RAYMOND REES NATIONAL GUARD TRAINING CENTER, Ore. – The Oregon Army National Guard is transforming its unmanned aircraft systems training at the 249th Regional Training Institute, introducing advanced platforms while developing innovative solutions to meet evolving battlefield requirements.

During September 2025, the Regional Training Institute at Rees Training Center hosted two distinct training events that showcase Oregon's expanding role as the state's center for drone operations. A specialized Master small Unmanned Aircraft Systems pilot course focused on the Flightwave Edge 130 system from Sept. 3-5, followed by the broader Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems course running Sept. 3-12.

The training represents a significant evolution from the RQ-11B Raven systems that were divested in March 2024. Students now learn on the RQ-28A Sky Ranger, officially designated by the Army for Short Range Reconnaissance missions, along with the more advanced Edge 130 platform.

"The course itself is 10 days, but with optimal weather conditions and smaller class sizes, we could potentially complete the comprehensive training in about five days," said Staff Sgt. First Class Mannen, the course manager. "That includes all the classroom instruction and flight operations, which allows me to give students more hands-on flight time."

The Edge 130, manufactured by Red Cat Holdings' Flightwave division, represents a significant upgrade in capabilities. The aircraft features vertical takeoff and landing with transition to fixed-wing flight, providing 60 minutes of flight time in vertical mode and 90 minutes in fixed-wing configuration.

"The edge 130 has three different payloads on it right now," explained Peter DeJoseph, a Flight Trainer Three with Red Cat Holdings. "You have the gimbal 360 payload that can gimbal 360 around, has 10 times zoom, and has electro-optical infrared functionality on it. And then the other payload is the mapping array where you can set a survey of an area."

The training methodology has also evolved. Red Cat's approach includes a Learning Management System that students access two weeks before arrival, allowing them to complete theoretical modules at their own pace.

"They get two weeks and go through each module and learn," DeJoseph said. "When they get through a module, they can take a 15-minute practice, take out that part of the system, build up the aircraft, go through the ground control station, build missions, download maps, and be all hands on with that learning module system."

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of Oregon's UAS program is the development of custom-built aircraft designed to supplement expensive commercial systems. Lt. Col. Mark Timmons, RTI commander, initiated this effort after recognizing the financial constraints of relying solely on $45,000 commercial platforms.

"These systems cost $45,000 apiece, so talking with Sgt. 1st Class Mannen, here do we go once we get them here and we want to loan these out to various UAS operators? Well, what's going to happen? We know what's going to happen. They're going to crash," Timmons explained.

Working with Echo MAV, a company that specializes in NDAA-compliant components, Oregon has developed prototypes that cost between $2,000-$5,000 including ground control stations. The initiative draws inspiration from similar programs at the 101st Airborne Division and 25th Infantry Division.

"The opportunity for us to be able to essentially design and build by 3D printing our own aircraft, partnering with a company who are experts in the technology piece of it and the compliance piece of it, putting those two efforts together gives us an Oregon-made, essentially US-made system," Timmons said.

Oregon's UAS training builds on infrastructure established through partnerships with the U.S. Navy. The state operates the Unmanned Aerial System Operating Facility in Boardman, a $13 million, 12,400-square-foot facility that opened in April 2023. While the RQ-7B Shadow Tactical UAS no longer operates from that facility, it established Oregon as a significant player in unmanned systems training.

Rees Training Center now serves as the primary hub for Oregon Army National Guard drone operations, with capabilities extending beyond basic flight training to include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance applications, mapping surveys, and potential support for environmental monitoring missions.

The versatility of the new systems opens possibilities for diverse mission support. Plans include using the Edge 130's mapping capabilities to conduct environmental surveys of the Rees Training impact area to locate burrowing owl habitats for the Oregon National Guard's environmental office.

"With the edge 130 we could task the platoon to do a map survey with the mapping payload and we can get a high fidelity aerial photography of that impact area for environmental, which is super cool," Timmons noted. The training also addresses modern operational challenges, including electronic warfare considerations and fiber optic drone flight capabilities, preparing soldiers for the evolving nature of unmanned operations in contested environments.

As the Oregon Army National Guard continues developing its UAS capabilities, Rees Training Center positions itself as not just a training facility, but as an innovation hub where soldiers learn to operate, maintain, and even build the unmanned systems that increasingly define modern military operations.

The September training courses represent another step in Oregon's journey from traditional UAS operations to a comprehensive program that combines commercial systems, custom-built platforms, and innovative training methodologies to prepare soldiers for the future of unmanned warfare.

                                                                                                                       -30-

Released B-Roll: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/976969/oregon-guard-advances-drone-capabilities-with-new-training-systems-b-roll

Released Social Media Info video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/976974/oregon-guard-advances-drone-capabilities-with-new-training-systems

Released Photos: 

250903-Z-ZJ128-1001 Lt. Col. Mark Timmons, commander of the 249th Regional Training Institute, displays the damaged frame components from a catastrophic drone crash next to a 3D-printed replacement frame in a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems classroom at Rees Training Center, Oregon, Sept. 3, 2025. The Oregon Army National Guard developed the capability to rapidly manufacture replacement parts for custom-built unmanned aircraft systems using 3D printing technology at Starbase Rees Training Center, allowing immediate repairs instead of waiting days for replacement systems from manufacturers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250904-Z-ZJ128-1002 From left, Sgt. Christopher Ferranti, Staff Sgt. First Class Gregory Mannen, and Staff Sgt. Michael Kimmel demonstrate ground control station operations during Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems training at the 249th Regional Training Institute, Rees Training Center, Oregon, Sept. 4, 2025. Red Cat flight trainer Peter DeJoseph instructed Oregon Army National Guard soldiers on the advanced capabilities of the Flightwave Edge 130 system, including mission planning, autonomous flight operations, and payload management. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250904-Z-ZJ128-1003 Peter DeJoseph, left, a Red Cat flight trainer, observes as Staff Sgt. First Class Gregory Mannen, center, and Staff Sgt. Timothy Powers operate the Flightwave Edge 130 unmanned aircraft system during training at the 249th Regional Training Institute, Rees Training Center, Oregon, Sept. 4, 2025. The Edge 130 provides vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with transition to fixed-wing flight, offering up to 90 minutes of flight time and advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for Oregon Army National Guard units. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250905-Z-ZJ128-1004 Staff Sgt. First Class Gregory Mannen operates an RQ-28A Sky Ranger unmanned aircraft system on the parade field at Rees Training Center, Oregon, Sept.5, 2025. The RQ-28A serves as the Army's official platform for Short Range Reconnaissance missions and is the primary aircraft used in the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems course at the 249th Regional Training Institute. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250905-Z-ZJ128-1005 Staff Sgt. First Class Gregory Mannen instructs students on the components of the RQ-28A Sky Ranger system kit during a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems course at the 249th Regional Training Institute, Rees Training Center, Oregon, Sept. 5, 2025. The 10-day sUAS course teaches Oregon Army National Guard soldiers mission planning, flight operations, and system maintenance on unmanned aircraft platforms used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

Press Release from the United States Attorney's Office, EDWA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power Launches Wattsmart Battery Program to Boost Grid Reliability and Efficiency

Washington customers can now earn incentives while helping Pacific Power build a more sustainable and reliable energy system.

PORTLAND, Ore. (Sept. 15, 2025) — Pacific Power has rolled out its Wattsmart Battery Program, a forward-thinking initiative that enables customers to take part in building a smarter and reliable energy grid for the future. This program allows customers in Washington to earn financial incentives by integrating personal battery storage systems into the grid, helping support grid reliability and sustainability.

By enrolling, participants allow Pacific Power to manage their batteries as part of a distributed energy network, helping to optimize solar energy use, reduce carbon emissions and keep electricity prices low.

“Our goal is to create a more resilient and efficient grid that empowers customers to be a part of the energy solution,” said, Shawn Grant, director of customer solutions, for Pacific Power. “Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology, the Wattsmart Battery Program helps communities optimize energy use and lower costs, especially during peak times in the summer.”

Participation in the Wattsmart Battery Program helps customers who have installed solar systems with backup batteries save on their energy bills and benefit their community.

Participation Benefits:

• Earn incentives for connecting batteries with the power grid. Participants get up to $600 per kilowatt as an upfront enrollment incentive as well as ongoing bill credits.
• Integrate renewable energy with the grid, reducing emissions.
• Provides emergency backup power during outages.
• Help keep electricity prices down.

To learn more or enroll, customers can visit PacificPower.net/Battery

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About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) and Canine Companions will host a Puppy Matriculation Ceremony

Media invite

What:

Please join us as Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) and Canine Companions host a Puppy Matriculation Ceremony to celebrate the service dogs raised by incarcerated women through the facilities unique training program. The event will include a heartfelt reunion with the graduated service dogs, the individuals they now assist, and the women who helped raise and train them. This is a unique opportunity for the women at CCCF to see the dogs thriving in their new roles – a powerful testament to the programs positive impact on everyone involved.

When:

Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Where:

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility 24499 SW Grahams Ferry Road Wilsonville, OR 97070

RSVP to: 

Amber Knight via email no later than 5:00 PM on September 19, 2025

Amber.N.Knight@doc.oregon.gov

Public Information Officer 503-507-3567 

Additional Information:

To learn more about Canine Companions, visit https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcanine.org%2Fabout%2Fwho-we-are%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_name=%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101994ee0fa36-22222425-69a7-47a0-942d-bfd997f1b192-000000/6c9pL6fbpy5PoFa79uZbE4qaLyptjl8KH5gN2TuuYno=422. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Who We Are - Canine Companions 

Background:

The dogs being celebrated spent their first 18 months at CCCF being cared for and trained by incarcerated women known as Puppy Handlers. During their time at the facility, the puppies learn their first 30 foundational skills. They then continue to a regional training center in California that teaches them advanced instruction and prepares them to become fully certified service dogs. This program offers incarcerated women the opportunity to contribute to society in a meaningful, purpose driven way.

Media wishing to attend will be required to complete a criminal background check. We ask that you arrive 30 minutes early to be processed through security.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, James Daniel Gardner, died September 14, 2025. Gardner was incarcerated at Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) in Salem and passed away at the facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Gardner entered DOC custody on June 2, 2022, from Josephine County with an earliest release date of December 24, 2025. Gardner was 32 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSCI is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 870 adults in custody. It provides a range of correctional services and programs including education, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health treatment, religious services, work crews, and transition planning. OSCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises, including a print shop and a contact center. OSCI was established by action of the 1955 Legislature and became fully operational on June 1, 1959.

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Embargoed until Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 12:15 p.m. 

Embargoed until Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 2:45 p.m. 

PORTLAND, OR – September 15, 2025. The Lemelson Foundation today announced its relocation to a new office space at 2035 NW Front Avenue, Suite 501, Portland, OR 97209, in Portland’s Pearl District. The move reflects the Foundation's growth and commitment to fostering groundbreaking invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Oregon, across the U.S., and worldwide.

The environmentally-friendly and human-centered space represents a new chapter for the Foundation, offering an environment that will enhance collaboration, efficiency, and impact. The purpose-built space enables the Foundation's team to connect and innovate in new ways, and fosters a more open, fluid exchange of ideas among team members. 

“Our new office marks an exciting milestone in The Lemelson Foundation's evolution. This thoughtfully designed space is a reflection of our philanthropic commitment to the organizations and programs that support inventors and entrepreneurs,” shares Rob Schneider, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “We built this collaborative and dynamic environment to not only inspire our team and partners, but also to ignite the kind of innovative thinking that leads to a better world. We look forward to welcoming our partners, grantees, and community members to our new space."

The WELL- and LEED Platinum-certified building offers EV charging stations, a smoke-free campus, and a green roof, while the new office space is thoughtfully designed with sustainability at its core. Additionally, it features expansive collaborative zones, state-of-the-art technology for seamless global connectivity and virtual engagement, adaptable meeting spaces to accommodate diverse partnerships, and a focus on natural light and ergonomic design to boost creativity and well-being.

The Lemelson Foundation is fully operational at its new Portland location. Contact information, including phone number and email addresses, remains unchanged.  For more information on The Lemelson Foundation's philanthropic mission and initiatives, please visit www.lemleson.org.

ABOUT THE LEMELSON FOUNDATION: The Lemelson Foundation uses the power of invention to improve lives. Established in 1992 by prolific U.S. inventor Jerome “Jerry” Lemelson and his wife Dorothy, and guided today by the Lemelson family, the Foundation believes invention can solve many of the biggest economic, social, and environmental challenges of our time. A private philanthropy located in Portland, Oregon, and operating globally, The Lemelson Foundation has provided over $350 million in grants and other investments to hundreds of organizations around the world.

At 11:56 am on September 14, 2025 , Deschutes County 911 received multiple calls reporting an RV on fire in the Juniper Ridge Temporary Short Stay Area (TSSA).  On arrival in the area, which was south of Wiley Circle and about 75 yards east of Highway 97, a fully involved Class C motorhome was found. The fire extended to nearby vegetation and combustible materials, but was limited in spread due to fuel reduction work performed in the area earlier this year.  Crews were able to quickly knock down the fire, with assistance provided on scene by US Forest Service, Cloverdale Fire District, Oregon State Police, and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office.  Two individuals and a dog were displaced by the fire, a cat is still unaccounted for.  REACH was contacted to provide assistance to the occupants of the RV.  

Upon investigation, the exact cause of the fire could not be determined, but is believed to be accidental in nature.  

The limited spread of the fire today illustrated how defensible space works.  Due to work performed limbing up trees and removing excess vegetation in the Juniper Ridge area earlier this year, the fire was limited in size and able to be contained quickly.  Does your home have defensible space?  For more information on simple steps that residents can take to create defensible space around their home, visit https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/emergency-preparedness/own-your-zone.

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

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

The City of Richland is nearing completion of its Intersections Safety Improvements project, which has delivered traffic safety enhancements at locations throughout the community.

As part of the final phase, the Swift Boulevard and Wright Avenue roundabout will be closed from September 16 – 19, 2025, for final asphalt repairs. A clearly marked detour will guide drivers safely around the work zone. Crews are working to complete the closure as quickly and efficiently as possible, and the City appreciates the community’s patience during this final step.

With this closure, all other work associated with the Intersections Safety Improvements project has been completed. These improvements are designed to enhance safety, visibility, and reliability for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists in Richland.

For more information about the Intersections Safety Improvements project, visit: www.ci.richland.wa.us/safetyimprovements

(Salem) – Carsyn Woolfolk, age 5, and Abel Woolfolk, age 7, went missing with their mother Josee Marie Pyshny and father Daniel Scott Woolfolk from Portland on Sept. 4. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that they may be at risk and is searching for them to assess their safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Carsyn and Abel. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Abel, Carsyn, or their parents Josee Marie Pyshny and Daniel Scott Woolfolk should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

They are believed to be in the Portland Metro area or Vancouver, Washington.

Name: Carsyn Lee Woolfolk
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: March 31, 2020
Height: 42 inches
Weight: 40 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: Carsyn is on the autism spectrum and is non-verbal.
Gresham Police Department Case # 25-37531
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2061078

Name: Abel Cole Woolfolk 
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Aug. 27, 2018
Height: 48 inches
Weight: 55 pounds
Hair: Brownish blond
Eye color: Blue
Other identifying information: Abel has eczema and visible tooth decay.
Gresham Police Department Case # 25-37531
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2061078

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

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

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Portland, OR — All are welcome to attend the next America 250 Oregon Commission meeting, which will be held virtually at 3:30pm on Monday, September 15. Register here if you would like to join the live conversation. If you are unable to attend, the meeting recording and minutes will be posted online at oregon250.org in the following weeks.

The meeting agenda is available online, with topics including a recap of the recent America 250 Washington, D.C., convening and the commission’s participation in the Oregon State Fair as well as details on the Oregon 250 Grant Program.

All are encouraged to visit the America 250 Oregon website to discover local community events and browse two digital photographic exhibits.

Submit Your Event to the America 250 Oregon Community Calendar

The America 250 Oregon Commission invites individuals, organizations, and communities across the state to participate in our state’s official 250th commemoration by hosting events that reflect the diversity, creativity, and history of Oregon. Whether you’re planning a lecture, festival, exhibition, performance, community conversation, or something entirely unique — the commission wants to hear from you!

To be featured on the America 250 Oregon community calendar, your event must align with at least one of the commission guideposts — the foundational values guiding our semiquincentennial commemoration effort in Oregon.

Fill out the Event Submission Form if you would like your event included on the America 250 Oregon community calendar. All submissions will be reviewed and could take up to 3 weeks for response. Please submit a separate form for each program, project, or event you plan to host. Approved events will receive the “America 250 Oregon Official Event” logo for inclusion on promotional materials.

America 250 Oregon Traveling Exhibitions

The America 250 Oregon Commission is currently offering two traveling exhibitions that are available to rent at no cost!

The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries.

The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state. 

Both exhibitions are also available to view for free online here.

Get Involved

If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact egon.250@ohs.org">oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.

Portland, Ore., September 2, 2025 – As the air turns crisp and the season shifts, SOLVE invites community members across Oregon and Southwest Washington to Fall into Action with SOLVE. At the heart of the season is the Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 20–28, one of the largest volunteer events of the year. Registration is now open.

“Fall with SOLVE is about restoring and protecting the places we’ve spent the summer exploring,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “It’s about coming together to care for the places that matter most, from keeping school routes safe to preparing green spaces for the months ahead. It’s important to take action before rains wash litter into our waterways, and our local actions have lasting and far-reaching impacts. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup is the centerpiece of this season, connecting local efforts to global movements that protect our rivers, beaches, and public lands.”

Connecting Local Action to Global Movements
The 2025 Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, spans ten days of statewide volunteer opportunities, from the Oregon Coast to urban neighborhoods in Oregon and SW Washington, and is tied to three days of global significance:

• International Coastal Cleanup Day (September 20): Uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect waterways from harmful trash and debris.
• National Public Lands Day (September 27): The nation’s largest single-day volunteer event focused on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting.
• World Rivers Day (September 28): Celebrating rivers and emphasizing the need to protect them.

For nearly four decades, the Beach & Riverside Cleanup has brought communities together to protect beaches, rivers, parks, and public lands. Over 60 projects are already open for registration, with opportunities for families, neighbors, community groups, and businesses to take part. From source to sea, volunteers will remove litter, restore natural areas, and create a visible difference across the region.

2025 Sponsors

SOLVE's Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2025, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, is proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Knife River, KOIN, Malibu Rum, Metro, National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Oregon Parks and Recreation, Tillamook, and Wells Fargo.

What You’ll See This Fall

With cooler weather and the energy of back-to-school season, SOLVE volunteers will:

• Clean up litter from neighborhoods, trails, parks, and waterways
• Restore habitats by removing invasive ivy and weeds
• Prepare green spaces for winter with mulch and maintenance
• Join forces with schools and community groups to inspire youth action 

Key Fall Events:

While the Beach & Riverside Cleanup is the centerpiece, Fall with SOLVE also offers a variety of ways for communities to get involved:

• Pick It Up!: Large-scale community cleanups in Milwaukie (September 6), Bend (September 20), and Vancouver (October 10) bring together residents, businesses, and volunteers to give city centers a fresh start this fall.
• Waterway Cleanup Series Wrap-Up (October 15): The summer-long effort in partnership with Clackamas Water Environment Services concludes with a cleanup at High Rocks Park, Gladstone.
• Monthly Detrash Portland Events: Ongoing cleanups in Portland’s business districts, focused on revitalizing key gathering areas.
• Neighborhood & School Route Cleanups: Supporting cleaner, safer pathways for students and families as the school year begins.
• Restoration Projects: Removing invasive species, mulching, and preparing natural areas for the winter months.

Get Involved
SOLVE invites individuals, families, schools, and businesses to take part in Fall with SOLVE by signing up for a project, hosting a cleanup, or supporting restoration efforts. Whether joining solo or with friends, family, or coworkers, every action helps protect waterways, restore habitats, and strengthen communities.

Looking ahead, there are even more ways to celebrate the season with purpose, from Giving Tuesday contributions to corporate volunteer projects and sponsorship opportunities. Support during this time helps sustain SOLVE’s year-round work and expand its impact across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

For more information and to sign up, visit solveoregon.org/seasons.

About SOLVE 

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

September 12, 2024

Media contacts: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Nye Beach health advisory lifted

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with ocean water at Nye Beach, located in Lincoln County.

The health authority issued the advisory Sept. 11, after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

Results from follow-up tests taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the ocean water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk.

Officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

Oregon agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and  the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

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PORTLAND, Ore.— Defendant Julie Winters, 46, of Portland, made a first appearance in
federal court yesterday after being charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer
and resisting arrest.

According to court documents, on August 20, 2025, Winters became hostile when deputies from
the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) attempted to place Winters under arrest for violating the
conditions of her pretrial release for an earlier charge of assaulting a federal law enforcement
officer. Winters began to fight and resisted arrest. After several minutes, the deputies were able
to handcuff and escort Winters to a holding cell. A short time later in the holding cell, Winters
had a medical incident, and the Deputy U.S. Marshals provided immediate care. The Deputy
U.S. Marshals removed the restraints as they waited for additional medical personnel to respond.
As soon as the restraints were removed, Winters began fighting with the Deputy U.S. Marshals.
Winters grabbed a Deputy U.S. Marshal by the hair at the base of the scalp and began to whip
the Deputy U.S. Marshal around by the hair.

Winters was on pretrial release for a separate incident on June 24, 2025, for which she was
indicted on two counts of attempted assault on an officer and intimidation of a federal officer
with a dangerous weapon.

According to court documents, on June 24, 2025, officers observed Winters attempting to light
an incendiary device next to the guard shack of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
office. As Federal Protective Service officers engaged with Winters, she pulled a large knife
from her backpack and began waiving the blade toward the officers. Winters threw the knife at
an officer, but it did not strike the officer. Winters began to flee but an officer deployed a taser,
bringing Winters to the ground. As officers attempted to secure Winters, she pulled a second
large knife from her waistband. Officers finally disarmed Winters and arrested her.

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

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

SANTIAM STATE FOREST, Ore.—A group of Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) experts shared management insights, challenges and lessons learned from the recovery efforts in the Santiam State Forest after the 2020 wildfires with a team of South Korean researchers and graduate students from Oregon State University recently. 

“Oregon is known all over the world as one of the best, if not the best, in forest management both in the private and public sectors,” said Dr. Heesung Woo, Assistant Professor of Advanced Forestry Systems, Forest Engineering, Resources and Management at Oregon State University. “These researchers will be key to developing better forest management policy in South Korea and for them to see in person the forest and impact of large fires on the forest, then get to discuss how to recover from large fires with the ODF staff is invaluable.”

The day-long field tour in the Santiam included stops and discussions at burned areas, completed salvage logging areas, and places that had been replanted with trees.

“One big takeaway I’ve learned from this visit is the importance of good access to forests through a basic road system,” said Dr. Sanghoon Chung, from the South Korean National Institute of Forest Sciences.  “In Oregon, I was struck by how forest roads played a vital role not only in enabling the deployment of ground-based equipment for building firebreaks and controlling wildfires, but also in supporting post-fire recovery by transporting seedlings and facilitating salvage logging. It was a powerful example for us to learn from.”

While the historical and social context of Korea’s forests differs from that of Oregon, the commitment to post-wildfire restoration remains equally strong. Forest recovery and restoration are entangled with complex social, policy, and economic interests.

“Conflicts among stakeholders are inevitable during the forest restoration process, and relying on one-sided claims rarely leads to reasonable outcomes. What is essential, however, is our collective commitment to ensuring that forests can once again deliver their full range of vital functions,” said Chung.

The group plans to apply the lessons and information ODF provided to shape their forests. 

 “These researchers and the students in this group who choose to go back will be key in developing forest policy now and in the future,” said Dr. Woo. “ODF has given us great insights and many things to consider.”

Even with all the challenges, Dr. Woo is optimistic about the future forests of South Korea.

“Many people here don’t realize how small South Korea is,” said Dr. Woo. “It’s only about 40 percent the size of Oregon, yet nearly 64 percent of the country is covered by forests. So, with the small size, we have a better chance of making changes quicker to promote healthy forests.  We also see how Oregon has a cooperative social license with many groups to work together to improve forests, and we hope to gain interest from our people to value and care about the forest in the same way.”

Although there is no formal agreement between South Korea and Oregon on sharing forest research and management, the relationship has been strong for years

.

“One of the first tours I ever gave working for ODF was to a South Korean delegation in 2015,” said Kyle Kaupp, ODF’s Santiam Unit Forester.  “It’s been amazing now to share more than 10 years of great work and lessons learned the hard way in the same forest with this group.  They understand the challenges of forest management, and hopefully, we gave them some perspective and practical lessons on how to do that better back home.”

For more on the Santiam recovery efforts, visit: Oregon Department of Forestry : Restoring the Santiam State Forest : Recreation, education & interpretation : State of Oregon

For more on the South Korean Forest Service, visit: Korea Forest Service - Forest In Korea > Korean Forests at a Glance

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve July 23, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Juan Rios, DPSST No. 66172; ODOC/Oregon State Penitentiary

    Presented by Cindy Park

4. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only

    Presented by Cindy Park

5. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – October 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Applicant Review Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

Beginning Monday, September 15, sections of Thayer Drive between Longfitt Street and Woodbury Street may experience little to no street lighting for a period of time.

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) will be removing and replacing utility poles along Thayer Drive. Several Richland-owned streetlights are currently attached to those poles, requiring their removal as BPA completes its work.

The City of Richland is in the process of installing new, dedicated streetlights along Thayer Drive. Due to slight contractor delays, streetlight installation is now scheduled to be partially complete by early October, with lighting available on the east side of Thayer Drive. Once BPA finishes installing its new poles, the City’s contractor will return to complete the west side of the project.

“We understand the importance of reliable lighting along this corridor and appreciate the community’s patience as we work through this transition period,” said Public Works Director, Carlo D’Alessandro.

Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are encouraged to use extra caution when traveling through this area during nighttime hours until full lighting is restored.

For additional information, please visit www.ci.richland.wa.us .

Enrollment Growth

Three weeks into the 2025–26 school year, College Place Public Schools has more students learning in refreshed, well-cared-for facilities than at any point in the last five years. Enrollment climbed by 65 students since June, making this the district’s 1521 students its largest fall enrollment since 2020. Sager Middle School set a record with 397 students.  Even with this growth, students in College Place continue to benefit from unusually low student-to-teacher ratios of 17 to 1 in elementary grades and 18 to 1 in secondary schools.

Behind these numbers is a community-supported story of growth and stewardship. CPPS’ vision of a ‘small school feel, larger than life outcomes’ reflects the pride families feel in sending their children here.

Students Taking Big Steps Forward

At College Place High School, an emphasis on College in the High School courses has led to an increase in participation. More students are earning college credit while completing high school requirements through partnerships with Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University. For many, the experience has already helped them see new possibilities for their futures.

Students also began the year with new spaces designed to support their learning. CPHS opened its Career and College Readiness Center “The Perch”, which has quickly become a hub for planning next steps beyond high school. At Sager, students are finding their way in the newly completed library; which will quickly become the heart of the school for curiosity and exploration. 

Taking Care of Our Facilities

Work completed in recent months has already made a visible difference across the district.

• Elementary Upgrades: At Davis Elementary, a large portion of the school’s interior walls were painted and a new drain at the K–1 playground to solve water issues, giving children a more usable space. Fresh bark across campus grounds added to the welcoming feel.
• Transportation Improvements: Two new electric buses rolled into service this fall, powered by newly installed charging stations. Both the buses and infrastructure were fully funded through state and federal grants.
• Districtwide Pride: Across the district, gym floors gleam thanks to refinishing work done by custodial staff, a cost-saving project that showcased both pride and skill.
• Physical Education Facilities: CPHS outdoor activity spaces received upgrades designed to improve safety and broaden use for students and the community. New windscreens enhance both appearance and protection at the football, baseball, and softball areas, while refinished tennis courts, now striped for pickleball, support PE classes, after-school programs, and community recreation. The CPPS Fieldhouse Project is also moving forward, with groundbreaking expected in November, creating additional space for year-round physical education, indoor educational space, and student wellness activities.

Living the Vision

Superintendent Jim Fry reflected on the importance of pairing growth with care.  “We are continuing to take great care of the facilities that our community provides for us,” Fry said. “We will not allow our schools to get run down and out of date. This ensures that we can provide our students with top notch experiences.”

A Community Effort

The progress of the past two weeks underscores how deeply the community’s support shapes the district’s success. Local community tax dollars and state funding paired with grant opportunities, allowed CPPS to open the year with facilities that look and feel ready for growth.

A Note of Thanks

Now that the school year is underway, it’s clear: our facilities and students are will cared for and the community deserves the credit.  College Place Public Schools begins the year larger, stronger, and deeply grateful for the community that makes it possible.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Low water levels on Lewis River lead to additional boat ramp closure

ARIEL, Wash. (Sept. 11, 2025) Dry conditions across the Pacific Northwest continue to impact PacifiCorp's reservoirs on the Lewis River. Currently, water inflow to Swift, Yale, and Merwin reservoirs is about 66% of normal levels for this time of year. As a result, Merwin Reservoir will be drawn down to lower water levels.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which regulates the operation of PacifiCorp’s reservoirs, requires the company to maintain minimum water flows downstream of Merwin Dam to protect and support federally listed fish species. With these requirements and under dry conditions, PacifiCorp has distributed available water between the three reservoirs.

To meet the September license flow requirement from Merwin Dam, and to maintain availability of the Swift Forest Camp boat ramp to support the replacement of a fish barrier, Merwin Reservoir will need to be drawn down to lower-than-normal elevations.

Because of the lower water levels, the Speelyai Park boat ramp will be closed beginning September 15, 2025. However, the Cresap Bay Park boat ramp will remain open and available through September 30, 2025, providing boaters with continued access to Merwin Reservoir.

Additionally, the Swift Forest Camp boat ramp will be closed starting September 30 to allow for the drawdown of Swift Reservoir in order to refill Merwin Reservoir. The Speelyai Park boat ramp will reopen as soon as the Merwin reservoir reaches an elevation of 227 feet.

We understand the inconvenience that the reservoir drawdowns and boat ramp closures may cause. PacifiCorp will notify the public of any changes from the above schedule should conditions change. 

Check the website to learn more about notifications regarding boat launch closures and other low water impacts.   

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About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.

A Eugene area millwright is the latest winner of Oregon's Game Megabucks, after claiming an $8.1 million jackpot in the August 16 drawing.

The ticket was sold at the Alvadore Gas & Store, located in the unincorporated community in Lane County, Ore. It’s the first jackpot win for store owners Hukam and Chandni Sharma, who earn a bonus check of $81,000 for selling the winning ticket.

“It’s something I never expected because nothing like this happens here,” said Chandni Sharma. “Our community is so excited for us.”

Sharma said the couple plans to reinvest the bonus money into their family business by adding a kitchen and deli to the store to serve meals. It’s something their customers, many of whom work on nearby farms, have been asking for.  

“It’s exciting to see a locally owned business continue to invest in their future,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “The impact of a bonus like this can really have a ripple effect in the community.”

Oregon’s Game Megabucks has some of the most favorable big prize jackpot game odds in the world. In 2024, a Milwaukie man was the winner of an $8.4 million Megabucks jackpot. The jackpot resets to $1 million after someone wins. 

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any 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 a drawing to claim their prize.

Media members can find photos from today’s event here.

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public schools, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

BEND, Ore. – The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) has selected a buyer for the Stevens Road Tract, a more than 260-acre property in southeast Bend. Hayden Homes, a privately owned homebuilder based in Redmond, Oregon, will develop a new neighborhood based on the requirements of House Bill 3318 (2021). 

The Stevens Road Tract, located near 27th Street and Reed Market Road, is poised to become an unprecedented new community that will help meet the growing demand for housing in Bend. This planned development will include approximately 2,500 residential units. Guided by state legislation and in partnership with the City of Bend, the neighborhood will guarantee long-term housing affordability through 20 acres of deed-restricted affordable and workforce units for rent and homeownership. A significant portion of these deed-restricted homes will be prioritized for local educators and school district workforce. Stevens Road Tract will also include market-rate housing, parks, and transportation options that support walking, biking, and transit.

Once finalized, the land sale proceeds will be added to Oregon’s Common School Fund. The Fund generates earnings that are distributed to public school districts across the state each year.

“The Stevens Road Tract reflects what is possible when state lands are managed with both purpose and vision,” said Kaitlin Lovell, director of the Oregon Department of State Lands. “This sale will support Oregon’s public schools through the Common School Fund and help address a critical need for affordable housing in one of our state’s fastest-growing communities. It is especially meaningful that educators, those who dedicate their lives to our children’s futures, will be among those who benefit most.”

Hayden Homes is known for its track record in building homes that working families can afford. The company’s nonprofit organization, First Story, provides zero-down, zero-interest home loans to qualifying buyers, including educators and first-time homeowners.

“Hayden Homes is honored to be selected for this innovative housing project,” said Steve Klingman, president of Hayden Homes. “Stevens Road Tract will impact generations of Oregonians not only by providing attainable homeownership and long-term housing affordability in Bend, but also through an investment in public schools statewide. Our local educators are hometown heroes who are instrumental in building a strong community. Hayden Homes is proud of our longstanding commitment to building homes priced for educators and other hardworking Oregonians.” 

The sale is being managed by Cushman & Wakefield, which also represented the state in the successful sale of the adjacent Stevens Ranch property in 2020. Together, the two developments will add more than 600 acres of planned housing and community infrastructure to southeast Bend.

.

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www.oregon.gov/dsl

Please see attached press release. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 10, 2025

Contact: Heather Hendersen, committee assistant, estlands@odf.oregon.gov">committee.of.family.forestlands@odf.oregon.gov

SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands (CFF) will meet virtually on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the meeting agenda on the  CFF web page. 

The morning agenda includes an opportunity for public comment followed by updates regarding:

• Forest Resources Division

• Small Forestland Owner (SFO) Assistance and Incentives

• SFO Office Training

• SFISH/SFO Support and Forest Health

• Board of Forestry.

Scheduled after lunch is:
 

• Discussion of the open conservation position

• A presentation by committee member Dave Bugni: “Where’s My Newly Replanted Forest? The importance of Attaining Free-to-Grow Status”

• Roundtable discussion.
   

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. View more information on the CFF web page. 

September 10, 2025

Media contacts: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8843, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Nye Beach health advisory issued Sept 10

High bacteria levels prompt OHA recommendation to avoid water contact

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing a public health advisory today for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Nye Beach in Lincoln County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including:

• Stormwater runoff
• Sewer overflows
• Failing septic systems
• Animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife

Even if there is no advisory in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted.

While this advisory is in effect at Nye Beach, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.

For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

EVENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  -- September 10, 2025
Contact: Dianne Danowski Smith or Jeff Cole, Oregon Bioscience Association
news@oregonbio.org | linkedin.com/company/oregon-bioscience-association

Spotlight -- on Workforce, Smart Bio Policy, and AI in Health and Bio -- Shines at Oregon Bio’s 2025 Conference and Innovation Showcase September 29 – 30

(PORTLAND, Ore. - September 8, 2025)  — Oregon’s bioscience ecosystem will converge this fall at Oregon Bio 2025, the annual Conference and Innovation Showcase, taking place Monday, Sept. 29, and Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Portland Community College’s Rock Creek campus.

This year’s theme highlights how Oregon’s bioscience leaders are advancing innovation from lab to market while building a resilient workforce. The two-day program brings together industry executives, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and students to exchange insights, celebrate achievements, and foster collaborations shaping the future of biotech and life sciences in the Pacific Northwest. Plus, the renowned event centerpiece, the Innovation Showcase, is on par with its significant lineup of emerging researchers and startups.

“This custom-curated Oregon Bio event will feature a comprehensive and much anticipated scope of industry intel, resources and thought leadership; we’ll be hosting researchers, investors, strategists, operational and manufacturing experts, policy leaders and growth-minded bio professionals throughout this 2-day event,”  said Tim Brown, head of External Manufacturing Operations and Procurement at Vir Biotechnology Inc. and Oregon Bio’s Chair of the Board.

“This custom-curated Oregon Bio event will feature a comprehensive and much anticipated scope of industry intel, resources and thought leadership; we’ll be hosting researchers, investors, strategists, operational and manufacturing experts, policy leaders and growth-minded bio professionals throughout this 2-day event,”  said Tim Brown, head of External Manufacturing Operations and Procurement at Vir Biotechnology Inc. and Oregon Bio’s Chair of the Board.

“We are pulling in national and international bioscience and med tech pros and just as exciting, we’ll get to check out the emerging research and scientific collaboration through the Innovation Showcase,” said Liisa Bozinovic, Oregon Bio’s executive director. “Registration is now open; see our new event platform and start curating your conference.”

Conference Highlights:

• Thought leadership: Interface with Sophorn Cheang, Director of Business Oregon, and nationally recognized bioscience leaders
• Interplay: Discussion with state legislators around the intersection of advancing innovation through smart policy
• Federal insights: Presentations from national leaders at the National Institutes of Health
• Take-away tactics: Flash talks and breakout sessions covering workforce, discovery, funding, AI in healthcare, and more
• Call outs: Oregon’s bioscience excellence awards will honor the Bioscience Woman of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Legislator of the Year citing leading bio pros as well as networking at the well-known ‘Bio On’ reception
• Resourcing to get it done: Roundtables providing information on demand with tools, funding pathways and support
• Career integration: Navigating the Bioscience Job Market free session and networking opportunities throughout the events.

Innovation Showcase

The Innovation Showcase Pitch Challenge is a centerpiece of the conference, featuring Oregon and southwest Washington-based researchers and entrepreneurs competing in two tracks of Research and Startup Pitches. Industry experts will judge each entry and conference attendees will participate through votes in the People’s Choice category. Finalist presenters include:

Basic Research

• Arielle Isakharov, Ph.D. candidate, OHSU | Exploring Overlooked Neurons in the Retina
• Kenneth Riley, Jr., Ph.D. candidate, OHSU | Reconstruction of the Epigenetic Landscape from Fragmented DNA in Blood

Translational Research

• Danica Bojovic, Ph.D. candidate, Vollum Institute, OHSU | Vascular Dysfunction: Early Warning Sign for Dementia
• Maryam Sarlak, Ph.D. | Glucose Biosensor
• Tim Valuev, M.D. candidate, OHSU | Anatora: 3D Printing for Medical Education & Surgical Precision

Early-Stage Startups

• Danielle Benoit, Ph.D., Professor of Engineering, Knight Campus, UO and Co-founder, AsteriaRx | AsteriaRx: Musculoskeletal Healing Through Advanced Drug Delivery
• Daniel Gareau, Ph.D., Founder, SurgiVance | SurgiVance: Advanced Pathology for the Future of Medicine
• Nataliia Shchotkina, Ph.D., Post-doc Scholar, Knight Campus, UO | Next-Gen Tissue Repair Scaffolds for Affordable Regenerative Medicine

Later-Stage Startups

• Eduardo Ceballos, CEO, xBiologix | xBiologix: Color Biopsies in Clinics
• Linta Mustafa, MSc., CEO and Co-founder, Vitract | Gut Microbiome Genomics Platform for Precision Health
• Craig Stolarczyk, MBA, CEO and Co-founder, SynPlexity | Enabling High-Throughput Screening to Advance Biology

Registration and Venue

Venue: Portland Community College, Rock Creek Campus, 17705 N.W. Springville Road, Portland, OR 97229. Parking is available on-site for $5/day. Registration includes both days of programming and the ever-popular “Bio On” networking event. Register now at www.oregonbio.org/oregon-bio-2025:

• Oregon Bio Members:  $200
• Non-Members (Industry/Academic):  $325
• Non-Member Service Partners: $425

# # #

About Oregon Bioscience Association

The Oregon Bioscience Association is the unified voice for the local bioscience community, driving economic growth and impact of the life sciences sector across Oregon, southwest Washington, and the Pacific Northwest region.

Anchored in the mission of helping the medical device and health tech sectors grow, Oregon Bio offers members access to enterprise support, workforce and economic development, promotion of research collaborations, educational programs, leadership development, advocacy and networking.

The association’s leadership and work with national partners, including the BIO Innovation Organization (BIO), AdvaMed, and the Medical Device Manufacturers Association, have helped elevate Oregon and southwest Washington’s life sciences footprint.  According to the 2025 Economic Impact Report, data show $21.2 billion in economic output, including $6.8 billion in income and 74,925 jobs for $2.1 billion in wages across a growing 1,995 business establishments. Oregon’s current share of NIH funding is $346 million its last fiscal year. This represents high growth in every category over more than two decades.

For more information about the Oregon Bioscience Association, please visit www.oregonbio.org. Connect with us on LinkedIn.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a tiny green beetle from eastern Asia that is having a devastating impact on ash trees in North America, including northwest Oregon.  Across the U.S., millions of ash trees have been killed by the larvae of this pest. The larvae eat tissues under the bark, eventually killing infested trees.

First found in Oregon in 2022 at a school in Forest Grove, this summer the beetle showed up in traps in six new areas. Five of the sites were within the existing EAB quarantine boundary.

A trap was placed this summer at a sixth site in Multnomah County after Peter Van Oss, a private arborist with Teragan and Associates, noticed an ailing green ash tree in the parking lot of the David Douglas Aquatics Center in the Hazelwood-Mill Park area. Van Oss suspected it might be infested with EAB and alerted officials.

City and state officials then inspected the tree Van Oss had reported and saw signs of EAB infestation, such as dieback at the top and serpentine gallery marks under the bark. A single adult insect was trapped and sent to the United States Department of Agriculture, specifically to the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service’s Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory in Maryland, which confirmed it was EAB.

The other new sites where EAB was found this summer are:

• Hazeldale Park about a mile west of Beaverton
• Killin Wetlands Nature Park near Banks in western Washington County
• Five miles northwest of the town of Yamhill in Yamhill County
• Three miles southeast of Oregon City in Clackamas County
• Bureau of Land Management-administered land east of Scotts Mills in Clackamas County

“The pattern of spread in the eastern U.S. has been that populations at first increase slowly and the rate of natural spread is slow,” said Cody Holthouse, Manager of the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture’s Insect Pest Prevention and Management Program. “But within a few years there is a rapid build-up in the population and it spreads in all directions at a faster pace. That’s exactly what we’re starting to see with these detections.”

Holthouse said EAB is about half an inch in length and is hard to spot with the naked eye. It is not strongly attracted to traps, making early detections in novel locations difficult. “Finding one in a trap usually means there are quite a few already in that area,” he said.

Holthouse said the discovery in southeast Portland puts all of Multnomah County into the EAB quarantine zone. Other quarantined counties include Clackamas, Washington, Marion, and Yamhill counties.

“Quarantine is designed to prevent humans from spreading EAB by limiting movement of firewood or any other plant materials from ash, olive or white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus),” said Holthouse.

A full list of quarantine regulations can be found here.

The City of Portland has been preparing for EAB’s arrival for years. It removed ash trees from its list of approved street trees in 2019. It completed a comprehensive response plan for dealing with EAB earlier this summer. 

 "Our approach to managing Portland’s urban canopy is rooted in community stewardship, science and long-term resilience," says City Forester Jenn Cairo. "By working with Portlanders to inventory trees and educate folks about best practices, and intentionally planting a diverse range of tree species, we’re building a more adaptable canopy, one that’s better equipped to withstand threats like the Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive pests. This proactive strategy helps safeguard the health of our urban forest for generations to come." 

For the past few summers, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF), in collaboration with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, made sticky purple traps available to numerous public land managers and soil and water conservation districts that agreed to place and monitor the traps.

“Traps contain a lure and are checked periodically during the summer when adult EAB are flying. It was in those traps that the beetles were found,” said ODF Invasive Species Specialist Wyatt Williams.

While it’s possible EAB could turn up in more traps when they are checked in September, Williams said most adults will have finished their short life cycle, laid their eggs, and died by October or November.

“At that point, further spread is almost entirely by humans moving firewood,” said Williams. “That’s why it’s recommended you buy or cut firewood within 10 miles of where you plan to burn it.”

Public agencies in Washington County, where EAB was first detected three years ago, have been preparing for its spread beyond Forest Grove. For example:

• Beaverton is protecting nearly 500 ash street trees in good condition by injecting them with emamectin benzoate. This systemic insecticide has proven very effective at preventing infestation by EAB while being safe for humans, pets, and wildlife, including pollinators.
• Hillsboro is conducting a tree inventory of public and right-of-way trees. This data will help locate ash tree populations and inform the city’s EAB response plan. To protect its ash trees, Hillsboro will also be treating approximately 500 healthy public ash trees along the western and southern city boundary. This will create a buffer zone from current outbreaks as a phase one response plan.

Outside Washington County:

• Salem has been treating high-value public ash trees to protect them ahead of EAB’s arrival.
• Keizer, with help from ODF, is inventorying its street trees to find how many are ash.
• Portland recently completed its EAB response plan, which among other things involves the treatment of public trees in good condition in low-canopy neighborhoods, and the pre-emptive removal of ash trees in poor condition to spread the cost out over several years.

What you can do

If you think you’ve seen an emerald ash borer, ODF and ODA ask that you first make sure it’s not a common look-alike bug.

“You can find a good description and photos comparing EAB to other common insects in Oregon that are also green in color at OregonEAB.com,” said ODF EAB Specialist Kat Bethea. “If you can capture the beetle in a jar or other container that’s ideal, but at least try and take a clear, close-up photo. This helps us identify the insect in question much more easily.”

Bethea said people suspecting they’ve found EAB should report it over the phone to 1-866-INVADER or online at https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/reports/create. Attaching a clear photo is important. Bethea said people who know they have an ash tree and notice a decline should report it the same way.

“Any ash tree can be infested, including native Oregon ash as well as non-native street, park and yard trees. Signs of infestation include thinning and yellowing leaves, bark splitting, D-shaped holes in the tree bark, and shoots from buds on the trunk or branches,” said Bethea.

Matt Mills, who is also an EAB Specialist with ODF, said, “You can find whether or not you’re in an EAB-infested area or close to one by checking an online map we’ve created. It shows the five counties where firewood from hardwood trees cannot be removed. That quarantine also covers any part of ash, olive or white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus).”

People who want to protect their ash trees before they become infested should consider the same treatment Beaverton and Salem are using to protect their public ash trees. “The insecticide is injected at the base of the trunk and gets taken up into the tree canopy and is quite effective at protecting the tree from both adults and larvae,” said Mills.

Mills said treatments must be done before trees are damaged and repeated every two or three years by a licensed pesticide applicator.

“That’s why we recommend only treating high-value trees in good condition,” he said. “Ash trees planted in the wrong place to reach their mature size, such as under powerlines, should be removed as time and funds permit and replaced with species that aren’t susceptible to EAB.” 

Homeowners might also consider replacing young ash trees while they are still small and starting over by planting a species that is not susceptible to EAB.  “This gets new tree canopy jump-started in urban areas where ash trees will be lost if not treated,” Mills said.

                                                                   # # #

A three-day event in southern Oregon will feature a variety of workshops and presentations designed to help employers and workers improve on-the-job safety and health. Topics include hazard identification, fall protection, safety committees, confined spaces, respiratory protection, cultural change, and human resources concerns.

In addition to addressing many safety and health topics, the Southern Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference – to be held Oct. 14-16 at the Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites in Ashland – offers a preconference workshop with first aid, CPR, and automated external defibrillator certification, and a professional development workshop on leadership and resolving conflicts. A special guest of the conference, Scott Shumway, principal of Emiment LLC, will lead the Tuesday, Oct. 14, workshop on leadership and conflict resolution.

The conference is a joint effort of the Southern Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals and Oregon OSHA.

The three-day event features keynote speakers, including Jeff Crapo of Ethos Consulting Team LLC and Ethos Academy. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, Crapo will engage participants in fostering a positive team culture where people look out for one another, remain motivated under pressure, and communicate effectively – even when delivering tough messages.

Other conference topics include:

• Discussing Our Culture: The Intersection Between Physical and Psychological Safety
• Safety Training for Employees
• Preventing Serious Injuries and Fatalities
• Risk Assessments: Choosing the Right Control Measures
• Practical Strategies for Enhancing Your Safety Culture
• Who’s Minding the Store? Perspectives From Emergency Management

Conference registration fees include early bird pricing and discounts, as well as different pricing for workshops and conference days. More information about conference options, programs, and registration are available online. Register now. For more information about upcoming workplace safety and health conferences visit Oregon OSHA online.

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About Oregon OSHA:

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

EMBARGOED UNTIL 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10, 2025

PORTLAND, Ore. – Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a tiny green beetle from eastern Asia that is having a devastating impact on ash trees in North America, including northwest Oregon.  Across the U.S., millions of ash trees have been killed by the larvae of this pest. The larvae eat tissues under the bark, eventually killing infested trees.

First found in Oregon in 2022 at a school in Forest Grove, this summer the beetle showed up in traps in six new areas. Five of the sites were within the existing EAB quarantine boundary.

A trap was placed this summer at a sixth site in Multnomah County after Peter Van Oss, a private arborist with Teragan and Associates, noticed an ailing green ash tree in the parking lot of the David Douglas Aquatics Center in the Hazelwood-Mill Park area. Van Oss suspected it might be infested with EAB and alerted officials.

City and state officials then inspected the tree Van Oss had reported and saw signs of EAB infestation, such as dieback at the top and serpentine gallery marks under the bark. A single adult insect was trapped and sent to the United States Department of Agriculture, specifically to the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service’s Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory in Maryland, which confirmed it was EAB.

The other new sites where EAB was found this summer are:

• Hazeldale Park about a mile west of Beaverton
• Killin Wetlands Nature Park near Banks in western Washington County
• Five miles northwest of the town of Yamhill in Yamhill County
• Three miles southeast of Oregon City in Clackamas County
• Bureau of Land Management-administered land east of Scotts Mills in Clackamas County

“The pattern of spread in the eastern U.S. has been that populations at first increase slowly and the rate of natural spread is slow,” said Cody Holthouse, Manager of the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture’s Insect Pest Prevention and Management Program. “But within a few years there is a rapid build-up in the population and it spreads in all directions at a faster pace. That’s exactly what we’re starting to see with these detections.”

Holthouse said EAB is about half an inch in length and is hard to spot with the naked eye. It is not strongly attracted to traps, making early detections in novel locations difficult. “Finding one in a trap usually means there are quite a few already in that area,” he said.

Holthouse said the discovery in southeast Portland puts all of Multnomah County into the EAB quarantine zone. Other quarantined counties include Clackamas, Washington, Marion, and Yamhill counties.

“Quarantine is designed to prevent humans from spreading EAB by limiting movement of firewood or any other plant materials from ash, olive or white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus),” said Holthouse.

A full list of quarantine regulations can be found here.

The City of Portland has been preparing for EAB’s arrival for years. It removed ash trees from its list of approved street trees in 2019. It completed a comprehensive response plan for dealing with EAB earlier this summer. 

 "Our approach to managing Portland’s urban canopy is rooted in community stewardship, science and long-term resilience," says City Forester Jenn Cairo. "By working with Portlanders to inventory trees and educate folks about best practices, and intentionally planting a diverse range of tree species, we’re building a more adaptable canopy, one that’s better equipped to withstand threats like the Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive pests. This proactive strategy helps safeguard the health of our urban forest for generations to come." 

For the past few summers, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF), in collaboration with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, made sticky purple traps available to numerous public land managers and soil and water conservation districts that agreed to place and monitor the traps.

“Traps contain a lure and are checked periodically during the summer when adult EAB are flying. It was in those traps that the beetles were found,” said ODF Invasive Species Specialist Wyatt Williams.

While it’s possible EAB could turn up in more traps when they are checked in September, Williams said most adults will have finished their short life cycle, laid their eggs, and died by October or November.

“At that point, further spread is almost entirely by humans moving firewood,” said Williams. “That’s why it’s recommended you buy or cut firewood within 10 miles of where you plan to burn it.”

Public agencies in Washington County, where EAB was first detected three years ago, have been preparing for its spread beyond Forest Grove. For example:

• Beaverton is protecting nearly 500 ash street trees in good condition by injecting them with emamectin benzoate. This systemic insecticide has proven very effective at preventing infestation by EAB while being safe for humans, pets, and wildlife, including pollinators.
• Hillsboro is conducting a tree inventory of public and right-of-way trees. This data will help locate ash tree populations and inform the city’s EAB response plan. To protect its ash trees, Hillsboro will also be treating approximately 500 healthy public ash trees along the western and southern city boundary. This will create a buffer zone from current outbreaks as a phase one response plan.

Outside Washington County:

• Salem has been treating high-value public ash trees to protect them ahead of EAB’s arrival.
• Keizer, with help from ODF, is inventorying its street trees to find how many are ash.
• Portland recently completed its EAB response plan, which among other things involves the treatment of public trees in good condition in low-canopy neighborhoods, and the pre-emptive removal of ash trees in poor condition to spread the cost out over several years.

What you can do

If you think you’ve seen an emerald ash borer, ODF and ODA ask that you first make sure it’s not a common look-alike bug.

“You can find a good description and photos comparing EAB to other common insects in Oregon that are also green in color at OregonEAB.com,” said ODF EAB Specialist Kat Bethea. “If you can capture the beetle in a jar or other container that’s ideal, but at least try and take a clear, close-up photo. This helps us identify the insect in question much more easily.”

Bethea said people suspecting they’ve found EAB should report it over the phone to 1-866-INVADER or online at https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/reports/create. Attaching a clear photo is important. Bethea said people who know they have an ash tree and notice a decline should report it the same way.

“Any ash tree can be infested, including native Oregon ash as well as non-native street, park and yard trees. Signs of infestation include thinning and yellowing leaves, bark splitting, D-shaped holes in the tree bark, and shoots from buds on the trunk or branches,” said Bethea.

Matt Mills, who is also an EAB Specialist with ODF, said, “You can find whether or not you’re in an EAB-infested area or close to one by checking an online map we’ve created. It shows the five counties where firewood from hardwood trees cannot be removed. That quarantine also covers any part of ash, olive or white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus).”

People who want to protect their ash trees before they become infested should consider the same treatment Beaverton and Salem are using to protect their public ash trees. “The insecticide is injected at the base of the trunk and gets taken up into the tree canopy and is quite effective at protecting the tree from both adults and larvae,” said Mills.

Mills said treatments ideally should be done before trees are damaged, and repeated every two or three years by a licensed pesticide applicator.

“That’s why we recommend only treating high-value trees in good condition,” he said. “Ash trees planted in the wrong place to reach their mature size, such as under powerlines, should be removed as time and funds permit and replaced with species that aren’t susceptible to EAB.” 

Homeowners might also consider replacing young ash trees while they are still small and starting over by planting a species that is not susceptible to EAB.  “This gets new tree canopy jump-started in urban areas where ash trees will be lost if not treated,” Mills said.

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MEDIA ADVISORY -

INFO EMBARGOED UNTIL

10 a.m. Sept. 10, 2025

Sept. 9, 2025

Contacts:

What: News conference at the site where emerald ash borer was first detected in Portland with remarks about Multnomah County going under a firewood quarantine on Sept. 10 and time for media questions by:

• Oregon Dept. of Agriculture’s Cody Holthouse, who heads the statewide Emerald Ash Borer Task Force
• City of Portland Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry
• Oregon Dept. of Forestry Invasive Species Manager and EAB specialists

When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025

Where: David Douglas Swimming Pool, 13035 SE Taylor Court, Portland

Directions: Take SE Stark Street and turn south onto SE 130^th. One block south of Morrison turn east onto Taylor Court.

Visuals: Green ash tree showing signs of dieback. Pinned specimens of emerald ash borer and serpentine larval galleries. Map of locations in Oregon where EAB has been found.

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The City of Richland invites community members to attend an Aging in Place Resource Event on Wednesday, September 17, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Richland Community Center, Riverview Room, 500 Amon Park Drive. The event is free and open to seniors, caregivers, and individuals preparing for retirement.

Attendees will learn about services, tools, and community connections designed to support healthy, independent living for older adults. The event will feature:

• Information on local programs that help seniors stay safe, active, and engaged
• Tools and resources for maintaining independence at home
• Guidance and support for caregivers and family members
• Opportunities to connect with community organizations and providers

“Our goal is to help Richland residents understand the many resources available to support aging in place,” said Nylah Holt, Community Resources Navigator. “By bringing these connections together, we hope to empower seniors and families to feel more confident about planning for the future.”

Event Details:
Richland Community Center, Riverview Room
500 Amon Park Drive, Richland, WA
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Free and open to the public

For more information including a list of vendors, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/aginginplace.

Portland, OR — The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for portions of central and eastern Oregon beginning at 1:50 p.m. PDT today through 11:00 p.m. PDT September 11. Heavy rainfall may result in landslides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires. The watch area includes central Oregon, the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades, the John Day Basin, the Ochoco-John Day Highlands, and the Southern Blue Mountains.

Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/search?area=OR

Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.

If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area:

• Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio, or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
• Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
• Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.

For more landslide and debris flow information: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx

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What: WSU Tri-Cities has invited the Tri-City community, alumni, faculty, staff and students to come to campus to watch the WSU Cougars take on the University of North Texas Eagles. Viewing of the game will be available outdoors and indoors. Festivities include a beer garden, food vendors and a play area for kids. More than 250 have registered to attend so far.

When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 11:30 venue opens;  12:30 p.m. kick-off

Where: WSU Tri-Cities campus, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99334 in the lawn between Collaboration Hall, CIC and BSEL

Why: Great opportunity to capture video of local Cougs and family fun! Chancellor Haynes will give brief welcome remarks prior to the start of the game. WSU's Tri-City Alumni Chapter president will also be there.

Media – If you plan to attend, please contact Leslie Streeter at Leslie.streeter@wsu.edu or by calling or texting (209) 606-9144. She will be able to connect you with individuals to interview.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Ralph Stout Pettefer, died the morning of September 9, 2025. Pettefer was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Pettefer entered DOC custody on June 28, 1996, from Clatsop County with an earliest release date of November 12, 2032. Pettefer was 73 years old.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.

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PASCO, Wash. - Educational Service District 123 announced today that its 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative has been awarded Cohort 20 funding to expand high-quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities across three communities - Kiona-Benton City, Finley and Dayton.

We are excited to announce we will be serving Kiona-Benton City Elementary and Middle schools (one coordinator serving K-8), Finley Elementary and Middle schools (based at FMS with one coordinator serving K-8) and Dayton Community Center (The Club, serving students K-8, with select high school activities.)

We are anticipating that these programs will begin the middle of October, pending the completion of staff hiring.

“Cohort 20 allows us to bring more consistent, high-impact learning time to students and families,” said Margarita Alaman, 21st Century Program Director at ESD 123. “We’re excited to partner with schools and community organizations in Kiona-Benton, Finley, and Dayton to deliver engaging academics, hands-on enrichment, and meaningful family supports.”

Through a coordinated network of afterschool and summer offerings, 21st CCLC sites will deliver academic support, project-based STEM and literacy, and social-emotional learning that complements the school day and builds confidence and leadership. Families will be engaged through workshops, family nights, and bilingual resources, ensuring parents and guardians are active partners in student success. Community partnerships will broaden access to wellness, arts, technology, and college-and-career readiness pathways, creating safe, supportive environments that connect schools, families, and local organizations for long-term student growth.

The 21st Century Program Director will work with each community to share start dates, registration details, and site-specific logistics as hiring is finalized. Positions for the Cohort 20 expansion will be posted on the ESD 123 website. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply.

Spokane, Washington – Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian has handed down sentences to three local gang leaders for their roles in facilitating the criminal activities of a national prison gang called “La Nuestra Familia” (NF).  Chief Judge Bastian sentenced Jacenir DaSilva of Moses Lake, Washington, to 120 months in federal prison on gun charges, Jesus Mirelez of Yakima, Washington, to 83 months in federal prison on gun charges, and Thomas Lee Weatherwax of Spokane, Washington, to 75 months in federal prison on money laundering and drug conspiracy charges, to be served after Weatherwax completes his current state prison sentence for Assault in the First Degree with a Deadly Weapon.  Each defendant will also be on federal supervised release for several years after serving his custodial sentence.

Evidence showed that NF is attempting to make a targeted push to bring their “hardcore” principles and teachings to Washington State.  NF doctrine dates back to the late 1960s and is encapsulated in multiple written documents, to include their own “constitution”.  The rules of this criminal organization are mandatory and non-negotiable.  NF leadership asserts they are engaged in this struggle for the betterment of Norteños – styled as “La Causa” or the “NF Movement”.  Many individuals who have left the gang stated that La Causa is a ruse as its just about making money to perpetuate the criminal organization, which does not hesitate to use violence to achieve their objectives.

This persistent prison gang is purposely targeting minors to recruit into the gang and then indoctrinates them into their myopic way of life.  These children are taught that if they are worthy Norteños, they will commit crimes and will end up in prison – so they need to follow the NF rules to be in “good standing” to comfortably serve their inevitable prison sentence.  To advance further, these children will “owe a body” to advance their lifelong “careers”. 

“These pervasive criminals intentionally seek out the next generation with the explicit goal of turning children into criminals (they call “soldiers”) with full knowledge that these children will be part of the gang for the rest of their lives, and commit crimes both inside and outside of prisons across the Nation to further a bill-of-goods they’ve been sold,” said Unit Chief Caitlin Baunsgard, the Assistant United States Attorney who handled this case.  “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington will not stand idly by and watch this happen.  We have and will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these predators.”

The court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearings in the case showed the following. 

Jacenir Amezcua DaSilva (gang name “Serio”)

DaSilva is the leader of the Moses Lake Norteño set Pancho Villa Loco (“PVL”).  In this leadership role, he passed along the radical teachings of NF and the importance of Norteño adherence to NF’s “14 Bonds,” which is NF’s mandatory code of conduct for Norteños.  He was also named the “channel” for Grant County by NF leadership, a highly prestigious position within NF’s hierarchy.  As “the channel”, DaSilva oversaw  Norteño and NF interests over all the Norteño sets in his geographic area.  He also facilitated any activities necessary to ensure the success of the continuation of the NF criminal enterprise, including moving money, hosting gang meetings, discussing matters of common interest with other Norteño sets, passing along messages to the “street,” and participating in NF internal “investigations” into misconduct – that is, actions taken counter to the gang’s interests.  Incarcerated Norteños would also reach out to DaSilva to pass along messages of Norteño import, which would include directing activities in “the streets.”  In DaSilva’s case, this included assisting in the issuance of a “kill on sight” order for an individual some members of NF believed to be an informant.

DaSilva was deeply vested in the continuation of the Norteño way of life.  He ran Norteño interests in Green Hill School, a juvenile detention facility that has become a “training ground” for the next generation of Norteño gang members whom the gang has indoctrinated into hardcore NF doctrines.  Multiple witnesses identified the Green Hill School as “Gladiator School” because of its large population of Sureño gang members – the sworn enemies of Norteños.  Norteño youth know that at Green Hill, they will have to fight every day – and if they survive, they will be considered worthy NF gladiators.  Some young Norteños have gone as far as committing new serious crimes with the specific intent to be sent to this juvenile facility.

Jesus Antonio Mirelez (gang name “Dizzy”)

Mirelez was previously sentenced in federal court for his unlawful possession of two firearms and high-capacity magazines in 2022.  Notably, one of the firearms Mirelez pled guilty to possessing in 2022 was linked by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (“NIBIN”) — a national database that stores digital images of ballistic evidence, including fired bullets — to six separate shooting scenes in the Yakima Valley in 2022:

During the sentencing process in his 2022 case, he promised the Court he would not squander the opportunity to change his life.  However, once he had served his 2022 sentence and was released on federal supervision, Mirelez continued his criminal conduct without pause.  Only four months after being sentenced and promising change, he leaned into the radicalization of his Yakima-area Norteño gang set, La Raza (“LR”), and aligned them with the hard-core doctrine of NF.  He was also appointed to a leadership position in LR – as the official “channel”.  His penchant for victimizing the community also conducted.  A few months later, he was drunk and mistook a random citizen as a Sureño and attempted to harm the citizen and follow the citizen into his residence.  When he was rebuffed, he shot several rounds in the direction of the citizen’s residence.  About a month later, Mirelez did the same thing again, resulting in a drive-by shooting that ended in him crashing his car.  Both times, Mirelez ran from the police and threw away his firearms in locations where children could potentially find them, further endangering the community. 

Mirelez also assisted NF members with paying their mandatory NF taxes on profits of their illicit ventures.  He even enlisted his mother, Melissa Mirelez, to get word to the “streets” after his arrest about who he believed the informant in his case was – for the specific purpose of ensuring that the individual would be killed.

Thomas Lee Weatherwax (a/k/a “Wax”)

While serving a 57-year state sentence for Assault in the First Degree with a Deadly Weapon wherein he fired multiple rounds at multiple individuals he mistook for Surenos, Weatherwax continued to engage in criminal activity while inside the Washington State Penitentiary (“WSP”) in Walla Walla, Washington.  Weatherwax, a member of the Spokane area Norteño gang set “Red Boyz,” chose to further his Norteño career by engaging in a scheme to smuggle drugs into the WSP to sell to other inmates and then to launder those drug proceeds.  Weatherwax kept meticulous records of his inventory, his profits, and the “tax” payments that were made to NF.  As a result of his conduct and being a good soldier for the NF cause, he was promoted by NF leadership to a position of authority in 2023 as a member of the NF Regimental Security Department Council at the WSP (the “RSD”).  In that role, Weatherwax was one of three Norteño inmates in charge of overseeing NF interests and the success of the NF movement in all Washington Department of Corrections (“DOC”) facilities.  Weatherwax was appointed as the head the “finance” department.  As explained by NF leadership in a message sent and received via contraband cell phones:

In his leadership role, Weatherwax oversaw “day-to-day” tasks within WSP, as well as managing overall responsibilities over all Norteños inside Washington’s DOC programs.  Like a first-line supervisor in a mainstream business, Weatherwax managed his team (Norteños in the Delta Wing at WSP), and reported the team’s work to his NF supervisor: 

As a leader in WSP, Weatherwax was responsible for accounting for the controlled substances present in WSP to distribute to other inmates as well as for an accounting of the money owed to NF.  In addition, Weatherwax and his RSD cohorts were also in charge of big picture operations of Norteños in all Washington DOC prisons, which included discipline decisions that had been blessed by NF leadership.  For example, the RSD followed the directive to “remove” a Norteño named “Joker” from good standing in a Washington DOC facility based on his perceived rule transgressions.  Weatherwax then reported the order being carried out by way of a “filter” (a small secretive writing) to NF management.  Washington DOC confirmed that on March 19, 2024, “Joker” was beaten in prison by multiple Norteños until a non-lethal chemical irritant was deployed by guards.  Overall, Weatherwax played a crucial role in the ongoing success of NF’s continuing criminal enterprise and ability to launder drug proceeds in furtherance of their criminal mission.

United States Attorney Pete Serrano commented on the extreme danger posed by these gang members, “even removing these predators from our communities and putting them behind bars has not been enough to stop them from engaging in ongoing violent crimes and victimizing our communities”.  Serrano highlighted the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to investigate this new NF threat and hold those responsible accountable: “The conduct of NF members is unconscionable, but it will always be outmatched by the dedication and commitment of the US Attorney’s Office, ATF, BOP and our federal, state and tribal partnerships.  The significant sentences imposed in these cases reflects the lengths to which federal law enforcement will go to protect our communities from being preyed upon by dangerous gang members.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais highlighted the danger presented by NF: “These defendants and their criminal enterprise brought the blight of illegal guns, violence, and fear into our communities.  Dangerous gangs like La Nuestra Familia think they can take root in our cities and operate freely, threatening our citizens’ safety.  I am here with a clear and unwavering message: ATF and our law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to bring them and every single one of their co-conspirators to justice.”

This case is being investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Violent Crime Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the United States Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”), Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), the Yakima Police Department (“YPD”), and the Washington State Department of Corrections (“DOC”).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Baunsgard and Benjamin Seal.  

1:24-CR-2027-SAB

WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla High School has named longtime assistant coach Spencer Hessler as its new Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach following an extensive hiring process. Hessler succeeds Adam Berg, who guided the Blue Devils for six successful seasons before accepting an assistant coaching position with the Whitman College Men’s Basketball program.

“Spencer is ready for this opportunity,” said Wa-Hi Athletic Director Chris Ferenz. “He came in prepared and is excited to lead the next chapter of our program.”

Hessler brings more than a decade of coaching experience to the role. Over the past 11 years, he has coached at both Lincoln High School and Walla Walla High School, including the last three seasons as the Blue Devils’ Assistant Head Coach. A 2009 Wa-Hi graduate, Hessler was a standout three-sport student-athlete, competing in football, basketball, and track. As a three-year starter in basketball, he helped lead the Blue Devils to the state tournament.

In addition to his basketball background, Hessler has served as head track coach at Pioneer Middle School for the past 10 years. He currently teaches physical education at Lincoln High School.

Hessler and his wife, Kristin, who teaches drama at Walla Walla High School, are the proud parents of three young daughters.

“I’m very excited to be the head basketball coach at Walla Walla High School,” said Hessler. “I grew up in this program, and it shaped me into who I am today. It was the source of many of my fondest high school memories.”

Hessler emphasized that his vision for the program goes beyond the game itself.

“Our program will focus on a culture that is competitive, develops young men, builds relationships, and teaches proper fundamentals,” he said. “We look forward to competing on the court and in the classroom.”

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RICHLAND, Wash. – Registration for the Washington State University Tri-Cities Fall Education Summit is now open. The summit, sponsored by STCU, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11 and feature keynote speaker Rosa Floyd.

The summit is open to administrators and teachers and will cover a variety of issues and perspectives in K-12 education over multiple sessions. Presenters from all over the state of Washington will hold professional development sessions on a variety of topics, including equity in education, STEM education, and Career and Technical Education (CTE). Participants will have the opportunity to earn up to six clock hours with STEM and Equity options.

Keynote speaker Rosa Floyd was the 2023 Oregon State Teacher of the year. According to the Oregon Teacher of the Year website, Floyd was awarded the honor “for her deep commitment to students and families, her classroom expertise and creativity, and decades of dedication to colleagues and community.”  With more than 20 years of experience with dual immersion kindergarten, she cultivates connecting schools to communities and creates opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom.  

The Education Summit will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the WSU Tri-Cities campus in Collaboration Hall, 2780 Crimson Way, Richland. Doors will open at 8:45 a.m. and lunch will be provided.

Summit registration costs $15, which covers the sessions, lunch, and the clock hours. Registration is required by October 1.  Spots fill fast, so early registration is encouraged. Individuals can find more information and register at https://tricities.wsu.edu/education/education-summit/

COOS BAY, Oregon— The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 25-27.

Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including JR Ranger programs, a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 25 and a star party each night.

“Places like Sunset Bay and Shore Acres offer visitors a chance to see the natural world not only during the day but also at night. They’re special because they show us what the sky looked like everywhere before light pollution. Seeing the night sky in its full brilliance is powerful and, for many, even emotional,” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.

The astronomy festival gives visitors a chance to see and learn more about the night sky.

NOTE: Outdoor events are weather dependent.

Thursday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Our Star, The Sun JR Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email Kenneth.Page@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
• 7:30 p.m.: Navigating by The Stars program at Shore Acres Gardens
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Thursday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

Friday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Constellation Station Junior Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
• 6-7 p.m.: Jellyfish: The Alien Next Door guided hike (meet at Shore Acres Observation Building for 1-mile hike)
• 7:30: How to Talk to Aliens Even if You’re Shy evening program at Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Friday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

Saturday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Guided hike (Meet at Interpretive Center at Sunset Bay Campground for 1-mile hike)
• 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
• 7:30 p.m.: Imagining Other Worlds Night Program at Shore Acres
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Saturday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)