UPDATED RELEASE NOVEMBER 29, 2023 11:45 AM

REDDING, CA. - A week after fleeing the scene of a homicide, a Riddle, Oregon man has been located and taken into custody in Redding, California. 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office in Oregon was notified that on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 10:15 a.m., the Shasta County Sheriff's Office with the assistance of the United States Marshal's Office took 19-year-old homicide suspect Gauge Douglas James Main of Riddle, Oregon into custody. Main was located at a residence in Redding California. Main had stolen a silver 2017 Honda Civic 4-door sedan following the homicide, which was recovered in Redding late last week. 

Main is suspected of killing 20-year-old Devonte Lovell Clark of Grants Pass and injuring another man. A felony warrant had been issued for his arrest for homicide. Sheriff John Hanlin had requested the assistance of the United States Marshal's Office Fugitive Apprehension Team in locating Main. 

Main has been booked into the Shasta County Jail. 

No further information is available for release at this time. 

ORIGINAL RELEASE

RIDDLE, Ore. - Detectives are renewing their request for information as to the whereabouts of a homicide suspect who killed A Grants Pass man last Monday.

Gauge Douglas James Main of Riddle is wanted in connection to the homicide of 20-year-old Devonte Lovell Clark of Grant Pass. A felony warrant has been issued for his arrest. Main was last known to be in the Northern California area following the homicide.

On Monday, November 20, 2023, shortly after 11:30 p.m., 9-1-1 dispatchers received information about a shooting which had taken place in the area of Main Street / E. Third Avenue in Riddle, Oregon.

Deputies arrived on scene to discover Clark had died at the scene. A second victim, 29-year-old Killian Mavity of Grants Pass, sustained a gunshot wound to the arm.

Main fled the scene of the homicide after stealing a silver 2017 Honda Civic 4-door sedan bearing Oregon license plate 276PAT, which has since been recovered in California.

Detectives say Main is to be considered armed and dangerous. Sheriff John Hanlin has officially enlisted the assistance of the United States Marshal's Fugitive Taskforce in apprehending Main. Anyone with information which may lead to Main's arrest is urged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4471 referencing case #23-4651.

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is investigating the homicide. The investigation is being led by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. The Major Crimes Team consists of investigators from the Sheriff's Office, Roseburg Police Department and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney's Office.

OAKLAND, Ore. - A Sutherlin woman died in a single vehicle traffic crash on Saturday.

On Saturday, November 25, 2023, shortly before 11:00 pm, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a report of an injury traffic crash in the 15000-block of Highway 99N near Oakland.

Upon arrival, deputies determined the driver of the 2012 Dodge Journey had been traveling south on Highway 99 before the vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a culvert. The driver was identified as 52-year-old Jennifer Ann Levy of Sutherlin. Despite lifesaving efforts, Levy, who was unrestrained in the vehicle, was declared deceased at the scene. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by the Sutherlin Police Department, Oakland Rural Fire District, Umpqua Valley Ambulance and Roseburg Towing.

In the evening hours of Tuesday, November 28th, detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) arrested 39 year old Timothy Hobbs, of Glide, on drugs and weapons charges.  

Detectives were conducting an investigation into Hobbs' activities and interrupted a suspected drug deal occurring in the parking lot of a business in the 2100 block of NE Diamond Lake Blvd in Roseburg.  With the help of officers from the Roseburg Police Department, Hobbs was detained after he drove into the parking lot.  

A search of Hobbs' revealed approximately 4.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine, as well as a spring assisted dagger, and a loaded .38 revolver, both concealed on his person.  As a prior convicted felon, Hobbs is prohibited from possessing the dagger, or the firearm.  

A search of Dobbs' vehicle revealed approximately 26.3 grams of suspected fentanyl, along with other drug paraphernalia.  

Hobbs was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

• Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine
• Unlawful Possession of Sch. II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)
• Unlawful Delivery/Manufacture of Sch. II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)
• Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm

JCSO Case 23-7459

PHOENIX, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force served a search warrant this morning at a residence in the 400 block of 5th Street in Phoenix. SOCET served the warrant after discovering numerous images of child exploitation were uploaded from the residence. Detectives are interviewing possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing.

SOCET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Medford Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, and Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF).

During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by SOHTCTF for further evidence of child exploitation. A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children started the investigation, which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence. There is no further information available for release.

###

Update, 12/03/23 at 6:00PM-

At this time, both victims in this case have died due to their injuries. One was pronounced deceased at the scene and the second passed away at the hospital.  Medford Police and assisting agency detectives continue to work this case in hopes to determine the circumstances surrounding the disturbance leading to the death of these two people. 

Detectives are following up on all available leads, including identifying and contacting individuals that were on scene at the time of the disturbance. 

 We can confirm that this case is not related to the shooting incident that occurred on Friday, December 1 at Buffalo Wild Wings.

There is no further information at this time and additional details will be released as they become available.

Original Release:

On Sunday, December 3rd at about 5:40 AM the Medford Police Department responded to the report of a disturbance with shots fired in the Charles Point apartment complex on Highgate Street in South Medford. Upon arrival officers located two individuals with gunshot wounds in the parking lot near an apartment. Both of these subjects were transported to a local hospital. At this time we can confirm that one of the victims is deceased, and the other is in very serious condition. Names or specifics of the victims will not be released at this time.

Medford Police Dept and other assisting agencies are currently on scene investigating this case and will release additional information as it becomes available. 

Update – 12/2/23 at 10:00 AM

Medford Police Department detectives have lodged 18-year-old Joseph Larry Lopez of Grants Pass on charges of Attempted Murder, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Assault in the First Degree. 

Police believe that a confrontation between two groups of people precipitated this shooting in front of Buffalo Wild Wings. The victim in this case remains in very serious condition at a local hospital. No further information is being released at this time.

Original Release- 

On Friday, December 1 at 11:25 p.m. a Medford Police Officer was near the parking lot of Buffalo Wild Wings (1700 Delta Waters Road) on routine patrol when multiple gunshots were heard coming from the front of the restaurant. 

The Officer found a victim lying on the ground next to the front door and immediately began providing medical aid. Several individuals were seen running to a vehicle and fleeing towards Highway 62. The suspect vehicle description and direction of travel were quickly broadcast to other officers. Responding officers located and stopped the vehicle on Highway 62 near Bullock Road.

The vehicle occupants, including the suspect, were detained and are currently being interviewed.  At the time of this update the victim is in critical condition and undergoing surgery.

This is an ongoing investigation and no further information will be released at this time. Updates, to include names and arrest specifics will be provided as they become available.

Umatilla County, Ore. 30 Nov. 2023 – OSP Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the waste of a Rocky Mountain Elk in Umatilla County.

On Oct. 4, 2023, troopers responded to a call of a Rocky Mountain bull elk that had been shot and left to waste on Hwy. 74, approximately four miles west of Hwy. 395. The investigation determined the bull was killed approximately 100 yards from the highway with a single gunshot wound to the head, then left to waste.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23318278.

REPORT WILDLIFE AND HABITAT LAW VIOLATORS 
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter, Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals. 

Preference Point Rewards:
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

CASH REWARDS

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) Cash Rewards
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish) 

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov  (Monitored M-F 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

# # #

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. 

Morrow County, Ore. 30 Nov. 2023 – OSP Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the waste of two Rocky Mountain Elk in Morrow County.

On Nov. 27, 2023, troopers responded to a call of two elk that had been left partially to waste in a dry creek bed near Lexington. Due to the recent cold weather, it is believed the elk may have been killed in the past week.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23376327.

REPORT WILDLIFE AND HABITAT LAW VIOLATORS 

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter, Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals. 

Preference Point Rewards:
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

CASH REWARDS

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) Cash Rewards
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish) 

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov  (Monitored M-F 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

# # #

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.

OSP troopers rescue abandoned dogs from U-Haul
25 dogs turned over to the Klamath County Animal Shelter

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. 30 Nov. 2023 – On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 23, 2023) Oregon State Police troopers responded to the Love’s Truck Stop in Klamath Falls for the report of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. A U-Haul truck had been abandoned in the parking lot for approximately two days. When the troopers arrived, they could hear barking from the back of the enclosed truck. 

An investigation revealed the U-Haul had been reported stolen and troopers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. Troopers found seven cages with 15 abandoned dogs including several puppies. The dogs had been severely neglected; however, all were found alive. The dogs had been abandoned in the back of the U-Haul since Monday, Nov. 20, 2023. 

Troopers contacted two suspects and were able to recover an additional 10 dogs. David Eugene McMillion (50) of Klamath Falls was arrested for Animal Abandonment, Criminal Mischief II, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, and Animal Neglect II. Lisa Annette Weeks (39) of Klamath Falls was charged with Animal Abandonment, Unauthorized Use of Vehicle, and Animal Neglect II. 

In all, 25 dogs were turned over the Klamath County Animal Shelter for evaluation and care. One puppy has tested positive for canine parvo. All dogs currently at the shelter have been quarantined and the shelter sanitized to help prevent further spread of the disease. Once medically cleared the dogs will be available for adoption and the animal shelter has already received dozens of adoption applications for the dogs.  

# # #

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.

OSP Fish & Wildlife seeks public assistance to identify poacher
Bull elk left to waste near Scappoose

SCAPPOOSE, Ore. 29 Nov. 2023 – The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify a person of interest related to a Roosevelt Bull Elk that was unlawfully taken and left to waste sometime between 5 p.m. on Nov. 28, 2023, and 7 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2023. The large bull elk was left to waste on Dutch Canyon Road near Scappoose with no effort to remove any meat. This bull was well known and considered to be part of the Miller Herd.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Sr. Trooper Scott Bernardi through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (mobile) or contact Sr. Trooper Bernardi at (503) 410-4165 or scott.bernardi@osp.oregon.gov. 

Photo 1: Bull elk alive on the afternoon of Nov. 28, 2023 
Photo 2: Deceased bull elk with its antlers removed on the morning of Nov. 29, 2023

…

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following big game mammals. 

Preference Point Rewards:
5 Points-Bighorn Sheep
5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points-Moose
5 Points-Wolf
4 Points-Elk
4 Points-Deer
4 Points-Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points-Bear
4 Points-Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash rewards: 

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) Cash Rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar or Wolf
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov  (Monitored M-F 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

# # #

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.

On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 5:02 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 168, in Morrow County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Kia Sorrento, operated by Samuel Burgus (33) of Umatilla, was slowed in traffic due to a detour related to another crash.  As the Kia slowed and prepared to merge into the slow lane, a Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Miron Kosovan (23) of Kennewick (WA), failed to slow for traffic and struck the rear end of the Kia in the fast lane.

A passenger in the Kia, Alexander James Pace (36) of Hermiston, was declared deceased at the scene.  

The operator of the Kia (Burgus) and a passenger, Oscar Sanchez (49), suffered minor injuries.  A fourth occupant of the Kia, Liobaldo Villa Campos (36) of Hermiston, suffered critical injuries.

The operator of the Dodge (Kosovan) was assessed for injury on-scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. The investigation is on-going. 

OSP was assisted by Boardman Fire, the Morrow County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.

On Monday, November 27, 2023, at 11:35 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 226, in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound BMW 540, operated by Andrew Chase Carlson (24) of North Bend, had a mechanical issue related to a tire when the operator lost control of the vehicle.  The BMW slid sideways into the oncoming lane and was struck on the passenger side by a southbound Kenworth dump truck, operated by Todd David Szarkowski (42) of Coquille. 

The operator of the BMW (Carlson) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Kenworth (Szarkowski) was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Hauser Fire and ODOT.

Correction: The location should read Elk St- not Oak St.

On Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 2:39 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Hwy 99, at the intersection with Oak St, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Hyundai Elantra, operated by Melissa Dolmage (38) of Medford, was stopped on Oak St, at the intersection with Hwy 99, when it turned left onto Hwy 99 southbound. The Hyundai entered the path of a northbound Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Kevin L. Norman (69) of Central Point, causing a side impact collision.

The operator of the Harley Davidson (Norman) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Hyundai (Dolmage) and passenger, a male infant, were not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 2.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The operator of the Hyundai was cooperating with investigators.

OSP was assisted by the Central Point Police Department, the Medford Police Department, and ODOT.

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing, located at the Portland Air National Guard Base, will welcome a new commander during a change of command ceremony here, December 2nd, at 3:00 p.m. 

Col. Michael B. Kosderka will succeed Col. Todd A. Hofford as the Wing Commander, overseeing nearly 1,400 personnel in executing their F-15 Eagle Aerospace Control Alert mission in defense of the Pacific Northwest, worldwide deployments supporting national objectives, and local state missions as directed by the governor. 

Colonel Kosderka has spent all 24 years of his military career in the Oregon Air National Guard. He has been deployed in support of Overseas Contingency Operations throughout the world, including Operation Noble Eagle. Colonel Kosderka received his bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Science in 1998 from Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon and a Master’s in Business Administration from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. 

In his previous assignment, Colonel Kosderka served as the Director of Staff for the Oregon Air National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters in Salem. He also served as the 142nd Maintenance Group Commander from September 2020 through December 2021 in Portland. Col. Kosderka is rated as a senior pilot with over 1,200 flying hours, most recently in the F-15 Eagle.

Col. Hofford has served as the 142nd Wing Commander the past two years beginning in December 2021 to December 2023.  During his tenure, the wing’s aerospace control alert mission culminated in a 1st Air Force Alert “Unit of the Year” designation. Col. Hofford later coauthored and initiated the planning and execution of the Enduring Partners 2023 State Partnership Program dissimilar air combat exercise at Korat Air Base, Thailand.

Col. Hofford began his military career in 1993 when he enlisted in the Air National Guard as a munitions systems specialist with the 173rd Fighter Wing in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He received his officer commission from the Academy of Military Science in 1998 and later attended Undergraduate Pilot Training in 1999. Col. Hofford is rated as a command pilot with more than 2,600 flying hours, primarily in the F-15 Eagle. Col. Hofford’s next assignment will be as the principal deputy director, A3/10 at the Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

-30-

Media members wishing to attend, please email 142.wg.pa@us.af.mil by Saturday, 2 December no later than 9 a.m.

About the 142nd Wing:

The Portland Air National Guard Base employs 1,500 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $500 million to the region. The 142nd Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border through their Aerospace Control Alert mission as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequalled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon Governor Tina Kotek served as the Presiding Officer for Brig. Gen.  Alan R. Gronewold’s appointment as The Adjutant General (TAG) of the Oregon National Guard, during an Investiture Ceremony held at Salem, Oregon on November 28, 2023. Governor Kotek appointed Gronewold to the position in October. 

The ceremony took place at the Oregon State Library with family, friends and members of the Oregon National Guard, including former Adjutants General Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees, and Maj. Gen. (ret.) Michael E. Stencel. 

Governor Kotek provided remarks and then administered the oath for Brig. Gen. Gronewold. 

“The Oregon National Guard has distinguished itself many times over in its service to our state in times of need, dedication to supporting federal missions, and commitment to continued excellence in training and readiness for the greatest of challenges,” Governor Kotek said. “I am confident that Brig. Gen. Gronewold will continue and expand upon this legacy.”

-30-

Released Photos and Video B-Roll:

231128-Z-CH590-1002: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold stand for the Playing of Honors during the Investiture Ceremony held at the Oregon State Library, Salem, Oregon on Nov. 28, 2023. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Gronewold was sworn into the office as The Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

231128-Z-CH590-1008: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek delivers remarks to those in attendance for the Investiture Ceremony held for Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, held at the Oregon State Library, Salem, Oregon on Nov. 28, 2023 as he became the 32^nd Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard. Gov. Kotek served as the Presiding Officer for the ceremony. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

231128-Z-CH590-1021: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek administers the Oath of Office for Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold during the Investiture Ceremony held at the Oregon State Library, Salem, Oregon on Nov. 28, 2023. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Gronewold was sworn into the office as The Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

231128-Z-CH590-1034: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold is congratulated by those in attendance during the Investiture Ceremony held at the Oregon State Library, Salem, Oregon on Nov. 28, 2023. Gov. Tina Kotek served as the Presiding Officer for the ceremony. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

231128-Z-CH590-1061: Former Oregon Adjutant General Maj. Gen. (ret.) Michael E. Stencel (left) congratulates Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold (right) following the conclusion of his Investiture Ceremony held at the Oregon State Library, Salem, Oregon on Nov. 28, 2023. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Gronewold was sworn into the office as The Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

231128-Z-CH590-1062: United States Military Academy Class of 1996 graduates gather for a group photograph with Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold (center) following his appointment as The Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard following the Investiture Ceremony held at the Oregon State Library, Salem, Oregon on Nov. 28, 2023. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

231128-Z-CH590-1069: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, pauses for a family photograph following the Investiture ceremony held at the Oregon State Library, Salem, Oregon on Nov. 28, 2023. During the Ceremony, Brig. Gen. Gronewold was sworn into the office as The Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

https://dvidshub.net/r/lg34ct

2024 Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

 And Policy Committee

Open Vacancies – Recruitment

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

BPSST: Applications must be submitted through Workday.com by end of day December 1, 2023

• Representative of the Private Security Industry
• Two Members Representing the Public
• Administrator of a Municipality recommended to the Governor by the executive body of the League of Oregon Cities

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

Policy Committees: Applications due to Shelby Wright by December 21, 2023

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• Representing telecommunicators
• One member representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a telecommunicator

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

• One member representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a private security provider or investigator
• Representing the Health Care Industry

Police Policy Committee:

• Recommended by and representing the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association
• Recommended by and representing the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police
• Two members representing Non-Management Law Enforcement

Corrections Policy Committee:

• Two members representing Non-Management Corrections Officers
• Recommended by and representing the Oregon Sheriff’s Jail Command Council
• Recommended by and representing the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association

Fire Policy Committee:

• Non-Management Firefighter recommended by a statewide organization of firefighters.

If interested in applying for a Policy Committee position, please complete and submit the Policy Committee Interest Form. This form can also be found under the ‘Boards and Committees Resources’ section of the website linked below.

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

For further information regarding the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training or its respective Policy Committees, please contact Shelby Wright at y.wright@dpsst.oregon.gov">shelby.wright@dpsst.oregon.gov

Thank you,

DPSST Board & Committees Staff

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is seeking information from anyone who has had insurance dealings with Joshua M. Bekhor or his company, Immediate Insurance Services. Bekhor is under investigation for being an unlicensed insurance producer in Oregon and misappropriating insurance premiums.

The division received a complaint from an Oregon consumer who said Bekhor sold several policies to him for more than $11,000, only to find out the policies did not exist or were for much lower coverages than the insured believed he was purchasing. The consumer was only made aware of these issues after an insurance investigator contacted him to let him know Bekhor had either never purchased the insurance policies the consumer paid for or had purchased much smaller policies.

The consumer contacted the insurance companies he was led to believe he had purchased policies with and in each instance he found Bekhor never purchased the policies the consumer paid for. 

Bekhor is also accused of collecting premiums for the purchase of a property insurance policy for a company in Oregon but never forwarding the premiums to the insurer. The company found out when the roof of one of its warehouses collapsed from snow and ice, and the company suffered $100,000 worth of property damage. The insurance company denied the claim because the policy had been canceled due to nonpayment.

Bekhor held an insurance producer license in California from 2018 to 2021 but had it revoked for, among other things, fraudulent practices and diversion of funds.

DFR has issued an order for Bekhor to immediately cease and desist selling insurance in Oregon as an unlicensed producer and fined him for $8,000. Bekhor has an opportunity to contest these findings and allegations before an administrative law judge. 

The division would like to remind people to only do business with insurance producers who are licensed in Oregon. You can check for a license on DFR’s website as well as file a complaint if you feel you have been defrauded or been the victim of a scam.

Anyone who may have purchased insurance from Bekhor is asked to contact DFR immediately. You can do so by calling 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or emailing .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.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.​​

Salem – A two-day training conference in central Oregon will offer multiple training opportunities for workers in the residential, commercial, and industrial construction industries to increase their safety and health while on the job. The Mid-Oregon Construction Safety Summit, held Jan. 29-30, 2024, will address a variety of topics, including fall protection, excavation safety, silica exposure risks, electrical safety, and safety technologies. 

Attendees will have access to a range of training sessions, including the OSHA 10-hour training for construction, work zone safety and flagging, rigging and signaling for cranes, and first aid. Certifications and recertifications will be available. Also, the conference will offer opportunities to earn continuing education credits, including through Oregon’s Construction Contractors Board and Landscape Contractors Board.

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (Oregon OSHA), a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, encourages employers and workers to attend the 21st annual Mid-Oregon Construction Safety Summit at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes in Bend. Oregon OSHA is one of several partners presenting the summit. 

The event’s keynote presentation, “Extraordinarily Average Guy,” will be delivered by Dan Plexman, who nearly lost his life in an industrial accident 15 years ago. Since that near-death experience, Plexman has transformed himself into a champion arm wrestler and speaker on workplace safety. His presentation will reinforce critical points to keep in mind when it comes to on-the-job safety and health, including that all workplace accidents are preventable. 

The Mid-Oregon Construction Safety Summit’s other sessions include:

• Preventing fall hazard exposures
• Serious injury fatality prevention
• Mental health awareness
• Employment law update
• Construction A to Z
• Underground line safety
• Safety committees and meetings

Registration for the event’s pre-conference workshops (Monday, Jan. 29) is $70. Conference registration (Tuesday, Jan. 30) is $100. Registration for the OSHA 10-hour training for construction is $150 for both days. The cost of attending the workshop on rigging and signaling for cranes (Monday, Jan. 29) is $295. To register, go to safetyseries.cventevents.com/summit24.

For more information, contact the Oregon OSHA Conference Section, 503-947-7411 or egon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov">oregon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov. For information about other upcoming safety conferences, visit Oregon OSHA’s online conferences page.

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

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

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Robert Fort, died the evening of November 29, 2023. Fort was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at the facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Fort entered DOC custody on February 5, 1991, from Deschutes County with a life sentence. Fort was 63 years old.

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.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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ROSEBURG, Ore. – Roseburg-based logging firm Plikat Logging, Inc., has been chosen as forest Operator of the Year for Southwest Oregon. A regional advisory committee to the Oregon Board of Forestry selected Plikat earlier this fall. The firm and two other recipients representing Northwest Oregon and Eastern Oregon will be recognized in Salem at the January meeting of the Board. The honorees are:

• Eastern Oregon – Leigh Ann Vradenburg with the Klamath Watershed Partnership in Klamath County for her work helping small landowners get work done to improve the health of their forest stands
• Northwest Oregon – Ron Staley of Ron Staley Enterprises, Inc., of Lebanon, Ore., in Linn County for the extraordinary efforts he goes to, to protect stream buffers and prevent sediment from entering streams

The award recognizes forest operators who, while harvesting timber or doing other forestry work, protect natural resources at a level that consistently meets or goes above and beyond requirements of the Oregon Forest Practices Act . That law requires people to manage forests responsibly and protect streams and water quality, protect and enhance habitat, and reduce landslide risks. The law also requires landowners to replant forests after harvesting. Videos about each of the three Operators of the Year and five Merit Award winners can be viewed on the ODF website at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Working/Pages/default.aspx

Landowner nominated Plikat for honors 

Landowner Roseburg Resources nominated Plikat Logging for Operator of the Year. They pointed out Plikat’s willingness to protect streams by shutting down winter operations unprompted during heavy rainfalls. They also pointed out how Plikat safely logged steep hillsides while carefully protecting buffers around fish-bearing streams by careful placement of rigging corridors where logs were passed over the buffer or through pre-existing gaps in trees. 

ODF Stewardship Forester Donnie Widener said Plikat also maintained access to a popular tourist attraction – the Doerner Fir, also known as the Brummit Fir. At 327 feet tall, the Douglas-fir is one of the tallest trees in the world. “The only road to the fir passed right through Plikat’s logging operation, which they would halt to let visitors pass through safely,” said Widener.

Two other Southern Oregon logging firms were given an Award of Merit:

• Roseburg-based Austin Weber of Weber Logging and Construction, Inc., for consistent employment of innovative logging technology in steep-slope areas to protect fish-bearing streams and minimize soil disturbance and erosion.
• Don Hamman of Don Hamman, Inc. in Butte Falls in Jackson County for assisting small landowners in urban-adjacent, high-visibility areas with thinning to reduce wildfire risk.

Statewide, three other logging firms also won an Award of Merit in their regions:

• Tim Rude of Rude Logging based in John Day was honored for protecting waters of a fish-bearing stream while harvesting in steep forests needing thinning to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire.
• Olav “Ole” Berg of Big O Logging, Inc., based in Birkenfeld in Columbia County was selected for helping thin overcrowded forestland during ongoing road repair work.
• Greg Pelham of Pelham Cutting, Inc. based in St. Helens, was chosen for consistently high performance in harvesting and reforestation, with care to avoid high landslide-risk areas and identify and leave important old-growth wildlife trees.

ODF Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said, “This year’s honorees harnessed innovative technology and techniques to protect water quality, and helped small landowners improve the health of their forests and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire through careful planning and coordination. In challenging harvesting sites, they have shown extraordinary care and diligence to protect resources and meet landowner objectives. We’re proud to recognize the community spirit and leadership these operators have shown.”

Oregon enacted the Forest Practices Act in 1971 as a national model for forest management laws. The law focuses on ensuring responsible forest operations and protecting natural resources in forestland. The Act has been updated many times based on new scientific information and values to create a balanced approach to natural resource management.

                                                        # # #

Salem, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) held a public training session covering new rules regarding streams and roads to help forestland owners prepare for changes to the Forest Practices Act (FPA) that go into effect Jan. 1.

“This training explains changes to the Forest Practices Act for owners of large and small forestland tracts. Although there is a focus on stream buffer and road assessment rule changes, the training provides an overview of other rule changes and new programs too,” said Forest Resource Policy, Training, and Enforcement Manager Megan Cogswell.

Visit the Forest Practices Act webpage to:

• view a recorded version of an earlier session of the Streams and Roads training.
• view a factsheet summarizing key dates and changes called New Forest Practices Rules.

Small forestland owners who need assistance or resources can contact ODF’s new Small Forestland Owner Office. “Small forestland owners” are described as owning less than 5,000 acres and harvesting 2,000 million board feet on average per year over a three-year period. There are specific programs available for landowners who qualify, including the Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat (SFISH) and the Forest Conservation Tax Credit. Contact the SFO office at: estlandowneroffice@odf.oregon.gov">smallforestlandowneroffice@odf.oregon.gov, or use the ODF “Find a Forester” tool.

Astoria, Ore.— The C.J. Reed Arboretum located at the Oregon Department of Forestry Astoria main district office now has 40 new interactive tree identification signs thanks to a grant from the Society of American Foresters (SAF). The project was completed by members of the SAF Tillamook-Clatsop chapter. 

The signs were designed by Oregon Forest Resources Institute and made by Oregon Corrections Enterprises. Each sign has a QR code that leads to a website for more information about the specific tree species. 

The arboretum was developed in the 1960’s by the Department of Forestry foresters and is named after Chet Reed, the district forester who served in Astoria from 1955 to 1978. The arboretum is also next to walking trails through the demonstration forest. The self-guided demonstration forest is a mile of hiking trails to help visitors learn about basic forestry practices and enjoy interpretive exhibits that explain how active management of timber stands benefit Oregon’s state forests. 

The arboretum and demonstration forest trails are open to the public year-round, 7 days a week from dawn until dusk. More information can be found in the Clatsop State Forest Guide.

SAF is a professional organization of foresters whose mission is to advance sustainable management of forest resources through science, education, and technology; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and to use their knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic to ensure the continued health, integrity, and use of forests to benefit society in perpetuity. More information can be found here.

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is seeking community partner comment on changes to its administrative rules regarding youth services and rate setting for these services. The public may testify at public hearings scheduled in January or submit written comments from Dec. 1, 2023 to Jan. 31, 2024. 

VR seeks input on proposed changes to youth services, provided in Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 582 Division 150: Transition Services and Coordination for Students and Youth with Disabilities. All input will be reviewed, and the proposed rules may be modified.

Public Hearings 

Public hearings will be held virtually in January 2023. 

January 10, 2024, 10 to 11 a.m. 

Join ZoomGov Meeting: http://bit.ly/46yrvGg

Meeting ID: 161 755 2659

Passcode: 185803

January 15, 2024, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Join ZoomGov Meeting https://bit.ly/3T3rs1W

Meeting ID: 160 818 1559

Passcode: 330517

January 19, 2024, noon to 1 p.m.

Join ZoomGov Meeting https://bit.ly/3GlKKs3

Meeting ID: 161 449 7621

Passcode: 274647

To receive notice of future public hearings, subscribe to receive email updates from Vocational Rehabilitation. 

Accessibility

CART and an ASL interpreter will be available at the hearings.

You can request accommodation in other languages, large print, braille, or any other format you prefer to submit public comment or attend a public hearing. Contact Robin Brandt at 503-507-5226 or by email at .Policy@odhs.oregon.gov">VR.Policy@odhs.oregon.gov. We accept calls from all forms of relay service for people who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or have a speech disability. Please let us know of any accommodations at least a week in advance. We will do our best to accommodate all requests.

Proposed amendments

• Describe the rate setting for contracted services provided to students and youth with disabilities.
• Strengthen language committing to statewide pre-employment transition services for all students with disabilities.
• Clarify services for students with disabilities who are potentially eligible.
• Explain services available for youth and students with disabilities eligible for general vocational rehabilitation services provided in an individualized plan for employment.
• Clarify transition services to groups of students with disabilities and youth with disabilities who may not have yet applied for vocational rehabilitation services.
• Describe VR required information and records required for students to participate in pre-employment transition services.
• Explain the set aside of federal funds to benefit students and youth with disabilities, its purpose and how services are documented.
• Move definitions to this Division that are specific to youth services. New terms for youth vocational rehabilitation services are added.
• Clarify the rule contents generally, review grammar and expand the use of plain language.
• Review and update legal references and names of forms and organizations, as needed.

The proposed rules will be posted on the Vocational Rehabilitation rule making website.

Written comments can be sent to Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation, 500 Summer Street NE E-87, Salem, Oregon 97301-1120 or .Policy@odhs.oregon.gov">VR.Policy@odhs.oregon.gov.

Updates to OAR 582 align with requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), enacted July 22, 2014, (Public Law No. 113-128) and with state and federal requirements.

Questions? Contact Robin Brandt at obin.l.brandt@odhs.oregon.gov">robin.l.brandt@odhs.oregon.gov or 503-507-5226.

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About Vocational Rehabilitation: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) assists individuals with disabilities to get and keep a job or advance in their career that matches their skills, interests and abilities. VR staff work in partnership with the community and businesses to provide services that are individualized to help each eligible person receive services that are essential to their employment success

November 30, 2023

Media Contact: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov

OHA updates plan for climate benefits while awaiting federal approval

After federal rules posed added restrictions to the state’s plan, OHA and state partners pursued new avenues to get devices to OHP members

Portland, Ore. – Today Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced the state will update its plan for how climate-related devices are distributed to eligible Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members prior to a forecasted weather-related emergency. The benefits are projected to begin in March 2024, pending federal government approval.

OHA initially proposed introducing climate benefits for OHP members in January 2024 as part of Oregon’s 1115 Medicaid waiver, which uses federal dollars to provide climate devices like air conditioners, air filtration devices, and portable power supplies to eligible Medicaid members; however, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) informed the state that distributing climate devices prior to an emergency declaration would not be possible.

“The limitation would have severely restricted distribution of climate devices, so we sought feedback from state partners and a more flexible approach,” said Dave Baden, interim director of OHA. “We look forward to continuing to work with CMS and moving toward final approval.”

“Our first priority always is our community,” said Sean Jessup, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization (EOCCO). “We’re laser-focused on getting the right resources to our OHP members, particularly in times of greater need. We’re encouraged that this plan will even better serve people.”

Before the new benefits launch, CCO-enrolled OHP members can contact their CCO to see if climate supports are available through “flexible services” (also called health related services). If a member has OHP but is not sure which CCO they are in, they can call the Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557 or email: Ask.OHP@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Additional details will be provided in the coming weeks. Information about Oregon’s 1115 Medicaid waiver is currently available on OHA’s web site, via the waiver newsletter, and through webinars in English and Spanish.

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SALEM, Oregon— The County Opportunity Grant Program Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to review grant applications 10 a.m. to noon. Dec. 14 on Zoom. 

Applicants to the County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP) will present their proposed projects for acquiring, planning, developing and rehabilitating county-run camping facilities. The committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The list will be forwarded to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval. 

A schedule with applicants and their specific presentation times will be posted on the County Opportunity Grant Program web page at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-cogp.aspx the week of Dec. 4. A link to view the Zoom meeting will also be posted on the site at that time.

The COGP Advisory Committee consists of seven members who represent counties, recreational vehicle owners, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state. 

The COGP was established in 1983 to direct a portion of revenue from recreational vehicle registration fees to counties for park and recreation sites and programs. All Oregon counties are eligible to apply. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). 

For more information about the COGP, visit oprdgrants.org. 

SALEM, Ore— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking additional public comments on proposed updates to the rules for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks who commit violations, including endangering the safety of visitors and staff (OAR 736-010-0020, 736-021-0040). 

The proposed rules opened for public comment Oct. 2, 2023 and reflected changes recommended by the Rule Advisory Committee, a group formed by OPRD that included representatives from the mental health community, attorneys, agency safety staff and park hosts. The first public comment period closed Nov. 3, 2023. 

After reviewing public comments, the agency decided that an update is needed to clarify the exclusion decision-making process to include exclusion conditions and timeline. This means that an additional round of public comment is required before adopting the updates to the rule.

All of the proposed updates clarify the process for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks who commit rule violations that endanger the safety of visitors, staff or park resources. The proposed updates provide clear information on how excluded individuals may request an appeal and how appeals will be processed.

OPRD is accepting comments until 5 p.m. January 4, 2024. Comments can be made online, in writing or via email:

Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

Mail: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Attn: Helena Kesch, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301

Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

SALEM, Ore— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting additional public comments through Jan. 4 on proposed updates to rules about the collection of marine plants and macroalgae in marine reserves and marine protected areas (OAR 736-021-0090).

The department’s proposed rule changes will allow for collection of marine plants and macroalgae in marine protected areas if allowed under management plans for the area: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx. Updates to Oregon’s Territorial Sea Plan earlier this year changed regulations and management practices in certain protected areas. 

OPRD’s proposed rules would also eliminate outdated requirements for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes in Oregon to seek a permit before collecting marine plants along the ocean shore. 

In October, the agency took public comment on proposed language for this rule. Based on comments received, the agency is updating proposed language to clarify that collection of material is only allowed for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes in Oregon or under management agreements between a tribe and the department.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is accepting comments on the proposed rule changes until 5 p.m. Jan. 4, 2024. Public comments can be made online, in writing or via email:

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx, scroll down to “Open Rulemaking” and find “Marine plant and Macroalgae collection rule update”
• In writing: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, attn.: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
• Email: D.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.

After reviewing public comments, agency staff plan to present a final proposed amended rule to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration at its Feb. 2024 business meeting.

The full text of the proposed amendment to Oregon Administrative Rule 736-021-0090 is available online at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx.

Give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during the month of December.

The permit hangtag once again features whimsical designs from Portland artist El Tran. Holiday shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25, which is a $5 savings starting Dec. 1 and running through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase.

Purchasing permits is easy. Buy them online at the Oregon State Parks store (use the drop down menu to pick your favorite design). Parking permits are also sold at some state park friends' group stores and select local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list of vendors, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.

Parking costs $5 a day at 25 Oregon state parks unless you have a 12- or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The 24-month pass is $50 and is also available at store.oregonstateparks.org. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A local man is facing federal charges today for distributing counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a Portland teenager.

Nasir Overton, 20, a resident of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with one count each of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, resulting in death, and distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, resulting in death.

According to court documents, on September 20, 2023, a detective from the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) responded to a local hospital after receiving a report of a 15-year-old who had fatally overdosed on fentanyl. The detective learned that the day prior, the teenager had ingested a single counterfeit Oxycodone pill containing fentanyl and overdosed. The teenager was pronounced dead four days later. Further investigation revealed that the teen received the fatal pill from a friend who had purchased two pills from Overton, who went by the alias “Noni.”

Overton was arrested Thursday without incident in Portland and made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

If convicted, Overton faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), PPB, and the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Interdiction Task Force (HIT). It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Warm Springs, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for assaulting his girlfriend and leaving her lying injured in the driveway of her home on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.

Maron Brent Graybael, Jr., 38, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on May 16, 2023, Graybael Jr. became angry at his girlfriend, grabbed her by her hair, and punched her more than ten times with a closed fist in her abdomen. After the woman fell to the ground, Graybael Jr. kicked her, grabbed her by her hair again, and slammed her head into the ground multiple times. He then left the woman, seriously injured, lying in her driveway, and walked away. After several minutes, the woman called 911 to report her own assault and injuries. Police responded and she was transported to a local hospital.

On June 1, 2023, Graybael Jr. was charged by criminal complaint with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. One week later, on June 7, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland indicted him on the same charge. On August 31, 2023, Graybael was convicted at trial.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Pamela Paaso and Suzanne Miles, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

Domestic violence is a serious crime that can include both physical and emotional abuse, and it is frequently hidden from public view. Many survivors suffer in silence, afraid to seek help or not knowing where to turn. The traumatic effects of domestic violence also extend beyond the abused person, impacting family members, friends, and communities.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you need assistance or know someone who needs help, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Many communities throughout the country have also created support networks to assist survivors in the process of recovery.

The StrongHearts Native Helpline offers culturally specific support and advocacy for American Indian and Alaska Native survivors of domestic violence. Please call 1-844-762-8483 or visit www.strongheartshelpline.org for more information.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Beaverton, Oregon drug trafficker with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison Wednesday after he was caught possessing a large quantity of drugs and several firearms.

Roderick Larkins, 54, was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in late May 2021, the Beaverton Police Department obtained information that Larkins was supplying fentanyl and other drugs to area drug dealers and possessed large quantities of drugs and several firearms in his Beaverton apartment. On May 23, 2021, investigators obtained and executed a search on Larkins apartment. They located and seized more than two pounds each of fentanyl pills and methamphetamine; smaller quantities of heroin, cocaine, and cocaine hydrochloride; a semiautomatic pistol, and two short-barreled assault rifles. Larkins, who was arrested without incident during the search, had tens of thousands of dollars stuffed into his pants pockets.

On July 20, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an eight-count indictment charging Larkins with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Later, on August 8, 2023, the charges of distributing fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute heroin were added by superseding indictment.

On August 31, 2023, Larkins pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute heroin.

This case was investigated by the Beaverton Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and FBI. It was prosecuted by Parakram Singh and Robert Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

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Local residents can help support nearly 30 Aide Organizations across Oregon this holiday season

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., (November 28, 2023) ― Umpqua Bank today announced the launch of its Warm Hearts Winter Drive, an associate-driven campaign to support individuals and families who struggle with access to housing and other basic resources. As part of the drive, associates and local branches in Oregon will help mobilize their respective communities to raise money and collect winter clothing for 28 shelters and aide organizations serving Oregonians experiencing homelessness. 

Umpqua’s Warm Hearts Winter drive continues a community-impact commitment of the former Columbia Bank, which merged with Umpqua earlier this year. The campaign was started in 2015 as a way for bank associates to partner with customers and members of their community to raise funds and other resources for local shelters and nonprofits providing support for families without a home. More than $2 million in contributions has been raised since its inception. This year’s drive expands to support more than 100 organizations in communities across the combined bank’s footprint in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. 

"As a newly combined bank, Umpqua is committed to mobilizing our greater resources and the collective power and passion of our associates to make a difference in our local communities,” said Umpqua Bank Chief Marketing Officer David Moore Devine. “Access to adequate shelter and clothing continues to be a major challenge for many of our neighbors, and our Warm Hearts campaign empowers associates, along with members of our communities, to support local families in need. Simply donating a few dollars, a new coat or other quality clothing items can help ensure that more of our neighbors are cared for in the months ahead.”

How to Support the Warm Hearts Winter Drive

The Warm Hearts Winter Drive accepts cash donations in addition to new winter clothes. Contributions can be made at www.WarmHeartsWinterDrive.com. Financial contributions and new clothing items can also be donated at local Umpqua Bank branches.

Associates and local branches across Umpqua’s footprint are actively engaged in securing financial contributions and warm clothing from customers and community members. One hundred percent of the clothing and funds collected will be donated directly to local shelters and aide organizations. 

All designated contributions stay in the community where they were raised and directly support local organizations.

Participating Organizations in Oregon:

For more information on the list of benefiting organizations in each county, or to make a cash or new clothing donation, please visit WarmHeartsWinterDrive.com. Those interested in supporting the Warm Hearts campaign may also email community@umpquabank.com for more information.

About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank is a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System Inc., (Nasdaq: COLB) and a premier regional bank in the western U.S., with offices in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Colorado. With over $50 billion of assets, Umpqua combines the resources, sophistication and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver personalized service at scale. The bank consistently ranks as one of America’s Best Banks (ranked by Forbes) and supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking; Small Business Administration lending; institutional and corporate banking; equipment leasing; and wealth management. The bank’s corporate headquarters are located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Learn more at umpquabank.com.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Cannon Gallery of Art proudly presents the exceptional artwork of the Art & Design Department faculty. This biennial exhibition showcases the remarkable talent and creativity of faculty members, offering a diverse range of artistic expressions to the community.

The exhibition opened in November with a reception that was held at the Cannon Gallery located in the historic Campbell Hall. The event was filled with art, refreshments, and music by Mike Fite.

This year’s biennial exhibition includes the works of Mary Harden, Jodie Garrison, Daniel Tankersley, Rebecca McCannell, Jennifer Vaughn, Jen Bracy, Gregory Poulin, Pete Hoffecker Mejia, and Donna Beverly. Additionally, the exhibition proudly introduces the remarkable contributions of Eric Frey and Laura Killip from the Art & Design staff. 

“The last faculty biennial was in 2021, coming immediately off of the pandemic. This exhibit marks a noticeable shift and a coming back together as a department and as a community. The work in this show is bright, colorful, and conceptually engaging,” shared Paula Booth, Professor of Art and gallery director. “Artists are trying new things, pushing new concepts, and experimenting with materials in new ways – it feels fresh and exciting.”

The exhibition showcases a wide array of media, including painting, printmaking, video, installation, sculpture, collage, and mixed media, and visitors will be captivated by the sheer diversity and creativity of the showcased artworks. The exhibition is open to the public and is available until Dec. 8. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse in the world of art and support the creative endeavors of Western’s talented faculty.

Learn more about the Cannon Gallery of Art at Western Oregon University.

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About Western Oregon UniversityWestern Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction.  Together we succeed.

(SPRINGFIELD, Ore.) Nov. 29, 2023— PacificSource is pleased to announce the 26 healthcare organizations that will receive funding as part of its annual Community Health Excellence (CHE) program for the 2023 -2024 cycle. Now in its 14^th year, the CHE program has awarded more than $11 million in community grant awards to providers advancing healthcare delivery innovations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. 

2023-2024 CHE program awards include several projects centered on improving access to services through recruitment, retention, clinic expansion, and healthcare service integration. Additionally, one-third of funded projects focus on reducing health disparities and improving equitable access to care. 

“The CHE program brings to life innovative ideas that help providers heal their patients and improve quality of life,” said Peter McGarry, PacificSource vice president, provider network. “I’m proud to be part of something that gives back—addressing gaps in our delivery system, improving outcomes, and making our communities healthier.”

The CHE one-year and two-year grant recipients are:

Idaho:

• Crosspointe Family Services  
• Family Health Services  
• Desert Sage Health Centers  
• Journey Pediatric Therapy  
• Panhandle Health District 

Montana:

• AWARE 
• Barrett Hospital Foundation 
• Bridgercare 
• Alluvion Health
• Eating Disorder Center of Montana 
• PureView Health Center
• Dynamic Recovery (Two-year grant)
• The Rural Behavioral Health Institute (Two-year grant)

Oregon:

• Care Partners 
• East Cascade Women’s Group 
• Kinship House 
• Lane County 
• OHSU 
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital 
• Santiam Hospital 
• WVP Health Authority 

Washington:

• CHAS Health 
• North Olympic Healthcare Network 
• PSW
• One Community Health (Two-year grant)
• OYEN Emotional Wellness Center (Two-year grant)

Through the CHE program, PacificSource funds provider projects that advance healthcare integration, address health disparities and promote equity, and that develop the provider workforce. Applications are independently evaluated, and awards go to organizations that prioritize advancing the Quadruple Aim and demonstrate significant positive impact for their patients, regardless of their insurance or PacificSource member status. 

To be considered for the CHE program contracted PacificSource providers must complete an online application including a detailed budget. The next CHE grant cycle will open in January 2024. For more information, please visit https://www.pacificsource.com/che-program/

About PacificSource Health Plans:

PacificSource Health Plans is an independent, not-for-profit community health plan serving the Northwest. Founded in 1933, PacificSource has local offices throughout Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington. The PacificSource family of companies employs more than 1,600 people and serves over 600,000 individuals throughout the Greater Northwest. For more information, visit PacificSource.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, November 30, 2023

BEND, OR — Days are shorter, and the air is colder… winter is coming! Every Thursday in December, the High Desert Museum will host fun and festive Winter Nights events — offering participants a break from their busy work weeks with unique evenings out. 

For Winter Nights the Museum will remain open until 7:30 pm with seasonal themes as well as a chance to experience new exhibitions and engaging activities for all ages. In addition, the Museum presently has two new exhibitions — Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan and Endangered in the High Desert — and will open a third one on Saturday, December 9, Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species: From the Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his Family Foundation.

For this year’s Winter Nights:

• December 7: Welcome to Winter — The first Winter Nights event will feature speedy rounds of Museum trivia! Several rounds will be played, and prizes will be won. Alongside trivia, Museum visitors may enjoy fun beverage tastings from local vendors and a dinner or a treat at the Rimrock Café. Silver Sage Trading will also be open, offering holiday discounts to all and complementary gift wrapping. Cookie decorating and storytelling for kids will also be happening all evening long.
• December 14: College Night– Students with college identification will receive free admission! For this Winter Nights event the Museum encourages all visitors to come dressed in their best vintage snow-wear. The evening will feature speedy rounds of Museum bingo, more regional beverage tastings, cookie decorating and storytelling. Silver Sage Trading – with holiday discounts and gift wrapping – and the Rimrock Café will also be open throughout the evening.
• December 21: Exploring Endangered Species– Bring the family to explore the Museum’s newest exhibits, Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan, Endangered in the High Desert and Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species. Like the previous nights, there will be beverage tastings alongside an exhibit-themed scavenger hunt that ends with an art project. Plus, there are sugar cookies to decorate, discounts to be had at Silver Sage Trading and delicious food to eat at the Rimrock Café. All ages are sure to enjoy this evening!
• December 28: By the Fireside – This will be an exciting opportunity to get the entire family out of the house… in pajamas! During the final Winter Nights of the season the Museum will host a pajama party with family portraits, cozy stories, sugar cookie decorating and more delicious craft beverage tastings. 

With up to nine new exhibits opening at the High Desert Museum each year, there is always something new for visitors to explore. October, November and December were no exception, with one new exhibition opening each month. The first, Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan, opened on October 21. This stunning exhibition, created by the National Geographic Society and the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming, features Donovan’s images and videos of wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and on Ellesmere Island in the high Canadian Artic. Since 2014, the National Geographic Explorer and photographer has examined the relationship between wild wolves and humans to better understand the animals, our shared history and what drives the persistent human-wolf conflict. To learn more, visit: highdesertmuseum.org/wolves.

Winter Nights visitors can also explore the original exhibit Endangered in the High Desert, which recently opened on November 11. With vibrant colors and engaging photography, this exhibition is meant to ignite conversations about species in the region that are either facing or recovering from the threat of extinction. To learn more, visit: highdesertmuseum.org/endangered-high-desert.

The Museum’s final exhibition opening in 2023, Andy Warhol’s: Endangered Species: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his Family Foundation, makes its debut at the Museum on Saturday, December 9. The exhibition will showcase the pop art icon’s complete Endangered Species series (1983), as well as select works from Warhol’s Skull series, Vanishing Animals series and one of Warhol’s iconic Marilyn Monroe works. To learn more, visit: highdesertmuseum.org/warhol.

All three of these exhibitions are key components of the Museum’s yearlong recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act.

Admission for Winter Nights is $10 general admission and $6 for ages 3-12. Ages 2 and under and Museum members are free. Visitors who arrive earlier in the day may stay for Winter Nights without paying additional admission. The outdoor exhibits are closed during Winter Nights. Regular winter hours are 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/winter-nights.

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, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Vancouver, Washington—November 29, 2023—The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) announces Angel Reyes has been appointed to the organization’s Board of Directors. As Keybank’s Corporate Responsibility Officer for their Oregon/SW Washington and Idaho markets, Angel oversees the philanthropic budget and investment strategies to meet community needs. He also holds a pivotal role as the national chair for KeyBank’s Hispanic-Latinx Key Business Impact and Networking Group (HLKBING), which helps create an inclusive and stronger workplace for all.

Angel’s interest in NWABA came about after he heard an inspirational story from one of NWABA’s youth athletes, Eric G., about his struggles and subsequent success in joining his high school swim team after participating in sports with NWABA through their programs and services.

By joining NWABA’s board, Angel hopes to provide representation for the Hispanic/Latinx community, as well as increased access to the visually impaired community. Angel is looking forward to participating in future NWABA program events such as kayaking and weightlifting.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Board of Directors with NWABA,” said Angel Reyes, KeyBank Corporate Responsibility Officer for Oregon/SW Washington and Idaho. “The work this organization is doing to help the blind and visually impaired is making real change. The gift of movement, confidence, skills and community will last a lifetime for these athletes. I am thrilled to be part of this journey and to help make meaningful impact.”

Through his employment and his personal endeavors, Angel is committed to service in his community. He previously held a pivotal role as national chair for KeyBank's Hispanic-Latinx Key Business Impact and Networking Group (HLKBING), which helps create an inclusive and stronger workplace for all. He currently is a committee member for Columbia Gorge Community College and the Cinema Unbound Awards, a project of the Portland Art Museum, in addition to serving as a board member for the Latino Network. He has also been affiliated with and supported United Way, Columbia Center for The Arts, The Next Door Inc., Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, Familias en Accion and LatinoBuilt.

Angel will join other community leaders throughout the region in helping Northwest Association for Blind Athletes achieving its mission of providing life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. 

About NWABA: 
The mission of Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. A group of students who were visually impaired formed the association in 2007 to ensure that people who are blind were participating in sports and physical activity. Today, NWABA is a rapidly expanding 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides more than 3,000 program and service interactions to children, youth, adults, and military veterans with visual impairments tailored programming which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, promotes independence, creates an inclusive community of supporters, and builds the skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life including school and employment.

The nonprofits support rural and women entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs of color across Oregon

Portland, Ore.—November 30, 2023—Oregon Community Foundation (OCF)’s Thriving Entrepreneurs Program is awarding 24 Oregon-based nonprofit organizations nearly $575,000 in grant funding to support local entrepreneurs. This funding will be shared among the 24 different nonprofits, all of which provide mentoring, technical assistance, and access to capital for under-resourced entrepreneurs, and help strengthen Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

This year’s nonprofit grant recipients support a wide variety of entrepreneurs, including Oregon youth, Black and Native American, rural business owners and other diverse entrepreneurs from across the state. During this cycle, each Thriving Entrepreneur grant ranges from $15,000-$25,000. The Thriving Entrepreneurs grant program aims to support entrepreneurs who are overlooked by traditional markets, or lack other resources or access to capital.

“Oregon’s entrepreneurial landscape is growing, and there is so much potential for innovation. The state is home to a diverse array of small businesses, brimming with innovative concepts. Many local entrepreneurs need assistance to develop business plans, recruit skilled teams, or access additional capital to fuel their ventures,” said Maribel De Leon, Program Officer for Economic Vitality. “These entrepreneurs are instrumental in propelling innovation across the state, and supporting them leads to more thriving communities.” 

The Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant is an open, responsive grantmaking opportunity that offers organizations flexible funding. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve entrepreneurs who are women, people of color, living in under-resourced rural communities, or working in under-resourced sectors. Grant funding is only available to nonprofit organizations, and not individuals.

Highlights of OCF’s 2023 Thriving Entrepreneur grantees this year include:

Talent Business Alliance, $25,000

To support local businesses and entrepreneurs at every stage of development by offering technical assistance, networking, and advocacy to expand the vitality of the community of Talent.

As background, Talent lost 60 percent of its businesses in the Almeda Fire. The remaining 40 perfect continue to struggle in the wake of incredible losses from the fire. 

MicroEnterprise Resources Initiatives & Training (MERIT), $25,000

To support Oregon’s diverse business community by providing 20-30 clients with expert entrepreneurial and financial management training, small business training, financial education, and loan program and individual development accounts (IDA). 

Be Blac Foundation, $25,000

To develop and grow the Black community through partnering with and supporting Black-owned and operated businesses/nonprofits and offering culturally specific venture catalyst workshops, training, and bootcamps for emerging and well-established Black business owners and entrepreneurs in Marion and Polk counties. 

Northwest Native Chamber (NNC), $25,000

Builds avenues to wealth creation for Native Americans and other diverse communities through small business development and critical business development training, technical assistance, and other key supports to ensure that Native American small business owners and entrepreneurs have the resources that they need.

NNC expects to support 350 Native American small businesses, and this OCF grant will pay for approximately 160 direct counseling hours through contracted Professional Service Providers, who support clients with industry-specific expertise.

REAP Inc., $25,000

Invests in students grades 3-12 by empowering them to converse with business, community, and political leaders. Specifically, this grant will support REAP’s Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP), which is a 10-month curriculum that introduces students to the fundamentals of business.

Warm Springs Community Action Team, $25,000

Supports the Warm Springs Reservation through programs with youth, adults, families, and tribal entrepreneurs; employs and trains workers in its coffee shop and food cart and works with hundreds of tribal households each year through workforce trainings, asset building (IDAs), small business promotion, tax assistance, education, and youth programs.

Latino Founders, $25,000

Supports Latino-led startups looking to scale their products, technology, and services statewide. Latino entrepreneurs with a business idea or an existing business participate in a 10-week accelerator program, where they learn business modeling, finance, and prototyping and get paired up with mentors and resources to help them launch and scale their businesses.

The BFM Fund (Black Founders Matter), $25,000

The BFM Fund’s Emerge Initiative supports Oregon-based BIPOC entrepreneurs in the earliest stages of launching their venture with pitch competitions, non-dilutive grant funding, and long-term, culturally relevant mentorship, networking, and connection to accelerator and other investors.

The full list of OCF Thriving Entrepreneur 2023 grantees is here. 

OCF’s Thriving Entrepreneurs Fund is open for contributions. Please visit: https://oregoncf.org/community-impact/impact-areas/economic-and-community-vitality/thriving-entrepreneurs-fund/

About Oregon Community Foundation 

Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) was founded in 1973 with a big mission: to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF works to strengthen communities in every county in Oregon through research, grantmaking and scholarships. In 2022, OCF distributed more than $180 million, supporting 3,500 grantees and awarding more than 3,000 scholarships. With OCF, individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create charitable funds that meet the needs of diverse communities statewide. 2023 marks OCF’s 50th anniversary. Since its founding, OCF has distributed more than $2.2 billion in community investments, including grants to 10,850 nonprofits and 53,375 scholarships to students. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit: oregoncf.org.

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