Portland, Ore., February 27, 2026 – Registration is now open for the annual Oregon Spring Cleanup, in partnership with Portland General Electric. This year, SOLVE is expanding its largest spring volunteer initiative to span the entire month of April, turning Earth Month into coordinated action across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

The Oregon Spring Cleanup is SOLVE’s largest spring volunteer initiative, bringing together individuals, families, schools, businesses, and community groups to care for beaches, neighborhoods, parks, natural areas, and waterways. Projects include litter cleanups and habitat restoration efforts such as native plantings, invasive species removal, and mulching. In April 2025, the initiative supported 214 projects, engaging nearly 4,500 volunteers who removed 26,077 pounds of trash and cleared more than 22 acres of invasive species across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

With 65 events already open for registration, volunteers can sign up for projects taking place throughout April. SOLVE is aiming for 200+ projects across the region and continues to recruit additional event leaders to broaden statewide engagement. Expanding the initiative to a full month creates greater access and enables more communities to take part in coordinated Earth Month action.

“Earth Month is a powerful reminder that local action drives meaningful environmental impact,” said Kregg Arntson, Director of Community Impact at Portland General Electric. “Through our partnership with SOLVE, PGE deepens its commitment to helping Oregon’s vibrant communities become climate resilient communities.”  

As global attention turns toward environmental awareness in April, the Oregon Spring Cleanup provides a way to translate that momentum into tangible results. Each project contributes to protecting natural spaces, improving neighborhood livability, and preventing litter from entering rivers and the ocean ahead of peak recreation season.

SOLVE is actively seeking additional event leaders to host cleanup or restoration projects in April. Whether returning hosts or first-time leaders, participants receive planning support, free supplies, disposal assistance, and volunteer recruitment tools. Hosting a project can be as simple as identifying a site in need and completing the new leader orientation at volunteer.solve.org/orientation.

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer: Browse the event calendar and register yourself or a group at volunteer.solve.org/oregon-spring
• Lead your own project: SOLVE provides all the necessary resources, including supplies and disposal funds, to make hosting a project easy for you.
• Encourage participation: Invite schools, workplaces, and community groups to take part in Earth Month action

The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2026 is made possible through the partnership with Portland General Electric and the generous support of Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon State Park & Recreation, The Standard, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, KOIN6, LAM Research, Lithia & Driveway, National Parks Recreation & Parks Association, and PepsiCo.

For more information or to register, visit solve.org/oregon-spring

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 solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

Media toolkit: Watch a video highlighting two dental programs here

Prevention on wheels: School-based dental programs reach rural Oregon students

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

Good morning and happy Friday!

Attached is a release about the start of our student registration/enrollment process for the 2026-2027 school year.  If you are able to help spread the word we would very much appreciate it.

If you have any questions please let me know.

Thanks and have a good weekend.

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Cameroonian national residing in Anchorage, Alaska, was sentenced to federal prison today for fraudulently obtaining more than $172,000 in taxpayer money from emergency programs intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peter Igwacho, 65, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $182,225.15 in restitution.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between April 2020 and October 2021, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Igwacho filed at least five fraudulent applications for pandemic stimulus funds through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The information on those forms, in support of his request for stimulus funds, was fraudulent. The applications submitted by Igwacho were filed on behalf of a sole proprietorship that did not, in fact, have actual business operations, payrolled employees, or the reported gross revenues. 

Further, upon receipt of the stimulus funds, Igwacho did not spend those funds on approved pandemic-related expenses but instead spent the money on personal expenses. The PPP and EIDL programs were designed to help small businesses facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On July 23, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count superseding indictment charging Igwacho with wire fraud.

On August 21, 2025, Igwacho was convicted of all three counts following a three-day jury trial.

This case was investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. It was prosecuted by Robert Trisotto and Meredith Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit 

https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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RICHLAND, Wash. — Washington State University Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks has announced two new 2026 workshop dates for its high-demand professional development offering, “Generative AI Essentials: Workplace Applications and Ethical Use.” The hands-on workshop series is a cornerstone of Cougar Tracks’ growing AI literacy portfolio, designed to help organizations across the Tri-Cities—from small businesses to large enterprises—adopt generative AI tools responsibly, practically and with confidence.

New 2026 workshop dates are scheduled for:

• March 19, 2026
• May 18, 2026

“AI adoption isn’t just about access to tools—it’s about building user confidence, digital fluency and ethical decision-making,” said Michelle Hrycauk Nassif, director of Cougar Tracks at WSU Tri-Cities. “Cougar Tracks is building a practical, workforce-ready AI literacy portfolio that meets people where they are and helps them apply GenAI immediately—through hands-on lab work, real workplace scenarios and clear guidance on responsible use.”

Led by Dr. Neelam Chahlia, the three-hour, interactive workshop is designed to clearly demonstrate the strengths and shortcomings of generative AI while enhancing participants’ ability to use AI tools safely and effectively. Participants will engage in guided exercises and applied “lab-style” practice to learn core prompting techniques; explore productivity use cases; and identify risks and guardrails related to cybersecurity, data privacy and ethical decision making.

What participants can expect

The workshop emphasizes practical application and responsible use, with a focus on:

• Hands-on lab work using GenAI tools for workplace productivity and problem solving.
• Prompt writing fundamentals to improve output quality and reliability.
• Real-world scenarios and case examples relevant across business sectors.
• Ethics, privacy and cybersecurity considerations to support safe adoption.
• Actionable takeaways participants can use immediately with their teams.

Cougar Tracks’ AI literacy portfolio is being developed to support organizations at every stage of adoption—whether they are exploring GenAI for the first time or working to align emerging tools with organizational policy, compliance and culture.

Registration and availability

Seats are limited. Organizations are encouraged to enroll early and consider sending teams to accelerate adoption and promote shared learning. Additional 2026 workshop dates may be offered based on demand.

Program details and workshop registration links are available on the WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks website at: tricities.wsu.edu/continuing-education

About Cougar Tracks
Cougar Tracks is the continuing education and workforce development arm of Washington State University Tri-Cities. Through industry-driven programs, community partnerships and accessible learning opportunities, Cougar Tracks connects education to real-world impact—supporting professionals, businesses and communities across the Tri-Cities region.

OHA, Clackamas County announce new measles exposure site 

PORTLAND, Ore.—An owner and president of a collection of healthcare staffing companies was sentenced to federal prison today for willfully failing to pay over employment taxes to the IRS on behalf of the companies he owned and operated.

Jeffrey A. Kruse, 56, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay over $2.8 million in restitution.

According to court documents, Kruse was the founder, owner, and president of a collection of healthcare staffing companies that provided temporary staffing of medical and healthcare workers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. Kruse was in charge of payroll for the businesses and responsible for collecting and accounting for and paying over to the IRS on a periodic basis employment taxes for the businesses’ employees. Kruse falsely underreported and underpaid his employment tax obligations by creating two sets of tax forms for his employees – a false set of tax forms that he sent to the government that underreported his employees’ compensation and the employment tax due, and an accurate set of tax forms that Kruse sent his employees for use in reporting their own tax obligations.

Kruse’s conduct caused a total tax loss of over $3.6 million.

On June 20, 2025, Kruse was charged by information with one count of willful failure to collect, account for, and pay over trust fund taxes.

On August 6, 2025, Kruse pleaded guilty to count one of the information.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew T. Ho prosecuted the case.

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SALEM, Oregon--- The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Advisory Committee will meet March 10-11, 2026, at 9 a.m. to evaluate grant applcations from around the state for projects that support the development or improvement of recreational trails. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) administers this federally funded grant program.

The meeting is open to the public, but there will not be time for public comments during the meeting. The committee will evaluate 34 applications over the two days. Approximately $2 million of RTP grant funds are available.

The meeting will be held on Zoom. Meeting details, including the agenda and list of project proposals, are available here: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Documents/RTP-Agenda-March2026.pdf.

After reviewing the applications, the RTP Advisory Committee will make funding recommendations to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for review and approval at the Commission’s April meeting. Approved project proposals will then be sent to the Federal Highway Administration for final approval.

The RTP Advisory Committee consists of 10 members who represent various trail user groups and land managers. Eligible RTP applicants include local governments, state agencies, federal land management agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations.

RTP is an assistance program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. The program provides funds to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized uses, including hiking, biking, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, paddling, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles. Learn more about RTP here: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Pages/GRA-rtp.aspx. 

For more information contact Jodi Bellefeuille, program coordinator at 503-856-6316 or ellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov">Jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov, or visit the RTP webpage on the OPRD website. If special accommodations are needed to attend the meeting, contact Jodi Bellefeuille at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

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Salem, Oregon — 2/26/2025 — Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Oregon, a leading early literacy nonprofit dedicated to ensuring young children have access to books at home, proudly announced today that it has mailed its 4 millionth book in Oregon, marking a major milestone in its mission to inspire a love of reading.

This accomplishment reflects years of collaboration between community partners, libraries, educators, and advocates who know that early access to books can profoundly shape a child’s future. In May of 2024 the State of Oregon launched the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library, offering matching funds to strengthen the work of local partners and boost both coverage and enrollment. As a result, in April 2025 the program reached full statewide coverage. Now, in 2026, more than one-third of the 4 million books mailed, 1,394,648 in total, have been mailed since the state joined the effort.

“It has been my joy to partner with the Imagination Library to get more books in the hands of kids by hosting read alouds across the state,” said Oregon First Lady, Aimee Kotek Wilson, of the many library events she has participated in to build awareness for this free resource for Oregon families. “Supporting early literacy initiatives like this is an investment in the bright future of our entire state.”

Started in 1995 by Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library was inspired by her father, who could not read or write—and by her belief that if you can read, you can do anything. The program first arrived in Oregon in 2007. It gifts free, high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children and their families from birth to age 5. Research consistently shows that children who grow up with books in the home are more likely to develop critical literacy skills and succeed academically.

“Oregon is choosing to be architects of the future. This achievement represents 4 million opportunities for families to share a story, spark imagination, and build early language and literacy skills,” said House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, who has championed the Imagination Library in the legislature. “Over time, these small, consistent interactions lay the groundwork for kindergarten readiness—and they help our youngest kids fall in love with reading.”

Early literacy remains a pressing issue in Oregon, where many children enter kindergarten without foundational skills. By delivering books directly to families, the Imagination Library of Oregon helps remove barriers related to cost and access, levelling the playing field and empowering families.

“Each book mailed is a reminder to families that they are supported, valued, and equipped to be their child’s first and most important teachers,” said Department of Early Learning and Care Director, Alyssa Chatterjee. “Over time, shared reading moments become routines, and those routines become habits that support school readiness and academic success.”

As the Imagination Library of Oregon looks ahead, the organization remains committed to expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that every child in Oregon has the opportunity to build their own personal library. Currently, 35% of all children under age 5 in the state are already enrolled, in many regions that number is over 50%. With sustained community support and strategic growth, the program will continue building a stronger future—one child, one book, and one personal library at a time.

For more information about the Imagination Library of Oregon or to enroll a child, visit imaginationlibrary.com/oregon.

The City of Richland is providing advance notice of upcoming construction associated with a new roundabout at the intersection of Reata Road and the future Gage Boulevard extension.

The roundabout is being constructed by the developer of Badger Mountain South and will provide a new intersection connection for the Gage Boulevard extension while creating an additional access point to the South Orchard community currently under development. The project is designed to improve traffic circulation, safety, and long-term connectivity in the area.

Project Scope

Construction activities will include:

• Roundabout construction
• Installation of sidewalks and ADA-compliant crossings along the north side of the roundabout
• Widening of Reata Road, tapering back to existing roadway east of the project limits
• Installation of City water and storm utilities
• Relocation of a Benton County Irrigation District (BMID) water main
• New streetlights
• New asphalt paving
• New striping and signage

Construction Timeline & Traffic Impacts

Construction is anticipated to begin late February to early March 2026, with initial work occurring outside of the existing roadway.

In mid-to-late April 2026, construction is expected to shift into the roadway. At that time:

• A full road closure will be implemented on Reata Road between Southgate Way and Badger View Drive
• A signed detour will route traffic via Sagebrush Road to Bermuda Road, south of the project area

The contractor will coordinate directly with residents within the work zone to maintain access to homes and properties during detour operations. Access to the South Orchard neighborhood via Southgate Way will remain open during detour operations.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in June 2026, weather and site conditions permitting.

The City appreciates the public’s patience during construction and will continue to share updates as the project progresses.

For additional information or future project updates, visit richlandwa.gov/GageReataRoundabout.

MEDFORD, Ore.—A licensed real estate broker pleaded guilty Monday after avoiding reporting requirements and drafting fake property leases when her client’s illegal marijuana grow was raided.

Tyra Foxx, 46, pleaded guilty to avoiding reporting requirements and obstruction of justice.

According to court documents, between January 2020 through November 2020, Foxx was a real estate broker for Jose Orozco and assisted with his purchase of agricultural properties to grow hemp and marijuana. When Orozco purchased these properties, Foxx made large cash payments to the property owners outside of escrow, and knowing RE/MAX did not accept cash payments, converted $100,000 into money orders and used a third-party broker’s trust account to transfer over $2 million dollars into escrow accounts.

On October 13, 2020, Foxx received $175,000 from Orozco to purchase agricultural property in Josephine County, Oregon. Foxx did not file a Form 8300 upon receipt of the funds as required, but instead, transferred the money to a client trust account at another real estate office. This caused a Currency Transaction Report to be filed in that real estate office’s name rather than Orozco’s name.  

After learning that law enforcement had raided one of Orozco’s illegal marijuana grows, Foxx drafted fake property leases for Orozco and suggested he place phony construction liens to be levied on the property to prevent it from being forfeited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

On February 23, 2026, Foxx was charged by an amended superseding information with avoiding reporting requirements and obstruction of justice.

On count one, Foxx faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. On count two, Foxx faces 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on May 11, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge.

Jose Orozco previously pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced April 6, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge.

The Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team, HSI, and IRS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Brassell is prosecuting the case.

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For Immediate Release: Feb. 26, 2026

Media Contact:  Communications@employ.oregon.gov;

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

Oregon Private Job Vacancies Flatten Out in 2025

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

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

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

About Workforce and Economic Research

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The committee’s agenda includes:

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

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

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

DPSST Telecommunications Curriculum Advisory Committee Membership Opportunity

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

Who Should Apply?

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

TCAC Overview and Member Responsibilities:

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

Length of Service and How to Apply:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Informational Workshop

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

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

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

Ways to Comment

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

Comment at the virtual public meeting

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

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

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

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

Other ways to comment

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

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

Stay Informed

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

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Cascade Natural Gas General Rate Case: Docket # UG 525

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

View this release online.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Photo Removed]

(Above photo: [Name Removed])

[Photo Removed]

(Above photo: [Name Removed]) 

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View this release online.

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

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

Neither child appeared injured.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Healthcare Without Fear Act comes after recent federal policy changes have made hospitals, clinics, and schools targets for immigration enforcement actions from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In Oregon federal immigration agents shot two people in a hospital parking lot; arrested an entire family trying to take their sick 7-year-old daughter to the ER; and reportedly failed to follow protocols inside hospitals by entering restricted areas, exposing protected health information, and interfering with patients’ care. 

Senate Bill 1570 requires hospitals to create policies around all law enforcement interactions, designate a point person to interface with law enforcement to reduce burdens on frontline caregivers, and clearly designate public and private spaces. It protects patients’ privacy by classifying immigration status and place of birth as protected health information and empowers healthcare providers to share information about immigration rights or legal services with patients and their families.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good afternoon,

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

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

Thanks for your time and consideration.

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

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

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

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

About Mid-Columbia Libraries

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

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BASIC CORRECTIONS FIREARMS

WORKGROUP MEETING

SCHEDULED

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

The committee’s agenda includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yakima and Benton County H-2A Workers and 

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

HAREFEST ANNOUNCES 2026 LINEUP

The Mother of All Tribute Festivals Continues to Set the Standard 

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

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

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

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

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

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

• The “Farewell Performance” of Anthem - Rush Tribute

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

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

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

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

LINKS 

Festival website: www.harefest.com

Additional Band Info: www.j-fell.com 

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

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February 23, 2026

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

Application deadline extended for OAC Council

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

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

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

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

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

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

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February 23, 2026

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

Oregon Health Authority welcomes new Principal Ombuds

February 19, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

A Regional Partnership

The consortium includes the following partner school districts:

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

Higher education partners include:

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

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

Recognition of RGI Corporation.

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

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

What the Grant Will Accomplish

Over the four-year period, the consortium will:

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

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

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

Building Sustainable Infrastructure

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

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

-Dr. Rob Darling

Superintendent

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