Officials reported that a subject died in an apartment fire Saturday morning in Winston.

The fire occurred at the Blue Ridge Apartments at 100 SW Hart Ave.

Firefighters got a quick initial knockdown of the fire and conducted a primary search finding the subject deceased.  The incident was supported by Winston-Dillard Fire District, Douglas County Fire District No. 2, Roseburg Fire Department, and Lookingglass Fire Department with 23 firefighters - 6 fire engines, 1 ladder truck, and 3 command staff.

Douglas County Fire District No. 2 and the Oregon State Fire Marshal are investigating the fire.  

On May 30, 2023, detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) seized a kilo (2.2 pounds) of suspected Carfentanil being trafficked into Douglas County.  

41 year old Alma Adriana Fuentes of Live Oak, California, was contacted during the course of a traffic stop on Interstate-5 near Sutherlin. During the traffic stop, an Oregon State Police canine was applied to Fuentes’ vehicle and positively alerted to the presence of controlled substances.  

A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of suspected carfentanil.

Suspect interviews indicated the carfentanil was destined for Douglas County, but intercepted before it could reach it's final destination.  Fuentes was arrested by DINT detectives.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid which is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. DINT has seen a substantial increase in fentanyl (and fentanyl analogues such as carfentanil) entering our community which has resulted in numerous overdoses and deaths. This seizure is the second large seizure of suspected carfentanil in Douglas County and is a concerning trend due to the potency of the drug.  

Information provided by the DEA and CDC provides that “carfentanil is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals. The lethal dose range for carfentanil in humans is unknown; however, carfentanil is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which can be lethal at the 2- milligram range, depending on route of administration and other factors.”  

To demonstrate the potency and dangers of this drug, we can use fentanyl as an example:

One kilogram of fentanyl = 1,000 grams or 1,000,000 milligrams.  Based on the information provided by the DEA and CDC in regard to a lethal dose of fentanyl (2 milligrams), this amount could be in excess of 500,000 lethal doses (1,000,000 milligrams divided by 2 milligrams).   To reiterate, in this case DINT seized a kilogram carfentanil, which is considered 100 times more powerful than the example given.  

These statistics are clearly shocking and nearly unimaginable, but please consider this is “lethal dosage amounts” not amounts which users may ingest during average use. Most users will obviously use less than a lethal dose each time they use.  However, when dealing with such small amounts of such a powerful drug, it easy to see how mistakes can be made.  This is also why it is important for people to abstain from drug use altogether, and to teach our youth the dangers of ingesting any unknown substances.  

Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues have now become the #1 hard drug seized by DINT.  This is the first time since DINT was formed in 1989 that methamphetamine has been surpassed in total seizures, by any other hard drug.

DINT is an interagency narcotics team comprised of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, Oregon State Police, Bureau of Land Management, and Douglas County District Attorney’s Office. DINT has received funding support from the Douglas County Commissioners, the HIDTA initiative, and the Criminal Justice Commission.  

Landon was located and safely returned home. GPPD would like to thank all those who helped find Landon.  

North Middle School student Landon Pene was last seen at school just before the end of the school day. Landon told a friend he was going to go into the surrounding hills and hide instead of returning home. Landon has a history of frequenting the hillside area near NW Starlite Place. Landon is 11 years old and was last seen wearing a navy-blue hoodie sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black and white shoes. Landon is a white male juvenile with brown hair and hazel eyes. Landon is 5'02" tall and weighs approximately 110 lbs. If you have seen Landon or know where he is, don't hesitate to contact Grants Pass Police at 541-450-6260.

Notice of Public Hearing

Illinois Valley Fire District will be rescinding Ordinance 13-02  Fire Code Adoption.

This will change the current Illinois Valley Fire District’s fire code adoption procedures to align with the rules and regulations of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s fire code adoption procedures.

Meeting will be at Illinois Valley Fire District

681 Caves Hwy., Cave Junction OR 97523

6/12/2023 at 4:00 p.m.

WHITE CITY, Ore. – A fire that started in White City in the area of Avenue E and Wilson Way is under control with firefighters mopping up. Fire District 3 and ODF Southwest Oregon District Firefighters are making significant progress and all LEVEL 3 evacuations have been lifted. When the fire started, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies went door to door to notify residents, but there is no further need for evacuations at this time.

Please avoid the area at this time due to the large amount of firefighting apparatus in the vicinity.

More information to follow.

JCSO Case 22-1879

GRANTS PASS, Ore. – A Grants Pass man is now in the Josephine County Jail on federal child sex crime charges. Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) began an investigation after receiving a report from the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department in Wisconsin of a child being sexually exploited through Facebook. Through further investigations, SOCET discovered additional child victims in Oregon, Wisconsin, and Louisiana. SOCET worked with Wisconsin Rapids Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to identify the out-of-state victims, and the United States Attorney’s Office to build the federal case.  

The suspect, Brandon Cody Gale, 28, of Grants Pass, has been charged with one count of sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of children as well as one count of coercion and enticement of a minor. Gale was transferred to the Josephine County Jail on June 1^st from the Power River Correctional Facility in Baker City, Oregon where he was serving time on state charges for an unrelated incident. 

Gale found his victims by posing as a teenage boy on various social media sites, including Facebook and Snapchat. He then would coerce his underage victims into performing sexual acts. He stole a teenage male’s online photo (shown here) to interact with his victims. It should be noted, the teenage male in the photographs is a victim of identity theft and volunteered to release his images in the hopes it will help identify any other potential victims. Gale used the online account names of John Gunther, Marley Nukka, Antioch Baby, and Tony Montana. Investigators are looking for other potential victims. If you have any information, call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number 22-1879.

SOCET enables local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with federal partners such as HSI, to effectively investigate and prosecute out-of-state suspects when they victimize children in our community. SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO, Grants Pass Police Department, and HSI; as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County.

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MISSING PERSON

CASE: 23-14241

NAME: Berna Leahy

SEX: Female

AGE: 80

HEIGHT: 5'8"

WEIGHT: 165

HAIR: White

EYES: Hazel

INFORMATION: Berna was last seen on June 6, 2023 around 3:30pm in the 800 block of Shan Creek, Josephine County.  She was wearing blue pants, blue striped shirt, grey sneakers and black socks.  She was on foot and her direction of travel is unknow.  

Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office with any information.  Please reference case 23-14241.

OFFICE #: 541-474-5123

INCIDENT DATE: June 6, 2023

REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)

CITED: Lalani Allan, 53 years-old

             Tina Young, 56 years-old

CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana

                   2- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

                   3- Unlawful Appropriation of Water

                   4- Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine                   

DETAILS:

On June 6, 2023, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) with the assistance of Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety, executed a search warrant in the 1000 block of Laurel Road, Cave Junction regarding an illegal marijuana grow site.

During the execution of the warrant, more than 760 marijuana plants and 50 pounds of processed marijuana were seized and destroyed.

The property also had multiple electrical, water, and solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the criminal forfeiture of the property. 

Lalani Allen was cited for Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, and Unlawful Appropriation of Water. Tina Young was cited for Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine.

At the time of this press release, the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.

INCIDENT: Drowning Incident 

LOCATION: Indian Mary Park

CASE NUMBER: 2023-11725

INCIDENT DATE AND TIME: May 12^th, 2023, 4:53 PM

REPORTING DEPUTY: Lieutenant Jim Geiger 

UPDATE: On Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 12:41 PM, a deceased subject was located in the Rogue River near the Argo Recreation Site.  The decedent was positively identified as Lynn Boyum. Boyum was reported missing after being swept down river from Indian Mary Park on May 12^th, 2023.    

ORIGINAL INCIDENT: 

On Friday, May 12^th, 2023 at approximately 4:53 PM, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office was notified of two adult subjects in distress near the boat ramp at Indian Mary Park. 

Information provided to 911 indicated bystanders pulled an adult male from the Rogue River and CPR was in progress.  The second subject, an adult female, was last seen floating down river from the boat ramp. 

The Sheriff’s Office, as well as Rural Metro Fire Department, responded and began searching the area for the female subject.  Searchers walked the riverbanks and additional personnel searched the water with the Sheriff’s Office marine boat.   

Witnesses at the scene stated the male and female were down at the river with their dog which swam to the other side of the river and would not swim back.  The female entered the water to retrieve the dog and became overwhelmed by the swift current.  The male threw a rope to the female without success. He then entered the water himself to rescue the female and also became overwhelmed by the current and went under the water.  Bystanders at the scene were able to pull the male from the river and start CPR. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died. 

Search efforts were called off around 8:30 PM and resumed the next day at 8:00 AM with assistance from the Josephine County Search and Rescue Team, AMR and Rural Metro Fire Department.  Again, the search effort was called off after multiple hours of searching.

The female is still missing at the time of this release and next of kin have been notified. Further details will be provided as they become available. 

On Monday, June 5, 2023, at approximately 6:42 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 284, in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Volkswagen Jetta, operated by Tomas Iglesias Olivas (59) of Coos Bay was travelling northbound when it veered across the center line and collided at an angle with a blue Chevrolet Equinox, operated by Jennifer Dawn Jordan (43) of Langlois, which was travelling southbound. Roadway evidence indicated the Jetta was negotiating a curve and attempted to correct its path of travel which caused it to veer into the oncoming lane. 

The operator of the Jetta (Olivas) was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The operator (Jordan) and passenger, Ethan Blaine Dickenson (18) of Langlois, of the blue Equinox were transported by Bay Cities Ambulance to Bay Area Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. 

OSP was assisted by the Coos County Medical Examiner, Coos County Sheriff's Office, Coos Bay Police Department, Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains, Sixes River Fire and Rescue, Bandon Fire, and ODOT.

On Monday, June 5, 2023, at approximately 3:30 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 33, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Tesla Model S, operated by Shawn Douglas Kroll (29) of Oakley (CA), was traveling northbound on I-5, near milepost 33, when for an unknown reason the vehicle drifted off of the roadway and onto the shoulder. The vehicle drove through a fence, struck a tree, and caught fire. 

The operator (Kroll) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The roadway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Central Point Police Department, Fire District 3, and ODOT.

On Monday, May 29, 2023, at 10:24 PM, a shooting was reported on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 124, in Douglas County.  Oregon State Police detectives developed a suspect in the case: Ryan Lucas MacArt (33), of Winston, OR. 

On Friday, June 2, 2023, with assistance from OSP SWAT, detectives arrested MacArt for Attempted Assault 1, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Menacing. MacArt was lodged at the Douglas County Jail. 

At the time of the shooting, MacArt was an occupant in a white, 2004 Honda Pilot bearing Oregon license plate 239NRX.  This vehicle was also involved in ramming the victim’s vehicle and will have driver’s side damage.  The Honda Pilot has not been located by investigators and assistance from the public is being requested in order to locate the vehicle. 

Anyone with information about the Honda Pilot’s whereabouts is requested to contact the Oregon State Police at OSP and reference Case # SP23-159247. Image below not actual vehicle but for reference only.

Investigators are unable to release further information at this time.

On Friday, June 2, 2023, at approximately 8:53 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 126, near milepost 13, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Toyota pickup, operated by Frederick Albert Dawson (40) of Eugene, was traveling eastbound on 126E, near milepost 13, when the operator attempted to make a left turn into a campground. A black Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Sean Michael Lenninger (46) of Coquille, was traveling eastbound behind the white Toyota and attempted to pass the pickup on the left. The motorcycle clipped the front driver side of the pickup and left the roadway.  

The motorcycle operator was declared deceased at the scene by medical personnel.  

The operator of the Toyota was transported by medics to the University District Hospital in Eugene with minor injuries. 

The highway was impacted for approximately 1 hour during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by McKenzie Fire and ODOT.

On Thursday, June 1, 2023, at approximately 11:45 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 199, near milepost 5.5, in Josephine County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Ford Fusion, operated by Courtney L. Parsons (26) of Rogue River, was southbound in the fast lane. A white GMC Sierra, operated by Ervin Besler (87) of Grants Pass, failed to properly clear traffic while turning left from Robinson Rd onto northbound Hwy 199. The Fusion impacted the driver side of the GMC in a T-bone collision. 

The operator of the GMC (Besler) was declared deceased on scene. 

The operator of the Ford (Parsons) was transported by AMR to the hospital.  Two passengers in the Ford, John D. McCollum (25) of Myrtle Point and Matthew J. Balise (19) of West Springfield (MA), were also transported by AMR to the hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by AMR, Rural Metro Fire, and ODOT.

At 2:49 p.m. on June 4, 2023, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a reported residential structure fire at 1912 SE Kane Street.  Douglas County Dispatch received a report of residential home on fire with smoke and flames visible at the front of the residence.  The reporting party stated all residents and animals had evacuated the residential structure.   

Firefighters arrived on scene to find smoke and flames coming from the left, front corner of the home in an open porch area of the residence.  Firefighters also found the fire had spread to a nearby vehicle that was located in the driveway of the residence.

Firefighters quickly extinguished both the vehicle and structure fire.  They also completed a primary and secondary search as well as overhaul.  Both the primary occupants of the home and their animals were able to evacuate the home. One vehicle suffered both fire and water damage.  The primary home sustained extensive structural and water damage.  Two adults, one dog, and two ferrets were displaced due to the fire; however, none of the adults or animals were injured in the fire. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.  Sixteen firefighters assisted with firefighting operations.  Other agencies assisting with the fire included Douglas County Fire District #2, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Pacific Power, Avista Utilities, Roseburg Police Department, and the American Red Cross.

The Roseburg Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the importance of working smoke alarms and ensuring you have the appropriate number of smoke alarms installed in the home.  Remember to make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and in every bedroom.  The Roseburg Fire Department recommends encourages homeowners to consider a home fire sprinkler system for increased protection.

For the latest information regarding the City of Roseburg Fire Department, please visit our website at www.cityofroseburg.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roseburgfire.

MEDFORD, Ore.—On June 2, 2023, a federal jury in Medford found a southern Oregon man guilty of multiple crimes resulting from his boobytrapping of a home that injured an FBI bomb technician.

Gregory Lee Rodvelt, 71, a former resident of Williams, Oregon, was found guilty of assaulting a federal officer and using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

According to court documents, on September 7, 2018, bomb technicians from Oregon State Police (OSP) and the FBI went to a property in Williams formerly owned by Rodvelt that he had lost in lawsuit. After Rodvelt learned that a receiver had been appointed to sell the property, he proceeded to boobytrap it.

When the bomb technicians arrived at the property, they observed a minivan blocking the gate. The technicians found steel animal traps affixed to a gate post and under the hood of the minivan. They also located homemade spike strips, which the receiver had previously run over. As the technician neared the residence, they observed a hot tub that had been placed on its side and rigged in a manner that when a gate was opened it would activate a mechanical trigger causing the spa to roll toward the person who had opened the gate. 

The technicians further observed that the windows of the residence had been barred from the inside and there were security doors at the front and rear of the residence. The front door also had what appeared to be bullet holes from shots fired inside. In the garage, they found a rat trap modified to accept a shotgun shell. Though the trap was unloaded, it was connected to the main garage door so it would be tripped when the door was opened.

The technicians and two other law enforcement officers gathered near the front of the residence and used an explosive charge to breach the front door. The group carefully entered the residence, looking for traps, and found a wheelchair in the center of the front entryway. When the wheelchair was bumped, it triggered a homemade shotgun device that discharged a .410 shotgun shell that struck the FBI bomb technician below the knee. The group administered first aid to the wounded technician and transported him to a local hospital.

Assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence is punishable by up to life in federal prison.

Rodvelt will be sentenced at a later date by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from OSP and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper and Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

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SALEM, Ore. — June 5, 2023 — Warmer weather has arrived, and Oregonians are eager to hike, camp, boat, climb and explore. In recognition of Search and Rescue Month, several state agencies are sharing best practices on how to keep outdoor adventures safe for people and Oregon’s scenic landscape.

“Oregon is one of the best places in the world for outdoor adventure, and we want everyone to get outside and discover all the state has to offer,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “And please be safe when you’re out there. We encourage everyone to be prepared for their next adventure so they can stay safe and minimize their impact on the communities they visit.”

On average, more than 1,000 Search and Rescue (SAR) missions are conducted each year in Oregon, and over the last decade, 99% of people needing SAR assistance lived outside the county where they were rescued. Lack of preparedness was often the common denominator. 

“Our SAR teams rescue many folks who are often inexperienced, overconfident and unprepared for the reality of the situation,” said State SAR Coordinator Scott Lucas. “We find people who set out for a hike wearing flip-flops and shorts and carrying no water. They might take an unmarked trail, get disoriented or take a fall, and they could be lost for days.”

Whether traveling for a few hours or a week, people should know their physical limits and plan for activities that won’t exceed their experience. Before heading out, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management recommends the following best practices:

• Look up the destination and get familiar with the area.
• Check weather conditions.
• Download maps to a cell phone or print them in case there is no cell service.
• Check Tripcheck.com or call 511 for road conditions.
• Check the Oregon Department of Forestry’s posted public fire restrictions.
• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on cell phones.
• Bring clothing layers and footwear appropriate for the weather and terrain.
• Pack the proper equipment and extra food, water and supplies.
• Have an emergency kit and cell phone charger in the vehicle.
• Travel with a companion.
• Share travel plans with someone, including the destination and estimated return.

Sunshine and warmer weather lead many people to the water. Anyone near the water should always wear a life jacket. Check the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB)’s map of life jacket loaner stations to borrow for the day if you don’t have your own. OSMB advocates preparation and planning through its website, which lets people check water levels, obstructions, tide information, local regulations and boating access before they head out. 

“Playing in and around the water is a lot of fun but it comes with risks,” said OSMB Public Information Officer Ashley Massey. “Most incidents and fatalities are caused by falling overboard or capsizing into cold water without a life jacket or the necessary skills for self-rescue. People need to always scout ahead, mind the tide, decide on the safest route and expect the unexpected.”

OSMB also recommends people recreate with others so they can provide aid more quickly if the unexpected happens. In 2022, there were 16 recreational boating fatalities where 10 victims were not wearing life jackets; seven were paddlers operating alone.

The Oregon State Park system is one of the most popular in the U.S. with more than 52 million day-use visits per year, so it’s no surprise it sees an uptick in visitors throughout the summer months. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) recommends that visitors be aware of campfire restrictions in the summer months and use best practices to keep campfires safe and enjoyable. The agency also encourages anyone visiting the outdoors to get to know and follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace. 

“Leave No Trace is a set of actions that can minimize impacts on plants, animals, other people and entire ecosystems,” said OPRD Incident Response Coordinator Jamen Lee. “These seven guidelines boil down to protecting the resources, the things that call the parks home, and all the other people that hope to come and recreate behind you and have that same sense of discovery and excitement. To help a Search and Rescue team provide you with a safe and timely response when you need it most, it's very important that visitors stay on designated trails and pay close attention to park signs and protective barriers when visiting natural areas like the ocean shores or trails."

Oregon’s SAR program supports the broad spectrum of search and rescue operations throughout the state, including coordinating state and federal agencies involved in search and rescue activities and providing on-scene search and rescue efforts when requested. There is no charge for SAR calls. In case of emergencies, dial 9-1-1; most Oregon counties also accept texts to 9-1-1.

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Photo Captions:
Oregon Department of Emergency Management logo. (Courtesy Oregon Emergency Management)
An injured climber on Mt. Washington in Linn County awaits extraction by an Oregon Army National Guard helicopter. (Courtesy Oregon Emergency Management)
Deschutes County Sheriff Search and Rescue assist an injured hiker at Green Lake. (Courtesy Deschutes County Sheriff Search and Rescue)
Deschutes County Sheriff Search and Rescue exercise to extract an injured hiker. (Courtesy Deschutes County Sheriff Search and Rescue)
Marine officers and first responders practice lifesaving skills in Clackamas County during Oregon State Marine Board’s swift water rescue training. (Courtesy Oregon State Marine Board)
Union County Sheriff Search and Rescue prepare an injured patient for helicopter evacuation. (Courtesy Union County Sheriff Search and Rescue)

(Salem, OR) — Oregon’s draft 2023-2026 State Plan on Aging  ̶  which shapes how older adults, people with disabilities, their families and other unpaid care providers are served  ̶   is available for review. The public is asked to provide comments on the plan to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) by 5 p.m. Monday, June 26, 2023.

The plan is developed by the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) and is required under the Older Americans Act of 1965. The plan is a contract with the Administration on Aging, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living and allows Oregon to receive funds under the Older Americans Act. 

Oregon’s draft State Plan on Aging for 2023-2026 has five focus areas:

• Older Americans Act core programs
• COVID-19 recovery
• Service equity
• Expanding access to Home and Community Based Services 
• Caregiving.

Public input will be used as APD finalizes its proposed State Plan on Aging, which it submits to the federal Administration for Community Living. To review the draft State Plan and a summary of the plan, visit the State Unit on Aging webpage. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 26, 2023, at 11 a.m. Information about the public hearing is posted to the State Unit on Aging webpage.

To submit comments on the draft State Plan on Aging:

• Email public comments to: SUA.email@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Mail written comments to: ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities, Attn: Debbie McCuin, 500 Summer St., NE, E-12, Salem, OR 97301

About the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities: 

APD’s vision is to ensure Oregon’s older adults, people with disabilities and their families experience person-centered services, supports and early interventions that are innovative and help maintain independence, promote safety, wellbeing, honor choice, respect cultural preferences and uphold dignity.

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(Salem, OR) — The 60^th anniversary of Older Americans Month brings an opportunity all year to renew our commitment to being active participants in dismantling stereotypes about aging. 

As Gov. Tina Kotek’s proclamation of Older Americans Month says, “Oregon can work to build even better communities for our older residents by: expanding our thinking about aging, combating ageism, valuing age as an asset and emphasizing the many positive aspects of aging, inspiring older adults to push past traditional boundaries and embracing the diversity within our aging population.” Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) works to remove barriers so that older adults can access the supports they need to live their best lives – in the communities they choose and at every stage of life. 

“Discrimination of any kind is not acceptable, this includes ageism. We strive to ensure independence and choice for older adults in Oregon through services and supports that promote individual well-being and aging with dignity,” said Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, director of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). 

By the year 2034, Oregonians who are 65 and older will outnumber children under 18. Oregon is looking ahead to make Oregon an age-friendly state in which people of all ages are included, engaged in services and can thrive. APD’s programs honor an individual’s choice in addressing needs such as food insecurity through meal programs, financial instability through disability determination, crisis funds and employment programs, and provision of programs that offer people options to determine where they want to live and receive services and supports. 

Oregonians can learn about programs and resources available in their communities by reaching the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). The ADRC of Oregon provides information and referral services as well as options counseling to help older adults and people with disabilities find long-term care supports that meet their needs. ADRC information and referral and options counseling services are free for everyone, regardless of age or income. The ADRC website features a searchable database of more than 5,000 statewide resources for things like medical care, meal sites and employment needs. The ADRC can be reached by phone at 1-855-ORE-ADRC (673-2372). To find resources on the ADRC website, visit: www.adrcoforegon.org. 

APD provides Oregon’s older adults with choices through a wide variety of programs such as: 

• Oregon Project Independence (OPI), which helps people remain in their own homes by providing in-home services. In 2022, OPI helped 1,850 people to stay in their own homes.
• Financial eligibility determination services that helped 180,000 older adults access Medicaid, Medicare premium, general assistance and SNAP benefits in 2022.
• Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports helps eligible individuals receive services in their own home, in a licensed community setting or a nursing facility. All services are person centered and help the individual meet their goals. In the two-year period ending June 2021, 56,268 individuals received support. 
• Meal programs, through the Older Americans Act, provide home-delivered meals and fund congregate meal sites to support physical health and access to nutritious meals. In 2022, more than 1.2 million home-delivered meals were provided, and 310,568 meals were served at congregate meal sites to 20,614 older adults in Oregon.
• Adult Protective Services (APS) works in the community and in licensed care facilities to keep older adults safe from abuse. In 2021, APS assisted 13,554 alleged victims of abuse.

About the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities: 

APD’s vision is to ensure Oregon’s older adults, people with disabilities and their families experience person-centered services, supports and early interventions that are innovative and help maintain independence, promote safety, wellbeing, honor choice, respect cultural preferences and uphold dignity.

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SALEM – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to be wary of an unexpected text or direct message from a stranger – it might be the first step in a “pig butchering” scam. The term pig butchering comes from the practice of fattening a pig before slaughter. These scams often involve fraudsters contacting targets seemingly at random, using social media or common communication apps. 

The scammer gains the victim’s trust, often by starting a romantic relationship or a simple friendship. The scammer then starts to convince the victim to invest in phony investments, including fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, before falsely claiming the initial investment grew significantly. The scammer then asks for more and more money, and demand multiple types of fees if a victim requests to withdraw the funds. Even when the victim pays the withdrawal fees, the fraudster does not refund the victim’s money, but rather disappears with the funds without any further communication.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), there are several warning signs to be aware of involving these types of scams:

• Unexpected contact: Never respond to unsolicited messages from unknown contacts, even about seemingly benign topics, especially via text message and on encrypted messaging applications.
• Refusal to participate in video chats: If someone you consistently have been messaging with declines to interact face to face, they likely are not the person from the profile photo.
• Request for financial information: Don’t share any personal financial information with anyone you have never met in person. If a new virtual friend or romantic connection starts making financial inquiries, put the brakes on the relationship.
• Invitation to invest in specific financial products: Be wary of any unsolicited investment advice or tips, particularly from someone you have spoken to only online and even if they suggest you trade through your own account. Always question what a source has to gain from sharing tips with you and whether the transaction fits with your financial goals and investment strategy.
• Unknown or confusing investment opportunity: Carefully evaluate the product, as well as the person or company requesting your investment. Along with a basic search, try adding words such as “scam” or “fraud” to see what results come up. Consider running recommendations by a third party or an investment professional who has no stake in the investment and use FINRA BrokerCheck to see if the promoter is a registered investment professional.
• Unfamiliar trading platforms: Do extensive research before moving any money, particularly in an emerging market such as cryptocurrency, which has hundreds of exchanges and new avenues for trading continuing to evolve. Who controls the platform? What security measures are in place? How can you withdraw funds if needed? If you don’t know the answers to those questions, don’t put your assets there.
• Exaggerated claims and elevated emotions: Take a closer look at any investment that offers much higher than average returns or is touted as “guaranteed.” Fraudsters will also often use their knowledge about you to appeal to your emotions – something like, “Don’t you want to have money to send your kids to college?”
• Sense of urgency about an upcoming news announcement or share price increase: Remember that insider trading is illegal, and you should never trade in shares of a company on the basis of material, nonpublic information.

“Romance scams and crypto scams continue to be the source of significant losses for consumers,” said DFR Administrator T.K. Keen. “Consumers who receive contacts out of the blue through messaging apps on their phone or other means should be especially suspicious of those trying to entice them into cryptocurrency investments.”

Although the division has not received any complaints specific to pig butchering schemes, it knows that this activity is occurring based upon conversations with federal and nearby state law enforcement authorities. Several states and federal authorities have issued warnings on this sort of fraud. In 2022, investment fraud caused the highest losses of any scam reported by the public to the FBI’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center (IC3), totaling $3.31 billion. Frauds involving cryptocurrency, including pig butchering, represented most of these scams, increasing 183 percent from 2021 to $2.57 billion in reported losses last year. The division accepts consumer complaints and will forward to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Consumers can also make a complaint to the FBI’s IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov/.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and  www.dcbs.oregon.gov.​​

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Grover D. Cockrum, died the morning of June 6, 2023. Cockrum was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Cockrum entered DOC custody on December 12, 2017, from Deschutes County with an earliest release date of June 19, 2029. Cockrum was 69 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

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

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

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Amanda Stott-Smith, died the morning of June 4, 2023. Stott-Smith was incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Stott-Smith entered DOC custody on April 23, 2010, from Multnomah County serving a life sentence. Stott-Smith was 45 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

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

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility is a multi-custody prison located in Wilsonville accommodating 1,260 adults in custody. The prison has cell and dormitory housing, work programs, skills training, treatment programs, health services, religious services, physical plant, a central records unit, and administrative areas. CCCF participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises, including a contact center, auto CAD, and document scanning. In addition, CCCF houses the state’s intake center (CCIC), which provides intake and evaluation of all individuals committed to state custody by the courts. The intake center houses approximately 400 adults in custody. CCCF’s minimum facility opened in 2001, and the medium facility opened in 2002.

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SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually on Friday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Forest Resources Division update
• Tax discussion
• Annual report discussion 
• Global Warming Commission update
• Board of Forestry update 
• Committee member recruitments

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. 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 24 hours before the meeting by emailing estlands@odf.oregon.gov">committee.of.family.forestlands@odf.oregon.gov.

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

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announced the approval of $5 million to fund five homeownership development grants for federally recognized Tribes to further homeownership opportunities for Tribal members. This is the first time OHCS has had funding specifically set aside for Tribal homeownership development.  

Prior to the start of the application process for these grants, OHCS met with Tribal representatives to understand their community’s homeownership needs. Based on feedback from the Tribes, two types of funding awards were created: One to fund homeownership development projects that increase the supply of affordable homes for purchase and the other for non-construction projects that lead to increased homeownership opportunities.  

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week at the Nixyáawii Neighborhood in the Umatilla Indian Reservation near Pendleton, OHCS Director Andrea Bell said she looks forward to continuing to partner to ensure that more Tribal members can own homes in their communities.  

“OHCS is moving beyond words to take intentional steps toward honoring self-determination in directing resources and additional capacity to our Tribal partners across the state,” said Director Bell. “It is our responsibility and honor to continue to build these relationships and find ways to improve pathways to housing and homeownership for Tribal members. Thank you to the Tribal leaders and members for your ongoing advocacy, presence and contributions.” 

Three applicants will receive a total of $474,715 to support 20 Tribal households either to purchase a home or make necessary repairs to maintain their home.   

The rest of the funding will go toward two homeownership development projects that will lead to the creation of 27 new homes for purchase on land on the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde Community of Oregon and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation development, called the Nixyaawii Transformative Homeownership Project, will use the $3 million in awarded funds to build 21 new affordable homes with two or three bedrooms for parcel leaseholders on the Nixyáawii Subdivision, a fully developed tract of 42 parcels that is shovel-ready.  

“The state of Oregon is definitely showing their support to the Umatilla Reservation community with the $3 million for homeownership development and the $300,000 for down payment assistance awarded just a few months ago,” said Dave Tovey, executive director at Nixyáawii Community Financial Services. “Tribal members have the opportunity to not just own a home but to be a homeowner on the reservation, a dream that has been unattainable for most. The vast majority of Tribal members I’ve worked with want to live on the reservation, in their community, but have to settle for off-reservation after realizing limited or non-existence of affordable homes to purchase on the Umatilla Reservation. 

“It’s exciting to see all of this come together with the Nixyaawii Neighborhood ready for homes to be built, receiving the development grant so we can start building homes to sell and the additional down payment funds to help reduce the expense of purchasing a new home.”     

A full list of Tribal homeownership development projects approved for funding can be found on the OHCS website.  

During the week of June 12 through 16, Marine Law Enforcement officers from around the state will be learning and perfecting their drift boating skills on the Rogue River. Students will learn to swim in whitewater, study hydrodynamics, practice rescue techniques, navigate up to Class III whitewater, and operate in remote environments using drift boats, rafts, and catarafts.

“Navigating whitewater is a perishable skill and it requires constant training and practice so law enforcement can respond to emergencies quickly and confidently,” says Eddie Persichetti, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Oregon State Marine Board. “Each day the students drift different sections of the Rogue River. As the week progresses, instructors build on the skills from the day before and then move on to more advanced skills with more difficult rapids throughout the week.” 

Persichetti adds, “The key component to this training is the attention on reading white water. It’s incredibly important to see the whole run ahead vs. the next ten feet in front of the boat. This year, rivers statewide are exceptionally swift, high, and cold. Students will first learn self-rescue techniques in the water and then dewatering drills, all while improving their drift boat skills throughout the course.” 

The training and experience the officers gain during drift boat school provides a strong foundation for when they return to their local waterways for patrol. “The goal is to develop the skillsets and confidence in officers because safety of everyone recreating on the water is our top priority,” Persichetti explains. “Oregon’s waterways are becoming more crowded. For those recreating on Oregon’s waterways, a simple task such as wearing a life jacket can mean the difference between a tragedy and going home that day. Please be safe, vigilant and wear it!” 

Recreational boaters can expect to see law enforcement officers drifting on the Upper and Middle Rogue from Lost Creek Reservoir to Argo Canyon from June 12^th through June 16^th. 

For more information about boating laws and regulations, visit Boat.Oregon.gov.

During the week of June 12 through 16, Marine Law Enforcement officers from around the state will be learning and perfecting their drift boating skills on the Rogue River. Students will learn to swim in whitewater, study hydrodynamics, practice rescue techniques, navigate up to Class III whitewater, and operate in remote environments using drift boats, rafts, and catarafts.

“Navigating whitewater is a perishable skill and it requires constant training and practice so law enforcement can respond to emergencies quickly and confidently,” says Eddie Persichetti, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Oregon State Marine Board. “Each day the students drift different sections of the Rogue River. As the week progresses, instructors build on the skills from the day before and then move on to more advanced skills with more difficult rapids throughout the week.” 

Persichetti adds, “The key component to this training is the attention on reading white water. It’s incredibly important to see the whole run ahead vs. the next ten feet in front of the boat. This year, rivers statewide are exceptionally swift, high, and cold. Students will first learn self-rescue techniques in the water and then dewatering drills, all while improving their drift boat skills throughout the course.” 

The training and experience the officers gain during drift boat school provides a strong foundation for when they return to their local waterways for patrol. “The goal is to develop the skill sets and confidence in officers because safety of everyone recreating on the water is our top priority,” Persichetti explains. “Oregon’s waterways are becoming more crowded. For those recreating on Oregon’s waterways, a simple task such as wearing a life jacket can mean the difference between a tragedy and going home that day. Please be safe, vigilant and wear it!” 

Recreational boaters can expect to see law enforcement officers drifting on the Upper and Middle Rogue from Lost Creek Reservoir to Argo Canyon from June 12^th through June 16^th. 

For more information about boating laws and regulations, visit Boat.Oregon.gov.

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Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) has awarded $62,360 in grants to 14 historic cemetery projects throughout the state through the Historic Cemeteries Grant program. The funds will help support preservation efforts, tree care and access. Individual award amounts ranged from $1,800 - $8,000.

Funded projects:

• Marker base repair at the Bonanza Memorial Park in Klamath County. 
• Clean up and tree trimming at the Burch Family Cemetery in Polk County. 
• Monument repair at the Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery in Coos Bay.
• Rail installation and weed removal at the McFarland Cemetery in Cottage Grove.
• Marker repair at the Dallas Cemetery in Polk County.
• Remove dead trees at the Gilmore Cemetery in Douglas County.
• Clean, reset and repair headstones at the Hubbard Cemetery in Marion County.
• Repair monuments at the Laurel Grove Cemetery in Lane County.
• Repair the access road at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Josephine County.
• Repair markers at the Providence Cemetery in Linn County.
• Monument repair at Riverside Cemetery in Albany.
• Repair markers at the Sand Ridge Cemetery in Linn County. 
• Repair the fence, gate and some headstones at the Haystack Cemetery in Wheeler County.
• Repair monuments in the Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery in Yamhill County. 

Historic cemeteries are documented by OCHC and must include the burial of at least one person who died 75 years before the current date. 

The historic cemetery grant program is offered annually by the OCHC, part of the Oregon Heritage Program at Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). The grant program is supported by lottery and other funds. 

OCHC maintains a list of all pioneer and historic cemeteries in the state. The seven-member appointed commission helps people and organizations document, preserve and promote designated historic cemeteries statewide.

For more information about the grant program or the OCHC, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685. 

The Oregon Heritage Commission has awarded $77,582 in grants to 12 museums throughout the state as part of the Oregon Museum Grant program. The grants will help fund a variety of projects including collection preservation, interpretation, and heritage tourism. Award amounts ranged from $3,315 - $8,000.

Funded projects:

• Canby Historical Society, in Clackamas County, to convert and transcribe oral histories.
• Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, to enhance collections management. 
• Deschutes County Historical Society, in Bend, to convert tape audio files to digital.
• Elkton Community Education Center, in Douglas County, provide training to interpreters. 
• High Desert Museum, in Deschutes County, to provide reunions between cultural items in the collections and living descendants. 
• Japanese American Museum of Oregon, in Portland, to catalog and digitize the Hood River Incident collection.
• Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, in Joseph, to update and create traveling exhibits. 
• Milwaukie Historic Society, in Clackamas County, to install an interpretive panel about Ah Bing, developer of the Bing Cherry.
• Springfield Museum, in Lane County, to ultraviolet protective film on the museum windows. 
• Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration, Inc., in Baker County, to complete work on the new archives building.
• The Museum at Warm Springs, in Jefferson County, to complete an exhibit of its 30-year history.
• Woodville Museum, Inc., in Rogue River, to install a new HVAC system.

The museum grant program is offered annually by the Oregon Heritage Commission, part of the Oregon Heritage program at Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). The grant program began in 1965 when only 24 organizations were eligible for the program. The grant is funded OPRD lottery dollars. 

The Oregon Heritage Commission works to secure, sustain and enhance Oregon’s heritage. The Commission sponsors heritage initiatives that educate the public about the value of heritage and celebrate the state’s diversity.

The Oregon Heritage Commission consists of nine members appointed by the governor and nine agency advisors. Members are chosen from state agencies and statewide organizations, and represent a diverse geographical and heritage background. 

To learn more about the Oregon Museum Grant or the Oregon Heritage Commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685. 

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is hosting a virtual public comment hearing on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 6 p.m. PDT. The event provides customers of Avista an opportunity to comment via Zoom on the impacts of the utility’s proposed increase to natural gas rates. Customers may also submit comments in writing or by phone through June 22, 2023, to be included in staff’s opening testimony of this case.

Avista filed a request to increase rates by 7.4 percent on average over all 106,000 Oregon customers. This would impact customer rates differently depending on usage and customer type – residential, business, or industrial customers. For a residential customer in a single-family home using an average 47 therms per month, a current monthly bill is about $77.01. With Avista’s proposed increase, the average residential customer bill would increase to about $83.21 per month. For the average residential customer, this represents an increase of $6.20 a month, or an 8.06 percent increase.

Avista identifies additional capital investments, including investments to maintain and expand its natural gas distribution facilities, and the effect of high inflation levels on the company’s operational costs, including interest rates, labor, and materials as the reasons for the proposed increase. 

Avista’s general rate change request is undergoing a nearly year-long review and will be fully investigated on behalf of natural gas customers by the PUC, the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, the Alliance of Western Energy Consumers, Sierra Club and Climate Solutions. This public comment hearing is part of that investigation, which will conclude in December when the Commissioners rule on the request. New rates, if approved, are expected to go into effect January 1, 2024. Any rate change approved as part of this general rate change filing would be in addition to the annual adjustment made to customer rates for the actual price of natural gas for the year. The purchased gas adjustment, which can be an increase or a decrease in customer rates, would go into effect November 1, 2023.

Comment via Zoom or phone on June 7 

Interested individuals may participate in the virtual public comment hearing to provide verbal comments to the Commissioners and the Administrative Law Judge presiding over this case. 

          When: Wednesday, June 7, 2023, from 6-7 p.m. PDT 

          This meeting may go beyond the scheduled end time to allow more people to comment, so please log in before 7           p.m. PDT. 

          View the meeting agenda to access the Zoom link and phone-in details at https://bit.ly/439Je5x. 

Submit comments directly to the PUC by June 22, 2023

• email licComments@puc.oregon.gov">PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov
• Call 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 (all relay calls accepted)
• Mail comments to: Oregon Public Utility Commission, Attn: AHD – UG 461, PO Box 1088, Salem, OR 97308-1088

Comments received later are still appreciated but may not be addressed in Staff’s opening testimony in this case.

Stay Informed 

To stay informed throughout Avista’s proposed rate change process, individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents. Submit requests by email to ings@puc.oregon.gov">puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or by calling 503-378-6678. Please specify Docket No. UG 461 in the request.

# # # 

The 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.              

TUALATIN, OR - Oregon’s three higher education organizations, the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (The Alliance), the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA), and the Oregon Council of Presidents (OCOP), together with the Oregon Student Association (OSA), commend the Oregon Legislature’s Joint Ways and Means Committee for approving House Bill 5025, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) agency budget, which includes an additional $100 million to the Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG). This investment will increase the state’s primary need-based financial aid program budget to a total of $308.4 million, as well as fund the Oregon Tribal Student Grant on a continuing basis at $24.2 million. This substantial increase in funding will greatly enhance financial aid opportunities for eligible Oregon students pursuing higher education across the state.

Financial aid is a vital component in empowering students to achieve their higher education goals. It serves as a lifeline for countless individuals, breaking down the financial barriers that would otherwise impede their educational pursuits. The Oregon Opportunity Grant and the Oregon Tribal Student Grant play a critical role in opening doors of opportunity for Oregon students, providing them with the necessary resources to access and complete their college education.

Equally significant is the principle of allowing the money to follow the students. Recognizing the importance of individual choice and personalization in education, we advocate for students to have the autonomy to select the educational institution and environment that best aligns with their distinct needs, aspirations, and learning styles. Granting students the freedom to direct their financial aid empowers them to make informed decisions about their educational journey, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful college experience.

Investing in education is an investment in the future of Oregon. By expanding financial aid programs and advocating for the money to follow the students, we are creating a more inclusive and accessible higher education landscape. The $100 million increase to the Oregon Opportunity Grant and funding the Oregon Tribal Student Grant on a continuing basis marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts to remove barriers and create equal opportunities for all Oregon students, a testament to Oregon’s collective commitment to equity in education.

Together, these four organizations in Oregon’s higher education landscape have championed the cause of affordable and accessible education, ensuring that the voices of students are heard and valued. We thank the Governor and Legislature for their commitment to providing critical investments in Oregon’s post-secondary students.

The Urban League of Portland brings together career seekers and employers from all sectors for the 38 th
Annual Career Connections Job Fair on June 8, 2023. The fair will be held in person at the Crowne Plaza
Hotel located at 1441 NE Second Avenue Portland, OR 97232. No-cost registration is required for job
seekers. All are welcome regardless of experience, race, age or physical ability.
Hundreds of diverse career seekers will have the opportunity to talk with potential employers who will be
onsite to discuss their companies and current job vacancies. The Urban League partners with
participating employers that are as diverse as the career seekers who attend. A broad range of positions
and industries will return this year.

To help career seekers prepare for the fair, the Urban League is offering workshops to help prepare
resumes and practice interview skills. Employers can also learn more about recruiting top candidates.
President and CEO of Urban League of Portland Nkenge Harmon Johnson, Esq. says the 2023 38 th
Annual Career Connections Job Fair will provide attendees the chance to connect with many of our
region’s best employers. “Our job fair offers a great opportunity for Urban League program participants
and community members to gain living wage employment in a variety of attractive sectors.”
In addition to job opportunities, the Urban League Career Connections Job Fair will feature giveaways
throughout the day including chances for registered attendees to win an iPads and other terrific prizes to
support their career path. Employers from across Oregon and Southwest Washington are returning as
sponsors including Central City Concern, Legacy Health, Northwest Natural, OHSU, Portland Parks and
Recreation, Trillium, and We Are Better Together.
 
CEO and President of Urban League of Portland Nkenge Harmon Johnson, Esq. encourages everyone to
register and share their talents with employers. “This event is not only for the unemployed, but also for
those that are currently employed and looking for a change,” she says.
Both career seekers and hiring employers may register on the Urban League of Portland’s website at
www.ulpdx.org. Also find information about recruiter sponsorship packages. Employers and job seekers
often say that this is the best career fair in the region.

About the Urban League: President Nkenge [pronunciation: neh-KENG-eh] Harmon Johnson, Esq., is
the third longest serving leader of the Urban League of Portland, began her service in 2015. Under her
leadership, the Urban League was recognized as the highly coveted #1 Nonprofit Workplace by Oregon
Business magazine.
The organization’s impact has grown by ten times since the start of President Harmon Johnson’s tenure.
With a dedicated team of professionals, the Urban League helps African Americans and others to achieve
equality in education, employment, health, economic security, and quality of life across Oregon and
Southwest Washington.