combination of these conditions sets the stage for extremely active and challenging wildfires this summer. Keep Oregon Green, in partnership with federal, state, tribal and local fire and emergency response agencies will be spreading the word about the steps we all can take to prevent the start of careless, unwanted wildfires this summer. Emergency response agencies encourage all Oregonians to take steps now to create defensible space around homes and outbuildings and become familiar with evacuation procedures.

Each year, over 70% of Oregon’s wildfires are started by people. Many are a result of escaped campfires and debris burn piles or overheated equipment and vehicles casting sparks or catching fire. During the 2025 fire season, the Oregon Department of Forestry reported that people were directly responsible for sparking 740 wildfires that burned over 20,000 acres. Any spark can gain traction in dry vegetation, spread quickly and impact lives, personal property, and the many benefits provided by Oregon’s scenic natural areas.

Before heading outdoors this summer, be sure to contact the agency or landowner who manages the land at your destination for an update on current fire restrictions or bans. Everyone should be familiar with these restrictions before building open fires or using equipment that could ignite a wildfire.

One Spark Changes Everything

Keep Oregon Green has been fighting wildfire with publicity since 1941. This season, the Association is unveiling a new campaign theme: ‘One Spark Changes Everything’. It highlights how everyday choices can either spark a negative or positive outcome. The campaign calls on the public to recognize risky outdoor behaviors that can lead to wildfires and predict the effects of their actions. Campaign artwork, PSAs, and additional wildfire safety tips can be found at keeporegongreen.org and various social media platforms.

Coming soon: More Wildfire Awareness Month tips

During May, a new wildfire prevention topic will be shared each week to help homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts learn how to prevent their outdoor activities from sparking the next wildfire. For more information, visit the websites for Keep Oregon Green at www.keeporegongreen.org, the Oregon Department of Forestry at www.oregon.gov/odf, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal at https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx.

Follow Oregon wildfire news and prevention updates on social media: @keeporegongreen, @ORDeptForestry and @OSFM

SALEM, Oregon— The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved several grant recommendations and rule updates, including use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in parks and along the ocean shore, at its April 22, 2026, virtual meeting.

OPRD will implement the UAS rules over the coming months to clarify where UAS operations will be allowed in state parks. UAS operations will only be allowed in designated park properties. 

In addition, the commission acted on several other rules including: 

• Adopted temporary rules for Public Improvement contracting. This will allow projects to continue moving forward this summer while permanent rules are developed. 
• Approved opening rulemaking for changes to the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program.
• Denied a petition to open rulemaking to change the extra vehicle fee rule for motorhomes. This petition requested rules be opened to allow motorhomes to bring a non-towed extra vehicle at no charge. Commissioners found a continued need for the rule and determined circumstances have not changed sufficiently to warrant consideration of a new rule. 

The commission approved the following grant recommendations:  

• Recreation Trails Program: 17 grants totaling $2,065,768 (federal grant program administered by OPRD, represent portion of fuel tax for non-highway recreational use). 
• Land and Water Conservation Fund: 10 grants totaling $8,942,865 (federal grant program administered by OPRD, funding from oil and gas leases in coastal waters). 

Additional items included:  

• Confirming appointments to Audit and ATV committees. 
• Approving legislative concepts to propose for the 2027 legislative session. 
• Providing informational updates on real estate matters including potential purchase of Abiqua Falls properties, a property near Minam and an easement in the Blue Mountains for the Boardman to Hemingway project. 

The next commission meeting will be held virtually June 9 and 10, 2026. The full agenda packet is online.  

To watch the April commission meeting or any others, visit OPRD’s YouTube page and find supporting documents on the commission webpage.

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

WALLA WALLA - 

Walla Walla Public Schools has named longtime educator Denise Hurst as the district’s new Music Coordinator. Hurst, who currently teaches music at Prospect Point Elementary, will step into the role following the retirement of Roger Garcia at the end of the school year.

Hurst brings more than two decades of teaching experience and deep roots in the Walla Walla music community. She is a third-generation music educator in the district. Her father, Glen Mitchell, a Walla Walla Public Schools Graduate of Distinction, served as Walla Walla High School’s band director for 29 years and later as the district’s director of music. Her mother, Meredith Mitchell, was a longtime music teacher at Edison Elementary. Both have remained active contributors to the local music scene over the years.

Now in her 20th year teaching in Walla Walla Public Schools and 21st overall, Hurst has spent her entire career at Prospect Point Elementary, where she teaches K–5 music. She has also taught fifth-grade strings at Garrison Middle School and additional kindergarten classes at Blue Ridge Elementary.

“I love a challenge and finding new ways to learn and grow as an educator,” said Hurst. “We have a strong music program in Walla Walla Public Schools, and I look forward to helping it grow even more while advocating for our amazing music students and staff.”

A proud graduate of Walla Walla High School, Hurst attended Prospect Point and Garrison schools as a student. She earned her degree in music education, with a supporting endorsement in Spanish, from Washington State University. She later completed her Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University and is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Hurst says her passion for music began early. 

“Music has been a part of my life since day one, I’ve been told I sang before I talked,” she said. “Growing up with two incredible music educators as parents, I had the opportunity to attend concerts, musicals, and music trips throughout my childhood, which ultimately inspired me to pursue music as a career.”

She says working with elementary students continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. 

“Their joy is contagious,” Hurst said. “I want every student to feel seen, heard, known, and valued, and to know they are always welcome in my classroom.”

Outside of school, Hurst enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and their three sons, Andrew, Owen, and Noah. She also stays busy attending her sons’ sporting events, singing with a small women’s vocal ensemble, and baking and cooking.

As Music Coordinator, Hurst will help guide and support the district’s comprehensive music program, building on a strong tradition while continuing to expand opportunities for students across Walla Walla Public Schools.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) and Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO invite the public to attend the Workers Memorial Day observance on Tuesday, April 28, in Salem. The ceremony will recognize, remember, and honor those who died of work-related injuries and illnesses in 2025.

The event will take place at noon at the Fallen Worker Memorial outside the Labor and Industries Building, 350 Winter St. NE, on the Capitol Mall. The memorial service, coordinated by Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, will feature remarks from union leaders, safety and health advocates, elected officials, and faith leaders.

During the ceremony, the names of Oregon workers who died on the job in the past year will be read aloud. The event will include a reading of Gov. Tina Kotek’s proclamation and remarks by Oregon OSHA Administrator Renée Stapleton and Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor.  

Oregon workplaces are safer and healthier today than in previous decades. Yet, there are still too many preventable on-the-job deaths each year.

“Oregon’s unions will always stand up against any attack on the safety and health of working people,” Trainor said. “On this solemn day, we honor the workers who did not make it home, and we call for stronger safety protections, real accountability for violators, and dignity on the job.”

Through a partnership of government, labor, and business working together to improve workplace safety and health, Oregon’s fatality and injury and illness rates have steadily declined for decades.

Nevertheless, the annual Workers Memorial Day observance serves as a reminder to renew our call to protect workers from workplace hazards. Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, employers must maintain safe and healthy workplaces, and workers have a right to safe and healthy working conditions. Under the law, employers are required to know the rules that apply to their industry, and they must educate and train their workers. They are also required to comply with specific rules that apply to their workplace.

“Workers Memorial Day is not only a time to reflect and remember; it is a time to renew and strengthen our efforts to eliminate the risk of death in the workplace,” Stapleton said. “Going forward, we must revitalize our commitment to ensuring the right of all Oregon workers to on-the-job safety and health.” 

The annual Workers Memorial Day serves as a nationwide day of remembrance. The observance is traditionally held on April 28 because the U.S. Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act on that date in 1970.

Oregon OSHA encourages employers and workers to use its free workplace safety and health resources. Those resources include:

Oregon OSHA

• Worker rights and responsibilities
• Protect against retaliation
• Consultation services
• Technical services
• Keeping employees safe
• Education and training

DCBS Multicultural Communications Program

• Providing outreach to communities with limited English proficiency

Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers

• Independent advocate for Oregon workers, including guidance on workers’ rights and responsibilities in workers’ compensation and workplace safety and health

###

About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

About Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO: Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO is the statewide federation of affiliated unions, representing more than 300,000 working Oregonians. Visit https://www.oraflcio.org/.

Wapato Man Sentenced for Drive-by Shooting