La Pine, Ore. – Fire crews have continued to make strong progress on the Riverview Fire in La Pine. Fire behavior has significantly moderated, and forward spread has stopped. As a result of improved conditions and ongoing suppression success, all evacuation levels have now been lifted.

The fire is currently estimated at 11.4 acres. No homes or structures have been lost or damaged. The fire remains under investigation.

At the time evacuation levels were lifted, the incident included:

• 131 structures previously in Level 3

• 232 structures previously in Level 1

The Temporary Evacuation Point at La Pine High School has been closed, and residents may return to their homes.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and fire personnel remind community members to continue exercising caution and to stay clear of active fire suppression areas.
 

Thankfully, no homes or structures were lost. The fire remains under investigation. 
 

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Salem, OR (17 March 2026) – On the morning of March 17, 2026, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to two separate 911 calls received from 4758 State Street SE, in Salem. The first call occurred at approximately 6:13 a.m.; however, it was cleared after there was no response at the residence and there was no answer when deputies attempted to call back.  

The second call occurred at approximately 6:54 a.m., and the caller indicated that they were being held hostage in a bathroom and disconnected the call.
 

Several deputies responded and entered the residence to conduct a welfare check. Shortly after entering, they contacted Juan Carlos Gomez-Valles (39) who was in possession of two knives. An altercation ensued, and at least one deputy fired, and Gomez-Valles was struck by a bullet. Deputies rendered immediate aid and Gomez-Valles was transported to Salem Hospital. He received medical care and is expected to recover from his injuries. 
 

The involved deputies are Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies Alan Jefferson and Tyson Gardner. Both are recruit deputies and have been on the job for less than one year. Neither was injured in this incident.
 

Pursuant to Marion County protocol for deadly force incidents (Senate Bill 111 protocol) the Oregon State Police are investigating the incident with the assistance of the Salem and Keizer Police Departments. A judicial search warrant was obtained to search the residence and process the scene. The search warrant was signed by Marion County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Hart.
 

At the time of the incident Juan Carlos Gomez-Valles was on parole. He is currently in custody on a parole violation detainer.
 

The investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released to preserve a grand jury’s objective review of the incident pursuant to standard procedure. 

Any future release will be issued by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

La Pine, Ore. -- Fire behavior has moderated on the Riverview Fire near La Pine, and the spread of the fire has slowed. There is a large number of resources on scene. The Level 3 and Level 1 Evacuation Orders will remain in place until the winds die down and concerns about further spread of the fire subside. So far, no homes or structures have been lost or damaged. The fire remains under investigation. 

The Temporary Evacuation Point has been changed from the La Pine Senior Activity Center to La Pine High School. Residents who have evacuated their homes and need a temporary place to stay are encouraged to visit La Pine High School at 51633 Coach Road.

Current Evacuation Orders as of March 17th, 2026, 3:55 p.m.:

Level 3 (GO NOW) Evacuation notice is issued for Timber Lane Loop, Riverview Drive, Bridge Drive, and homes along the Little Deschutes River. This area is located north of Burgess Road and west of Huntington Road, east of Forest Road, and south of Elk Court and Deer Run Lane. 

Level 3: Means “GO” evacuate now. Leave immediately! There is a danger in your area, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather belongings or to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.

Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation notice is issued for the neighborhood north of Burgess, east of Huntington Road, and west of Hwy 97. This includes Cagle Road, Railroad Street, Skidgel Road, Antler Lane, Doe Lane, Pine Drive, Pine Place, Ash Drive, Oak Drive, Elm Drive, Santa Barbara Drive, and Murry Drive. 

Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the dangers in their area and monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property, and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-date information.

• Current maps, including evacuation areas, can be found at: https://deschutes.org/emergency
• For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at www.centraloregonfire.org
• Make sure you are registered for Deschutes Alerts to receive evacuation and emergency alerts and warnings in your area by going to www.deschutesalerts.org

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Josephine County, Ore. (March 17, 2026)- On Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 9:21 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 238, near milepost 12, in Josephine County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Ford F-150, operated by Jacob David Bailey (33) of Grants Pass, failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway, and rolled multiple times.

The operator of the Ford (Bailey) was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. 

OSP was assisted by Applegate Fire.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

La Pine, Ore. -- Due to wildfire activity in the La Pine area, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has issued the following evacuation notices:

Level 3 (GO NOW) Evacuation notice is issued for Timber Lane Loop, Riverview Drive, Bridge Drive, and homes along the Little Deschutes River. This area is located north of Burgess Road and west of Huntington Road, east of Forest Road, and south of Elk Court and Deer Run Lane. 

Level 3: Means “GO” evacuate now. Leave immediately! There is a danger in your area, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather belongings or to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.

Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation notice is issued for the neighborhood north of Burgess, east of Huntington Road, and west of Hwy 97. This includes Cagle Road, Railroad Street, Skidgel Road, Antler Lane, Doe Lane, Pine Drive, Pine Place, Ash Drive, Oak Drive, Elm Drive, Santa Barbara Drive, and Murry Drive. 

Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the dangers in their area and monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property, and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

The La Pine Activity Center has been established as a temporary evacuation point for people needing to evacuate. It's located at 16450 Victory Way in La Pine. 

Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-date information.

• Current maps, including evacuation areas, can be found at: https://deschutes.org/emergency
• For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at www.centraloregonfire.org
• Make sure you are registered for Deschutes Alerts to receive evacuation and emergency alerts and warnings in your area by going to www.deschutesalerts.org

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March 17, 2026

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

WIC boosts shopping budgets for Oregon families, increases access to healthy foods statewide

Annual report highlights expanded food options, newly opened clinics and the impact of WIC dollars in local communities

March is National Nutrition Month. One of Oregon’s largest nutrition programs, Oregon Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), is marking the occasion by sharing its 2025 annual report. It highlights the program’s role in building healthy families and strong communities.

Key information in the report includes:

• In 2025, nearly $68 million in WIC benefits were spent at 483 authorized grocery stores and pharmacies across the state, an increase of almost 5% from 2024, when close to $65 million in WIC funds were distributed in Oregon. WIC-authorized stores must stock a minimum amount of specific healthy foods, improving access to nutritious options for the entire community. Oregon WIC also sets nutrition standards for food items sold statewide.
• The new WIC food package reflects the latest nutrition science and aligns with dietary patterns recognized globally. The changes bring increased variety, flexibility and choice, allowing families to honor cultural traditions and access healthy food options, including gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-free foods.
• WIC increases health access in rural communities. Nearly 37% of pregnant women in Oregon’s rural and remote areas participate in the program, and WIC has improved access by opening clinics in Gilliam County, Wallowa County and Grand Ronde, bringing services closer to home for more families.

The report comes at a time when some Oregon families are struggling to make ends meet with rising food costs. The 2026 Oregon Financial Score Card shows that three quarters of Oregon households have cut down on spending due to higher housing and food costs.

WIC plays a vital role in providing nutritious foods that support healthy pregnancies and the growth and development of babies and young children. The program helps families maintain their buying power because the WIC food packages supply a set amount of healthy foods each month, offering stability when grocery prices are high.

“WIC dollars go directly into Oregon communities. Families use their WIC benefits at grocery stores, pharmacies, farmers markets and farm stands, supporting local jobs, retailers, and farmers while providing nutritious foods,” said Oregon WIC Director Tiare Sanna, M.S., RDN.

The Farm Direct Nutrition Program is just one of the innovative programs highlighted in this year’s report, published March 1. The state-administered federal nutrition program allows participants to purchase fresh, locally grown fruit, vegetables and herbs directly from farmers at farmers markets and farm stands. In 2025, 40,600 WIC participants and 53,000 low-income seniors used benefits to buy produce through the WIC and Senior Farm Direct programs.

“It brightens my day when WIC participants shop at my farmers market booth with their Farm Direct dollars,” said Nicki Passarella of Storybrook Farm in Sandy. “Seeing a child’s eyes light up when they get to choose a vegetable is so heartwarming and encouraging. The impact of WIC Farm Direct is invaluable to me, to my farm business, and to Oregon's farming community.”

WIC’s modern approaches to nutrition education and breastfeeding support are making a difference for families. Marion County resident Diane Smith shared how WIC supported her breastfeeding journey and her children’s nutrition.

“The information I have gotten from WIC has tremendously helped me. It’s amazing, and I recommend it to anybody—young moms and families that need assistance with nutrition or anything,” Smith said. “I’m so proud of myself for being able to breastfeed through my last two pregnancies because of the WIC program and nutrition program. It’s made me a stronger mom and my kids stronger, and I’m all around a better person because of it.”

• Hear Smith discuss how WIC has helped her family in this video.

About WIC

Last year, Oregon WIC served 119,464 participants across 36 counties, including 86,461 infants and children received nutrition support that helps boost early learning and kindergarten readiness. WIC serves income-eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals, and infants and kids under age 5. WIC also provides families with nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health screenings, wholesome foods, and connections to community resources. For more information, call 211 or go to healthoregon.org/wic.

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For immediate release: March 17, 2026

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

WorkSource Oregon Invites Job Seekers to AT&T Hiring Event in Tigard

TIGARD, Ore. — WorkSource Oregon invites job seekers to attend a hiring event with AT&T at its Tigard location on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon. AT&T staff will be on site to conduct interviews for field sales representative positions. Participants are encouraged to bring their resume.

“We’re excited to partner with WorkSource Oregon to connect talented job seekers with meaningful opportunities at AT&T,” said Joshua Glover, AT&T associate director of In-Home Solutions Northwest States. “Events like this help us meet people where they are, highlight the wide range of careers available in technology and telecommunications, and continue building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.”

“This is a great opportunity for folks to connect directly with a hiring employer,” said Jim Pfarrer, director of Workforce Operations with the Oregon Employment Department. “This is the time to make a strong impression, and job seekers should come ready to talk about their strengths and experience. Our staff will be on hand to offer resume guidance and help applicants prepare for their interview.”

Successful applicants must have one year of commissions sales experience, a driver’s license, and a clean driving record. The positions are full-time and pay a base salary, plus an uncapped commission. New hires will receive eight days of paid training.

“WorkSource Oregon - Tigard is pleased to bring this exciting event to job seekers in the Portland metro area,” said Jeffrey Janssen, business and employment specialist. “Even if this event isn’t for you, we still encourage you to come into one of our centers. This is just one example of the many services we offer at no cost to help people find a job or get the training they need to be successful.”

The Oregon Employment Department and WorkSource Oregon are proud to partner with businesses and employers across the state in finding qualified employers. If you are interested in collaborating on a hiring event or learning more about our resources for employers, please contact Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov.

Date:  Thursday, March 19
Time:  10 a.m. to noon
Location:  WorkSource Oregon - Tigard

11950 SW Garden Place, Suite 100, Tigard, OR 97223

Email: ey.J.Janssen@employ.oregon.gov">Jeffrey.J.Janssen@employ.oregon.gov

Website: https://www.worksourceoregon.org/events/2026-03-19/att-hiring-event/

About Workforce Operations and WorkSource Oregon

The Oregon Employment Department’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services to job seekers, employers, and businesses, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, job search strategies, support for job postings and hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information.  

Equal Opportunity Statement

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) is an equal opportunity agency. WSO 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 503-947-1680. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. WSO 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 503-947-1680. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

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SALEM, Ore. – The State Forests Advisory Committee will meet at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 20, at the ODF Tillamook District office, 5005 3rd Street in Tillamook. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please contact Nick Palazzotto at 971-375-6344.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Organizational changes
• Financial overview
• Fiscal year 2026 (FY26) current operational status
• Forest Management Plan (FMP)/Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) updates
• FMP overview
• Implementation planning
• Recreation, education & interpretation planning
• Draft FY27 Annual Operation Plan (AOP) overview

The public may attend in-person or online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting Nick Palazzotto at 971-375-6344. 

The State Forests Advisory Committee (SFAC) is comprised of citizens and representatives of timber, environmental and recreation groups as well as a representative from Oregon’s Native American tribes. The SFAC provides a forum to discuss issues, opportunities and concerns, and offer advice and guidance to ODF on the implementation of the Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan. The plan provides guidance for managing 616,000 acres within the Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam State Forests, and several scattered state-owned forest tracts in Benton, Polk, Lincoln and Lane counties through a balanced approach to generate revenue while prioritizing environmental and social benefits.

LOCATION: Hood River Middle School Auditorium
DATES: March 20, 21, 22, 27, 28

The Mid-Columbia Lions Follies cast and crew will be bringing back their fun-filled musical performance on March 20, 21, 27, 28 at 7 pm and the Sunday matinee, March 22 at 2 pm. All performances are at the Hood River Middle School Auditorium located at 1602 May Street in Hood River. Tickets are $15.00 General admission, $12 for Seniors and students and $10 for ages 12 and under. Ages 5 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased at Waucoma Book Store, Key Bank, on-line, and at the door.

“WHODUNIT” is a murder mystery built around artificial intelligence, - AI. It is a story about the Baxter family has just a few hours before word of their patriarch’s death by unusual circumstances reaches the media, Their business is about to explode and their investors may pull funding. Famous detectives from the past are called in to help solve the crime. This sounds serious, but in the Follies way, music, comedy and the flair of the dramatic take place for a fun-filled performance.

The cast consists of local performers. The Baxters are played by Jacob Hollenberry in his stage debut, Sarah Fox and Colton Nussbaum. Amy Maddy plays the nanny. Detectives consist of Jeremy Belcher as Philip Marlowe, Dave Tallman as Adrian Monk, Beth Gatewood (a Follies newcomer) and Sandy Belcher as Jessica Fletcher. The Scooby Doo kids join in the hunt as well – Grant Hinman, Brayden Belcher, Honor Ivy, and Addie Goss. They are all joined by newcomer to Follies, Rebekah McAlister and Izzie Hollenberry, who also is the costumer for the show.

The show was written by the Follies writer, Terri Tyler. Her quick wit and creative thoughts always lead the way to a fun show, and this one is no different. Bev Bridgewater is the Producer/Director, assisted by Amy Maddy as Vocal Director, Gayle Huwe as Properties, and Cindy Biddle as Stage Manager. Using AI as part of the show has been a challenge, which Bridgewater admits she is very limited. Fortunately, Shay Belcher, Sarah Fox and Colton Nussbaum stepped up to make all the music and background happen to create the magic for this AI-themed show.

Hood River Lions, Hood River Eye Opener Lions, and The Dalles Lions are the sponsoring clubs of the show. The Hood River Leos will be offering cookies and water during the performances. “We are so excited every year to present our version of entertainment to an audience.” Bridgewater says. “This year’s show has a mystery to solve, and there is plenty of music, comedy and action. It’s Follies!”

All proceeds go to the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF), a statewide nonprofit whose mission is to screen, treat, save, and restore sight and hearing in partnership with Lions Clubs. 100% of donations go directly to sight and hearing programs that help Oregonians in need to access eyeglasses, hearing assistance, treatments, and surgeries. The OLSHF, supported by the local Lions, perform sight screening for over 200,000 students across the State, including Hood River and Wasco county schools. Further, local Lions provide sight grants to local folks in need. The Follies has donated over $435,000 to the OLSHF over the years, making it the highest single donor to the Foundation. For information on local support, contact Trudy Tallman at 541-380-0544.

Deschutes County, Ore. — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Republic Services, is pleased to announce the 2026 schedule for its free Community Shred Events. These events help residents protect their personal information, safely dispose of unwanted medications, and properly retire worn American flags.

Shredding services will be offered at the Sheriff’s Main Office in four locations:

• March 21^st – 63333 W Highway 20, Sheriff’s Main Office
• June 13^th – 51340 HWY 97, La Pine, Sheriff’s Office Substation
• July 18^th – 703 N Larch, Sisters, Sheriff’s Office Substation
• September 19^th – 1199 B Ave, Terrebonne, Terrebonne Community School

All events run from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., or until the shred truck is full.

This residential-only shred service is not intended for business or commercial use. Paper clips and staples may remain attached; however, plastic bags and three-ring binders cannot be accepted. Participants are asked to bring no more than four boxes of documents per household. Those with more than four boxes should contact Republic Services at 541-352-2263 for additional disposal options.

In addition to document shredding, each event will offer safe medication disposal. Accepted items include prescriptions, patches, ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples, and pet medications. Items not accepted include sharps, thermometers, inhalers, aerosols, or other pressurized containers.

Community members may also bring worn or tattered American flags for proper retirement. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted on-site and donated to a local food bank.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to safely and securely dispose of sensitive documents, unwanted medications, and worn flags—all while supporting the local community.

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Salem, Ore.—A mild winter with spring-like weather has helped the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) replanting of state forest timber harvest areas stay ahead of schedule this year with approximately two million seedlings already in the ground.

“This has been a great planting season with no shutdowns due to weather,” said John Walter, ODF’s State Forests Silviculturist.  “All our districts are done or will be this month.  The only exception being Klamath Lake—they typically plant into May and have about 60,000 to get in.”

Like most Western Oregon’s forests, Douglas Fir is the dominant species, but ODF tries to add diversity to its reforestation plan to promote resilience and provide additional types of timber products.

“This year we planted about 74 percent Doug(las) Fir, 17 percent Hemlock, two percent each of Western Red Cedar and Noble Fir, one percent each of Grand Fir and Sitka Spruce with the remaining three percent Pondarosa Pine,” said Walter.  “Later, hardwoods naturally seed in with mainly alder and bigleaf maple.  So, we end up with a species mix that is fairly typical western Oregon forests.”

The seedlings are grown by nine contracted northwest nurseries and this year they supplied ODF with 2.3 million of them.

“The successful bidders that purchase timber sales, have three years to complete harvest so it makes it a little tricky on the planning side to project a year in advance how many seedlings we need each year,” said Walter.  “However, we never want to run short so we typically order a little more than what we will plant in state forests.”

This year ODF has nearly 300,000 of those “extra” seedlings, all of which are destined for Oregon’s forests—just not state forests.  ODF typically sells, or sometimes donates, seedlings to watershed groups, other non-profits, and Oregon tribes. 

All those 2.3 million seedlings that were grown in controlled environments at the nurseries are then shipped to ODF and held in large coolers until planting season.  

The planting is done mostly by private contractors working for ODF.  Some planting and replanting the next year, mainly in the Tillamook State Forest, is also done by Adults In Custody from the South Fork Forest Camp, a facility jointly run by the Department of Corrections and ODF.

“This is not easy work,” said Bill Sayers, Reforestation Forester for ODF’s Forest Grove District who along with two of his coworkers were monitoring contractors working in Tillamook State Forest. “The terrain can be steep and slippery especially with a pack of 200 or so trees on your back and a shovel in your hand.  Also, the contracts emphasize both speed and efficiency.  They have to plant fast and plant correctly to get the maximum pay out specified in the contract.  Most of these guys do amazing work.”

To determine if the work is done correctly ODF staff measures out a 1/100^th of an acre circle and counts the number of seedlings planted in the circle.

“To get to our goal of usually 400 trees per acre there needs to be four seedlings in that circle,” said Sayers.  “If there are too few or too many, we alert the foreman and they correct the issue right there.  We then dig up the seedings in the circle to make sure they are planted correctly. If they are too deep or too shallow or the roots are bent over, we call those planting errors.  We identify those issues and again get it corrected in real time.  And yes, we replant the ones we checked ourselves.”

Once in the ground correctly and at the right time, the number one determining factor for their survival is whether they get the right amount of moisture at the right time.

“Obviously weather is the top determining factor—if it is an unusually dry spring and hot dry summer mortality goes up,” said Walter.  “We can’t do anything about the weather.  The second major factor is competing vegetation.  Even if it is a “normal” participation year, seedlings can struggle if other plants are sucking up all the moisture.  We evaluate each unit individually and then where deemed necessary use herbicide to limit that competing vegetation to increase the survival rate.”

Other factors impacting seedlings survival are deer and elk browse, root damage (mainly from mountain beavers that live underground), insects, tree diseases and wildfire. 

 “However, these stressors are usually limited to certain units and not as much of a threat when compared to the overall impact lack of water or drought region wide,” said Walter.

Looking to the future, ODF has several cooperative agreements and is a partner in research projects in Oregon and the Northwest to improve the genetics to increase the survivability of future trees.

“It’s difficult and a long-term effort to improve our trees,” said Walter. “Ideally, we want disease resistance, climate adaptation and growth all in the same tree.  Realistically it is hard to get one of those traits without dropping one or two of the others.”

Meanwhile, ODF continues to manage state forests to yield a sustainable balance of economic, environmental and social benefits over time and for all Oregonians. 

To learn more on how your state forests are managed see: Oregon Department of Forestry : State forests : Forest resources : State of Oregon

SALEM, Ore.—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will host “Yozakura,” night viewing of the Akebono cherry blossoms, March 21 through April 4 in the North Mall at State Capitol State Park.

The cherry blossoms will be illuminated with Japanese lanterns and lights nightly from 6-10 p.m. Visitors may bring blankets, camping chairs, or an evening picnic to enjoy under the canopy of the illuminated trees.

The lanterns and lights create a striking and beautiful scene inside the park at night.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will livestream the cherry blossoms on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OregonParks beginning March 21 during the day and evening through April 4.

Park staff ask that tree limbs and blossoms are left as is so everyone can view them throughout the bloom. Alcohol is not allowed in State Capitol State Park (without permits) and the park closes at 10 p.m.

For more information on events at the Capitol, call Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 or visit the events page.

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Salem, Ore. –  Are you holding a $1 million ticket? Oregon’s annual Raffle numbers have been drawn.

Winning $1 Million Top Prize Number: 061889

Prizes for the Raffle include:

• $1 million top prize
• 300 prizes of $500
• 1,500 prizes of $100

To check the winning Raffle numbers for all 1,801 prizes, players can use the Lottery’s phone app, go to www.oregonlottery.org, or visit a participating Oregon Lottery retail location.

The $500 and $100 prize winners can claim their prizes at any Oregon Lottery retail location. In addition, players can claim their prize by mail – visit https://www.oregonlottery.org/claim-a-prize/ for instructions. The $1 million Raffle prize winner will need to make an appointment with the Oregon Lottery office in Salem or Wilsonville. Please call 1-800-766-6789 for assistance.

The Raffle offers the best odds of any Oregon Lottery game of winning $1 million – 1 in 250,000. Overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 138.8. The Oregon Lottery’s Raffle game went on sale January 4 with 250,000 tickets available, and all tickets were sold out by the evening of Friday, March 13, 2026.

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.

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

Bend Fire & Rescue was called to an escaped field burn this afternoon off of Powell Butte Hwy. The owner was out burning his ditches when the wind carried the fire past his containment and started to spread. Fire crews arrived and worked to stop the spread of the fire before it left the owners property. Bend Fire was assisted by Alfalfa Fire, ODF and BLM fire resources as well as DSCO for traffic control. The fire was stopped on their property at 6.6 acres. No damage to buildings or fences as found. The fire burning mostly pasture land with a few trees, brush piles, and brush surrounding the fields burning as well.

The owners have a current burn permit for burning fields. They were out burning ditches this afternoon but unfortunately didn’t have all the water they should have to be prepared. They were following all the other rules of the permit and had called into to ensure burning was open today. With light winds predicted today, open burning was open today.

Burning is open through May 31^st each year for debris and field burning outside the city limits. This date may be moved up if we continue with the dry spring weather. Burning can be shut down from day to day when winds are predicted above 20mph. Burn permits are needed for field burning and for large piles. This permit includes a site visit to go over safe burning practices. The owner knows to have more water on hand for next year if they choose to burn again.

If you have any questions about burning, please call our office at 541-322-6386 to schedule a site visit. Debris burning is not allowed within the city limits of Bend year-round as per city ordinance. More information on burning regulations can be found on our website, www.bendoregon.gov/fire and by clicking on the Outdoor Burning Informaiton tab. Always call the burn information before you burn at 541-322-6335.

The ISOR-PH Regular board meeting has been scheduled for March 19th, 2026 @11:30am.

Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that a Meeting of the Board is scheduled for March 19th, 2026 @11:30am. 

The meeting will take place on March 19th, 2026 @11:30am.

Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that the Meeting of the Board will be held at:

1.Via Teleconference - using any of the following US phone numbers

+1 253 215 8782

+1 346 248 7799

+1 669 900 9128

+1 301 715 8592

+1 312 626 6799

+1 646 558 8656

Meeting ID is: 915 0788 7277

And

2. Via Zoom Meeting Link:

https://onlineoregon-org.zoom.us/j/91507887277

The Public has been invited to the Board Meeting with notices posted at the following locations:

A. FlashNet Newswire

http://flashalertbend.net/press-releases.html

B. Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Office

603 NW 3rd Street

Prineville, OR 97754

PORTLAND, Ore.— A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment last Tuesday charging a Portland man with threatening an elected official and a minor victim online.

Travis William Juhr, 41, has been charged with transmitting interstate threats.

According to court documents, Juhr threatened an elected official in Nevada when he left a threatening voicemail and posted on his X account, “I hope you have your doors and windows locked. Because I love a challenge when hunting my PREY…” along with a photograph of the victim.

Additionally, Juhr threatened a minor victim because the victim attended a counter-protest to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The minor victim received several threatening messages from Juhr from different X accounts after the victim’s personal identifying information was posted online.

Juhr made his first appearance in federal court Friday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned and pleaded not guilty.

If convicted, Juhr faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The FBI is investigating the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan G. Bodell is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2026

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

WorkSource Oregon Invites Job Seekers to Job Fair for Autistic Community Activity Program

OREGON CITY, Ore. – WorkSource Oregon invites job seekers to a job fair with the Autistic Community Activity Program (ACAP) on Wednesday, March 18,10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the WorkSource center in Oregon City. This is an opportunity to learn about summer jobs in the Portland-Metro area to help people with autism build lasting life skills. ACAP staff will be on site to share more information and conduct interviews for one-on-one assistants with their summer program. There is no cost to attend, and participants are encouraged to bring their resumes.

“Are you looking for the most fun you’ve ever had in a summer job? Come work with ACAP in an active and engaging environment where you get to meet new people and make friends,” said Brooke Pyper, chief operating officer at ACAP. “This allows you to serve the community, explore Portland, and help autistic individuals build lasting life skills. You will work in groups, travel around the city, enjoy the sun, and engage with clients to ensure their goals are met.”

Assistants will earn $18 to $23 per hour during ACAP’s 2026 summer season, which runs from June through August. Internships and work-study hours are also available.

“WorkSource Oregon is excited to support job seekers as they explore a wide range of employment opportunities — from seasonal positions to roles that make a meaningful impact in their communities,” said Jim Pfarrer, director of Workforce Operations with the Oregon Employment Department. “The ACAP Job Fair is a great example of that commitment, and an opportunity for job seekers to make a strong impression. They should come ready to talk about their strengths and experience. Our staff will be on hand to help applicants prepare for their interview.”

The Oregon Employment Department and WorkSource Oregon are proud to partner with businesses and employers across the state in finding qualified employers. If you are interested in collaborating on a hiring event or learning more about our resources for employers, please contact Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov.

Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: WorkSource Oregon - Oregon City

506 High St., Oregon City, OR 97045

Email: iann.y.rangel@employ.oregon.gov">mariann.y.rangel@employ.oregon.gov

Event website: https://www.worksourceoregon.org/events/2026-03-18/autistic-community-activity-program-job-fair/

About Workforce Operations and WorkSource Oregon

The Oregon Employment Department’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services to job seekers, employers, and businesses, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, job search strategies, support for job postings and hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information.  

Equal Opportunity Statement

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) is an equal opportunity agency. WSO 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 503-947-1680. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. WSO 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 503-947-1680. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a Services@oregon.gov">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

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Date: March 13, 2026

Case #: Bend Police 2026-00013135

Incident: Residential Burglary and Death Investigation

Date of Incident: March 12, 2026, 11:45 PM

Location: 3500 Block NW Braid Drive, Bend, OR

On March 12, 2026, around 11:45 PM, a resident on NW Braid Drive reported an unknown person had tried to break into their home while they were inside. The resident confronted the intruder and a struggle occurred. The intruder fled on foot after the struggle. Bend Police Officers responded to investigate. The resident was injured and was transported from the scene by Bend Fire and Rescue with non-life-threatening injuries. An area search was carried out, and officers found the intruder lying on the nearby golf course with life-threatening injuries. Emergency medical care was provided, but the intruder did not survive their injuries. Bend Police Detectives have responded to the scene and are leading this investigation. 

White will lead the credit union’s financial strategy and support long-term stability for members

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union has hired finance executive Lisa White to serve as senior vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), following an extensive national search. White, a certified public accountant, joins the executive team of Oregon’s largest credit union, serving more than 631,000 members with $9.5 billion in assets.

Clackamas County, Ore. (Mar. 16, 2026) - On Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 5:44 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 26, near milepost 31, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Nissan Frontier, operated by Heath Eugene Beardmore (35) of Rhododendron, crossed into the westbound lane and struck a westbound Honda Accord, operated by Kailee Joy Peterson (19) of Gresham. 

The operator of the Nissan (Beardmore) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The operator of the Honda (Peterson) and passenger, Kemper Michael Buchholtz (20) of Sandy, were transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The rear passenger in the Honda, Austin Rylee Buchhotlz (24) of Corbett, was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff's office, Clackamas Fire and Rescue, Hoodland Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Rethink the Drink media toolkit can be found here: www.rethinkthedrink.com/toolkit 

March 16, 2026

Media Contact: Erica Heartquist, PhD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA shares tips for safely celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, spring break

Alcohol misuse remains a leading cause of preventable death in Oregon 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Monday, March 16, 2026 

BEND, OR — Spring break kicks off this Saturday, March 21 at the High Desert Museum with special programs, new exhibitions and summer hours, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  

The popular indoor flight demonstration, Sky Hunters returns to the E. L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. Visitors experience powerful predators close up as raptors fly just overhead, showcasing the birds’ agility and grace while learning about their lives in the wild. The program is daily from Saturday, March 21 – Saturday, March 28 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm and is first come, first served. Tickets are $7 and available at Admissions on the day of. Museum members receive a 20% discount. Sky Hunters is made possible by Fly Redmond with support from the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon. 

Visitors will also be able to enjoy daily talks about High Desert flora and fauna, free with admission. These include the Nature Walk at 10:30 am, Otter Encounter at 12:30 pm and Mammal Encounter at 3:00 pm. 

Spring break visitors will also be able to experience the Museum’s temporary exhibitions. The new, original exhibition Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration in the Spirit of the West Gallery invites visitors to discover the science, spectacle, and significance behind the giants that live among us. For many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980.  

Blending history and geology with interactive storytelling and hands-on exploration, visitors will encounter lava rocks, a volcanic hazard map, and hear the rumble of a volcano. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/under-pressure. 

Another exhibition on view in the Brooks Gallery is Soil Alive!, a subterranean journey into the world beneath our feet. Presented in English and Spanish, the exhibition beckons visitors underground to discover how soil is not just a bed of crunched up rocks and other materials.

Visitors who enter the exhibition hear the muffled subterranean sounds of animals and microorganisms in the soil. The family-friendly exhibition includes interactive experiences and hands-on activities that share how a complex network of organisms turns ordinary dirt into living soil. From a giant magnifying glass that points at a wall-sized digital illustration and illuminates hidden animals to helping a ponderosa sapling grow in a motion-activated digital experience, Soil Alive! digs into a busy and active universe. The exhibition closes on Sunday, March 29. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/soil-alive.  

Other temporary exhibitions include Prophets – Paintings by Hilary Baker. The exhibit, located in the Desertarium Gallery, features 18 of Baker’s artworks depicting moths. Baker, who grew up in Los Angeles, lost her longtime home to the Palisades Fire in January 2025. It was then that she began painting moths, examining them as spiritual messengers, prompting visitors to pay more attention to moths large and small through bright, lavish renderings. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/prophets. 

Drawn West: A History of Promoting Place, an original exhibition, explores a century of salesmanship, when artists and cartographers alike crafted an image of the West that depicted both fact and fiction. Featuring 50-plus maps, artworks and advertisement from the Museum’s extensive collections, visitors can take a walk through time and learn about the decades of western expansion, from the growth of cities and towns along railways in the High Desert to the first Pendleton Round-Up in 1910. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/drawn-west. 

And Forest at Night reveals the sights and sounds of the forest when the moon is high and the stars are out. An immersive and interactive exhibition, Forest at Night takes visitors on a virtual tour, featuring insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Visitors may gaze up at twinkling stars and learn about the constellations that guide migrating birds on their way through the High Desert. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/forest-at-night. 

Throughout the week, the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill will be open from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm beginning Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 29 (excluding Monday, March 23). Experience history and jump in to lend a hand or ask about the many buildings and objects. 

More information on visiting the High Desert Museum is available at highdesertmuseum.org/visit-bend-oregon. 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: 

The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2025 recipient of the Autry Public History Prize from the Western History Association and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.  

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SALEM, Oregon— The Oregon Outdoor Recreation Committee (OORC) will meet April 3 to rank and establish a priority list of Land and Water Conservation Fund grant proposals from around the state for projects to develop and rehabilitate public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. 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 meeting will be held online via Zoom. View the agenda for a list of project proposals and meeting information: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/gra/pages/gra-lwcf.aspx     

Recommendations from the OORC will be submitted to the Oregon State Parks Commission for review and approval at their April 22 meeting. OPRD will then forward approved project proposals to the National Park Service for final approval.

The OORC is made up of nine members who represent a variety of interests and are appointed by the OPRD Director.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program is a financial assistance program of the National Park Service. LWCF grants provide matching funds to state and local governments for acquiring and developing public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

For more information contact Nohemi Enciso, LWCF Grant Program Coordinator, at 503-480-9092 or nohemi.enciso@oprd.oregon.gov, or visit the LWCF webpage on the OPRD website.

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The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) published its fourth quarter report with key data points and information showing progress and work under way to improve the child welfare system.

The report covers many aspects of the child welfare system, which includes the child abuse hotline, child abuse and family needs assessments, resource (foster) care and supporting families’ safety so children in resource care can return home. It also includes programs and services to prevent child abuse.

“Keeping children safe is our core mission,” said Rolanda Garcia, interim Child Welfare director. “We are committed to making steady progress to improve outcomes for children and families.”

Highlights from the report include:

Faster child safety assessments

• What it is and why it matters
  When ODHS receives a report of suspected child abuse and neglect, a team investigates the situation and assesses the child’s and family’s needs. When cases are assessed within a 60-day window, families receive information about next steps to create safety plans or a determination about temporarily moving children to a relative or resource family for safety. Overdue assessments can cause additional family stress and uncertainty and increase risks to child safety.

• Report metrics
  The monthly proportion of safety assessments completed within 60 days steadily increased throughout 2025, rising from 38.2% in January to 50.5% in December. This improvement was accomplished through a series of initiatives including requiring every Child Welfare district office to develop a data-driven plan for improving completion timelines on investigations. Improving assessment timeliness is also part of the ODHS Safety Action Plan initiated in 2025.

Reducing use of temporary lodging

• What it is and why it matters
  Temporary lodging provides supervised hotel lodging for youth awaiting higher levels of residential care. ODHS has been working aggressively to reduce the use of temporary lodging by working with behavioral health partners and providers to increase capacity and meet the complex needs of this small segment of children and young adults in care.
   
• Report metrics
  The average number of children provided with temporary lodging nightly as they wait for a safe and appropriate placement declined to 8.33 in 2025, down from 10.86 the previous year. This measure has shown improvement since 2023 as Child Welfare identified children at risk of experiencing temporary lodging and developed child-specific plans to prevent that possibility. The total has been declining over time, with fewer children experiencing temporary lodging, and shorter stays overall. The total number of unique children who experienced temporary lodging in 2025 was 100, compared with 122 in 2023. In 2025, ODHS also opened four new programs with capacity to serve youth with specialized needs. Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) and programs added 20 beds, and Behavior Rehabilitation Services (BRS)/Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP) added 14 beds.

Placement of children with relatives

• What it is and why it matters
  Children placed with relatives do better in terms of mental and physical health, as well as long-term outcomes. Placing children with relatives helps maintain family, community and cultural connections and reduces trauma.
   
• Report metrics
  The monthly proportion of children placed with relatives when they first entered foster care steadily increased during 2025, rising from 24.6% in January to 44.4% in December. Child Welfare implemented the Relative Pathway certification process statewide in August 2025. The Relative Pathway streamlines the foster care certification process for relatives.  

The report will be published on a quarterly basis to highlight progress on core initiatives.

“We are committed to transparency and accountability about our successes and challenges, and the plans we have in place to make things better,” said Liesl Wendt, ODHS Director. “We are making important progress in the way we serve children and families, and we have more work to do.”

Tillamook State Forest, Ore.—Oregon Department of Forestry recreation staff are working hard to transform the Diamond Mill off highway vehicle (OHV) staging area into the Tillamook State Forest’s newest campground. The campground is set to open April 1.

“Diamond Mill is in the heart of some of the most active OHV usage areas in the Tillamook State Forest,” said Ben Burns, ODF’s Recreation Facilities Manager. “Historically, Diamond Mill has been a staging and parking area for mostly single track (motorcycle) trail users. Now we are revamping it into a full-fledged campground.”

The campground will have 16 sites and the option for a camp host site. There are new picnic tables, fire grates, site posts and signage, along with an existing double-vault pit toilet.

“We brought in boulders, soil, gravel, vegetation and contoured the area to make the sites feel more private and give campers a better overnight experience,” said Burns.

“It was a bit of free-for- all with parking before,” said Burns. “This will improve traffic flow and safety in the campground.”

Before, the use fee was $5 per car per night, now the improved sites are $20 a night like other ODF state forests campgrounds.

“For this first year the campground ground will remain a first come first served area. Then, we will consider user feedback and might go to a reservation system in 2027,” Burns said.

Burns and his staff are ready to see their hard work pay off after a typically challenging Oregon winter of wet, windy and cold weather.

“ODF staff and South Fork Forest Camp crews have been working really hard in sometimes difficult weather to transform the area, and we are excited to have it ready for the April 1 opening,” said Burns. “This is just a great area in the heart of the Tillamook with miles of trails to explore and the campground is family friendly; we even have a kids’ track right beside the campground.”

For more on Diamond Mill and other state forests recreation opportunities see: Oregon Department of Forestry : Recreation, education & interpretation : Recreation, education & interpretation : State of Oregon

OREGON COAST, Oregon— Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 29.

Trained Oregon State Park volunteers and park rangers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot whales and their calves and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily March 21-29. The sites are among the best places to watch whales on the Oregon Coast.

“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whale migration can be a bit closer on their return trip north, usually within a few miles from shore.  As we get later into the spring, we can sometimes see the mothers with calves in tow,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates 13,000 gray whales are expected to migrate past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as they travel back toward Alaska, far fewer than earlier projections suggested. Although NOAA declared the Unusual Mortality Event over in 2023 and initially believed the population might be rebounding, new winter 2025 estimates instead show the lowest numbers since the 1970s.

NOAA’s models, which combine visual surveys with migration pattern assumptions, indicate that the 2025 population most likely falls between 11,700 and 14,500 whales.

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 21-29. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Park rangers and volunteers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Spring Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch.

Media Resources: photos available at this link.

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March 12, 2026

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

WinCo store is latest measles exposure location, health officials say

People who were at Gresham store during exposure period urged to talk to a health care provider

PORTLAND, Ore.—Another measles exposure location has been identified, and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Multnomah County public health officials are urging people who believe they were exposed to talk to a health care provider about their risks.

People might have been exposed if they were at the following location at this date and time: 

• WinCo Foods, 2511 SE 1^st St., Gresham, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7.

People who were at this location during these dates and time period should immediately contact your health care provider and let them know they may have been exposed to someone who has measles. The health care provider can determine whether you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence of prior infection.

Facts about measles

Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus particles also can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area.

Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication.

Measles can be dangerous, especially among children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. In developed countries in recent years, one to three of every 1,000 measles cases has been fatal.  The measles vaccine is highly effective at providing protection, as two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the virus. The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are up to date on their vaccines is very low.

What to do if you suspect measles in your household 

Public health officials urge people experiencing symptoms of measles not to arrive unannounced at a medical office if they: 

1. Have a measles-like rash, or
2. Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, AND have any other symptom of measles (such as fever, cough or red eyes).

Whenever possible, individuals planning to seek medical care should first call your health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.

Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

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Portland, OR — The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is delighted to announce the 2026 Oregon History Maker honorees. First celebrated in 2009, the annual Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner recognizes contemporary individuals and organizations that are positively shaping the history, culture, and landscape of Oregon. The event also supports the Oregon Historical Society’s important work to collect, preserve, and interpret Oregon’s past.

The 2026 Oregon History Makers are:

Mel Brown 

Godfather of Oregon Jazz

If one person embodies the story of jazz in Oregon, it is drummer and bandleader Mel Brown. Raised in Northeast Portland, he was mentored by seasoned musicians along Williams Avenue, where the city’s vibrant jazz scene once flourished. Brown went on to tour nationally with Motown Records, performing with some of the biggest names in music. Returning home to find his community displaced, he dedicated himself to reinvigorating Portland’s jazz scene. His drum shop, mentorship of other musicians, and nightly performances with multiple bands have helped cultivate the vibrant live music scene that exists today.

Ted Kulongoski

Esteemed Public Servant

No Oregonian has held as many positions of public trust as Ted Kulongoski. Over a distinguished career spanning all three branches of state government, he served as representative, senator, insurance commissioner, attorney general, supreme court justice, and governor. Known for intelligence, integrity, and bipartisan leadership, he advanced major reforms in workers’ compensation and juvenile justice while championing Oregon’s veterans. A former U.S. Marine, Kulongoski attended the funeral of nearly every Oregon solider killed in Iraq and Afghanistan — an enduring testament to his sense of honor, duty, and respect.

Patricia C. “Patsy” Smullin

Local Broadcasting Powerhouse

Patsy Smullin is president and owner of California Oregon Broadcasting, Inc., the West’s longest continuously operating independent broadcast organization. With decades of experience both in front of the camera and in administration, she is revered in regional and national media circles alike. In her program, Up Close with Patsy Smullin, she has interviewed some of the most interesting public figures of our time. Despite her national profile, Smullin remains deeply committed to southern Oregon through philanthropy and civic leadership, and by ensuring that news stays grounded in the local community.

Columbia Sportswear Company

Iconic Outdoor Apparel Company

From its beginning in 1938 as a hat wholesaler, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown into one of the world’s largest and best-known outdoor apparel companies, with brands that include Columbia, Sorel, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna. Building its reputation on durable, high-performance gear designed to withstand the harshest elements, Columbia’s innovative thermal technologies have even protected spacecraft on missions to the moon. Employing thousands at its global headquarters in Washington County, Columbia has long been one of Oregon’s most admired companies.

“Since 2009, the Oregon Historical Society has celebrated Oregon’s living leaders, highlighting individuals and businesses who are part of the state’s DNA,” said OHS Boyle Family Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk. “This year’s honorees all exemplify the best of what our state has to offer, and the OHS Board of Trustees is delighted to present Mel Brown, Ted Kulongoski, Patsy Smullin, and Columbia Sportswear Company with their History Makers Awards.”

The Oregon Historical Society will celebrate the 2026 Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Portland Art Museum. Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available. For more information, please visit ohs.org/historymakers. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ally Huffman at 503.306.5226 or ally.huffman@ohs.org.

About the Oregon Historical Society

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

EDITORS: A media kit with video clips of State Health Officer and State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger discussing the new State Health Improvement Plan is available at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ERD/Pages/media-resources.aspx

March 12, 2026

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

New State Health Improvement Plan a ‘roadmap’ for health

SHIP describes how public health system will address four priorities

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has launched its five-year State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) with a focus on priorities to help the state’s public health system better respond to rapid changes in social conditions and health needs throughout a person’s lifespan.

The 2025-2029 SHIP, published March 10, reflects the core priorities of Oregon’s public health system and aligns with OHA’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. It also moves the agency closer to its 2030 goal of eliminating health inequities.

A steering committee of partners and community members—working closely with community groups, local public health authorities, Tribal representatives, coordinated care organizations and OHA’s Public Health Division staff—recommended four priorities for the SHIP:

• Healthy environments, created by identifying and responding to environmental exposures such as lead; reducing the health impacts of extreme heat and wildfire smoke; reducing toxins in homes; and ensuring access to clean air and drinking water.
• Individual, family and community well-being, through primary prevention activities that promote physical, mental and behavioral health by preventing overdoses, sexual violence, community violence and deaths by suicide; supporting children, youth and families; and reducing use of alcohol, commercial tobacco and other drugs.
• Health promotion and disease prevention, by encouraging healthy behaviors, making health-promoting choices readily available, and changing policies and systems that can impede health, including vaccinations; treating diseases such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis and HIV; responding to disease outbreaks; and supporting behavior change for health.
• Emergency preparedness and response, to protect public health when emergencies occur, by working with partners to develop regional preparedness plans; responding to health threats; and providing regional and state support for health care, Tribes in Oregon and local public health authorities for tracking diseases and providing health services.

“The State Health Improvement Plan provides a roadmap for maintaining and improving the health of all people—of all ages, in all places—in Oregon,” said OHA Public Health Division Director Naomi Adeline-Biggs. “The SHIP is our compass, guiding us through the complexities of the future while keeping us focused on our goal: a healthier, more connected Oregon.”

In addition to establishing health priorities, the SHIP describes the work of the state’s public health system to address each priority. The priorities focus on areas for health improvement identified in the 2025 State Health Assessment, or SHA. The Oregon Public Health Division leads the SHA and SHIP efforts within OHA, developing the plan and working with partners.

Together with the SHA, the SHIP is required for public health accreditation through the national Public Health Accreditation Board, but it goes beyond compliance. The SHIP’s objective is to be a community-developed driver of health improvement across the state.

A key to achieving that objective is the SHIP’s emphasis on sustained partnerships and mutual engagement within the governmental public health system that includes the Oregon Public Health Division, local public health authorities, Tribal governments, community-based partners and the state’s health care system.

“One thing I took away from this whole process is the opportunity to advocate and speak for communities that often are not at the table,” said SHIP steering committee member Sokho Eath, director of the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization’s Pacific Islander and Asian Family Center. The process for developing the SHIP involved extensive community involvement and input and creating a plan for “how to improve understanding of, and community connection to, what the state is trying to accomplish,” he said.

The Public Health Division will use the SHIP to align resources across initiatives, including OHA’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which sets an intention in OHA’s work, systems and policies to move toward this vision. Each priority includes strategies that address people’s different access to community resources and changing health needs. To demonstrate alignment across existing plans, many strategies include links to state strategic plan documents.

For example, for the “healthy environments” priority, which has six strategies, OHA plans to coordinate trainings or meetings for local public health authority case managers to increase case investigation capacity for children with elevated blood lead levels. OHA also will provide data and information about health risks from climate hazards to local partners so they can prepare and carry out action plans to lessen these impacts.

The 22 strategies under the SHIP’s “individual, family and community well-being” priority include promoting safe, healthy relationships among youth to prevent sexual violence. Another is supporting “age-friendly” communities where clean air, nutritious food, daily activity and social connections are easily accessible.

For gerontologist and SHIP steering committee member Julia Brown, helping develop the plan’s “individual, family and community well-being” priority was a passion project. A community outreach and engagement manager for AGE+—the nonprofit advocates for the well-being of older adults in rural, low-income and underserved communities—Brown wanted to ensure the plan represented a truly universal, “all people, all ages, all places” approach to improving health.

“It was important that this plan was as inclusive and equitable for our population as possible,” Brown said. “That could include a person with a disability living alone—maybe they're middle-aged or older, and don’t have family nearby. Or people in rural regions who are far away from the I-5 corridor, who struggle to see themselves as represented in state organizations and state policies.”

There are 31 strategies under the “health promotion and disease prevention” priority, such as promoting routine dental care by increasing public and provider education, preventive treatment and collaboration with providers; and reducing youth nicotine use by making it easier for everyone to avoid tobacco and limiting how much young people see tobacco advertisements and products in stores.

Under the “emergency preparedness” priority, there are five strategies, including maintaining the state’s surveillance system that tracks emergency room and urgent care visits to spot and respond to health threats such as bad air quality, disease outbreaks and natural disasters. The priority also has a strategy to support the Oregon Medical Coordination Center, which helps hospitals place patients at their facilities or within their systems when they lack capacity.

The division will regularly track and report on progress and identify where progress is lagging. This information will be shared with partners and community members through regular reporting.

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Habrá formas alternativas de acceso a los servicios

Astoria, Oregón – La oficina del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregón (ODHS) en Astoria, situada en 422 Gateway Avenue, no cerrará la tarde del viernes 13 de marzo para las obras publicas cercanas. Un cierre de día completo está planificado para el viernes 27 de marzo.

Sin embargo, la Camioneta de Beneficios Móvil estará disponible para atender a quienes necesiten servicios en persona. También se puede acudir a la oficina de ODHS en Seaside, 1111 Roosevelt Drive.

Las personas también pueden acceder a ODHS de forma virtual, llamando:

• Programa de Bienestar Infantil para cuidado de crianza, seguridad infantil y servicios de adopción, 503-325-9179.
• Programas de Autosuficiencia, Asociación de Elegibilidad de Oregón para beneficios de comida, dinero, servicios médicos, cuidado infantil y servicios de violencia doméstica. 503-325-2021.

"Tendremos personal en estas ubicaciones alternativas para atender a las personas, ya sea en persona o virtualmente", dijo Lorena Giles, Gerente de Programa OEP.

Para indicaciones y ubicaciones de todas las oficinas de ODHS: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx.

Alternate ways to access services will be available

Astoria, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Astoria office, 422 Gateway Avenue, will not close in the afternoon Friday, March 13 for the scheduled construction work in the area. A full-day closure is planned for Friday, March 27.

However, there will be an ODHS mobile van available at the site to serve people needing to visit in-person. People can also come to the ODHS Seaside office, 1111 Roosevelt Drive.

People can also access ODHS virtually, by calling:

• Child Welfare program for foster care, child safety and adoption services, 503-325-9179.
• Self-Sufficiency Programs, Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) for benefits, food, cash, medical, child care and domestic violence services. 503-325-2021.

“We will be fully staffed in these alternative locations to serve people either in person or virtually,” Lorena Giles, OEP Program Manager, said.

For directions and locations of all ODHS offices: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx.

Salem, OR— Heading into the final month of the 2026 tax season, the Oregon Department of Revenue has received and processed 860,000 electronically-filed Oregon personal income tax returns and has issued 720,000 refunds.

Most taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds within two weeks of the date their return is e-filed. Some returns, however, require additional review and can take longer. Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

The Where’s My Refund? tool was enhanced last year and now provides:

• Additional detail about refund status. 
• Added functionality to see when the agency is requesting additional information to complete processing a return. 
• Website enhancements for improved customer experience.

To have the benefit of the enhancements, however, taxpayers need to be signed into their Revenue Online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool without being signed into Revenue Online account, but won’t be able to see the updated features.

A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.

Among those refunds that will take longer in 2026 are refunds from paper-filed Oregon Personal Income Tax returns. On average taxpayers who e-file and request direct deposit get their refund two weeks faster than those who file a paper return. The extra wait will be even longer this year.

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax form information to the Department of Revenue creating a delay in the processing of paper-filed state returns. Processing of paper-filed returns is expected to start at the end of March with the first refunds for paper-filed returns expected to be issued in early April.

Oregon is returning a $1.41 billion revenue surplus “kicker” to taxpayers in 2026. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer's refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

About 60 percent of the 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns expected to be filed in 2026 have yet to be filed with less than five weeks to go before the April 15 deadline.

Besides the high volume of returns filed at the end of tax season, there are other common things that can make it take longer for Oregonians to get their refunds.

Four common reasons refunds take longer and what to do about it.

• Filing electronically and requesting to receive a refund via a check takes longer. Request direct deposit instead.
• Filing more than once. Sending a duplicate paper return through the mail after e-filing will a delay a refund. Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to amend their return to make changes.
• Refunds for taxpayers that are new to filing returns may be delayed so we can verify your identity. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting identity verification are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.
• Refunds can also be delayed when errors are identified on returns. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting additional information are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.

The Department of Revenue recommends that taxpayers wait one week after they have electronically filed their return to use the Where’s My Refund tool.

Taxpayers can check the status of their federal tax refunds on the IRS website.

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SALEM, Oregon – On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon) announced the recipients of the 2025 Oregon Travel and Tourism Industry Achievement Awards at the 2026 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Oregon Convention Center. 
 

The Oregon Main Street Statewide Coordinating Program received the Oregon Prosperity Award. The Oregon Prosperity Award recognizes DMOs or businesses championing the value of tourism, whose vision and commitment help make Oregon's communities, tourism regions and state stronger visitor destinations, creating optimal economic impact.
 

Oregon Main Street Statewide Coordinating Program has offered a unifying model for community revitalization in 100+ towns statewide since 2008. Since then, Main Street’s tenets of promotion, organizational support, design, and economic vitality with a historic preservation lens, have activated and reactivated communities of all sizes, in every county of Oregon. As of 2021, the work of the Oregon Main Street program and partner organizations have resulted in $134.6 million total economic impact while offering free technical services for local programs, revitalizing downtowns and awarding millions of dollars in grants to communities across the state.
 

Currently, there are over 100 communities in Oregon participating in the Oregon Main Street Network which includes the following tiers: Accredited Main Street, Designated Main Street, Affiliated Main Street, Rural Regional Main Street, and Connected Communities. There is not a fee to participate in the Oregon Main Street Network.
 

Oregon Main Street is a program of Oregon Heritage in Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
 

For more information on Oregon Main Street visit www.oregonmainstreet.org.
 

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