The FBI is asking the public to report any information related to the series of dangerous attacks in October at ballot box locations in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon.

 

As law enforcement continues to investigate, we ask you to report unusual behaviors or the presence of materials and tools that could help law enforcement identify the person responsible before they act out again. Specifically, law enforcement is looking for someone who is unusually knowledgeable about explosives or incendiary devices, particularly thermite, and/or has an interest in grinding or welding metal.

 

We need your help to identify the person responsible for placing these devices to ensure that they will not harm themself or others. The thermite devices they have created can cause severe injuries and damage to structures.

 

To date, no one has been injured by these devices, but they are extremely dangerous and could cause serious injury.

 

Observations to consider between October 8, 2024, and now:

• Did someone brag or show approval or admiration for the person who placed the devices on the ballot boxes?
• Did someone follow the story of these ballot box fires very closely or exhibit an unusual response to the reporting of this story?
• Did someone show increased anxiety about the topic or express fears about being identified as a suspect? 
• Did you notice unusual packages or storing of metal shavings or unexplained fire damage to a home or other structure, a field, or a wilderness area?
• Did you notice unusual behaviors such as someone researching thermite, grinding metals, and obtaining small scraps of metal (including pipe endcaps, nuts, and bolts) or welding small projects?Did someone you know recently dispose of or stop using a Volvo S-60 sedan?

Reward

 

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible for these crimes. Anyone can view or download the FBI’s Seeking Information Poster and the surveillance video from the Portland incident.

 

CrimeStoppers of Oregon is offering a separate reward on behalf of Portland Police Bureau of up to $2,500. (CrimeStoppers of Oregon and Portland Police Bureau will be responsible for determining any payment for this separate reward.)

 

Background Information

 

The FBI has been working with our partners at the Portland Police Bureau and Vancouver Police Department to positively identify the person responsible for placing homemade thermite devices on ballot boxes. 

 

Incidents:

1.     October 8, 2024 – Ballot box located at the intersection of W 14^th Street and Esther Street in Vancouver at approximately 3:45 am.

2.     October 28, 2024 – Ballot box located on the north side of the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center in Vancouver near the SE 164^th Avenue entrance at approximately 2:35 am.

3.     October 28, 2024 – Ballot box located at the intersection of SE Belmont Street and SE 11^th Avenue in Portland at approximately 3:08 am.

 

Vehicle:

The suspect was driving a black or dark grey 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan with a light-colored interior. The car has a sunroof and dark after-market wheel rims, and, at the time of the crime, is missing the Volvo logo normally affixed to the front grill.

 

Devices:

The suspect welded the three devices using metal for the exterior and inserted thermite into the devices. Thermite looks like metal shavings and/or a metal-based powder. The amount of shavings/powder can be small.

 

Tips

 

If you have any information on this suspect or these crimes, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit your information online at tips.fbi.gov. Tips can remain anonymous.

 

###

January 15, 2025, 16:06:17; Structure Fire; 36xx block Lakeshore Drive, Selma. The Illinois Valley Fire District initially responded to a reported vehicle fire. While en-route, dispatch upgraded the incident to a structure fire, prompting the dispatch of additional units, including Rural Metro Fire - Josephine County and AMR-Josephine County. Upon arrival, crews encountered a single-family dwelling fully involved in fire. IVFD successfully contained the fire, subsequently releasing Rural Metro Fire to cover the district. The fire was visible from adjacent roadways and was successfully contained. No injuries were reported among civilians or fire personnel. Concurrently, Rural Metro Fire - Josephine County responded to a separate medical aid incident in conjunction with AMR.

1/18/25 7:15PM UPDATE: Jamie has been located. 

 

 

Missing Person : Jamie Lee Sharp

Case #: 25-1297

Date of Report: 01/18/2025

 

Age: 36

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Height: 6'

Weight: 170

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Blue

 

Information: Jaime Sharp was reported missing since Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Sharp was last known to be driving this red Saturn with Idaho license plate 1APRF4U. Sharp left the Merlin area during the evening hours on the 15th and has not been in touch with family since. It is unknown what he was wearing but he likely had on a black denim style jacket. Sharp does not have a phone and it is unknown where he may have gone. Please call the Sheriff’s Office if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Jaime.

 

Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office with any information: 541-474-5123

Missing Runaway - William Herren

 

Case: 25-1199

 

Age: 15

Sex: Male

Race: White

Height: 5'5"

Weight: 130

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Blue

 

Information: On January 16, 2025, William Herren was reported as a runaway from the Cave Junction area. There is concern he will try to travel to Portland. He may be trying to conceal his face with a blue or black bandana. He is wearing clothing similar to the above photo and may have a black backpack with him.

 

Please contact Josephine County Sheriff's Office with any information.  541-474-5123

 

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. 20 Jan. 2025 – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) captured on camera while unlawfully angling on the Walla Walla River near Milton-Freewater. 

On Dec. 13 and Dec. 16, 2024, an individual was photographed while angling with what appeared to be trout/steelhead fishing gear. Trout and warmwater fish angling on the Walla Walla River had been closed since Oct. 31, 2024, and steelhead angling was not allowed during 2024.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number #SP25-014838.

 

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 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 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

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. 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018 

 

Extreme cold weather expected, Pacific Power ready for conditions

Company encourages customers to take steps to keep bills low

 

Portland, OR (Jan. 17, 2025) – Pacific Power is monitoring a weather system that is expected to bring extreme temperatures this weekend, likely resulting in higher than normal demand for electricity in the West as customers try to stay warm inside their homes.

 

Customers can conserve energy by shifting usage during periods of high demand, helping with the reliability of our electricity service while also saving money on their bills.

 

Pacific Power relies on a diverse mix of available energy resources to meet high demand, and the company is well positioned to meet and exceed customer expectations.

 

Here are some ways customers can help during periods of high demand:

• Set the thermostat to 68°F when you're at home. Lower the temperature by several degrees when you are away from home and at bedtime. 
• Clean or replace furnace filters often.  
• Weatherstrip exterior doors and caulk around window frames to seal air leaks. 
• Close drapes and blinds at night to keep heat in.
• Avoid use of portable space heaters.
• Limit use of appliances like ovens, dishwashers and clothes dryers in the morning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. 
• Set your water heater to 120°F and use efficient showerheads. 
• Turn off lights, computers and electronics when not in use. 

 

 

About Pacific Power 

 

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.    

 

XXX

LAKEVIEW, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management today announced the release of the record of decision and approved resource management plan for the Lakeview planning area, which covers 3.2 million acres of public lands in Lake and Harney counties. The amendment updates the 2003 plan, providing management direction for livestock grazing and off-highway vehicle use to protect important landscapes while providing continued public access. It also preserves natural landscapes and protects 415,000 acres of lands with wilderness characteristics.

 

“These expansive, natural landscapes are special places that provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive, unconfined recreation,” said Lakeview District Manager Todd Forbes. “This update will help shape BLM’s management of these lands and resources for the next two decades.”

 

Tribal governments, local and state agencies, the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council, and members of the public provided valuable input and feedback during the planning process. The BLM considered approximately 1,300 comments while developing the plan amendment. The BLM’s updated analysis responds to requirements of a 2010 settlement agreement on the Bureau’s management of lands with wilderness characteristics, off-highway vehicle use, and grazing management.

 

To preserve unique and special landscapes, cross-country off-highway vehicle use will be limited to about 70,000 acres within the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes and other areas scattered across the planning area where cross country use is already occurring. Vehicular use will be allowed on existing or designated routes across 3.1 million acres in the planning area.

 

The amendment also provides additional guidance on the implementation of Standards for Rangeland Health and processing of voluntarily relinquished livestock grazing permits.

 

The resource management plan and associated final environmental impact statement is available at the BLM National NEPA Register.

POLICE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

The Police Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on February 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

 

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

 

1. Introductions

 

2. Approve November 21, 2024, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

    a) Keith Byrd; DPSST No. 37928
        Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certifications

 

    b) John Carter; DPSST No. 64289
        Basic, Management and Supervisory Police Certifications

 

    c) Maxwell Casquerio; DPSST No. 55070
        Basic Police Certification

 

    d) Robert Cheek; DPSST No. 62955
        Basic Police Certification

 

    e) Chris Uehara; DPSST No. 23999
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory and Management Police Certifications

 

    f) Trevor Middleton; DPSST No. 56655
        Basic Police Certification

 

    g) Richard Steinbronn; DPSST No. 32940
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisory Police Certifications

 

    h) Michael Nork; DPSST No. 43679
        Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certifications

 

4. Bradley McIntyre; DPSST No. 35126; Portland Police Bureau
   Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

5. Jeremiah Oswald; DPSST No. 60805; Washington County Sheriff's Office
   Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

6. Jared Paul; DPSST No. 57056; Oregon State Police Department
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

7. Jeromy Pilon; DPSST No. 54019; Newberg-Dundee Police Department
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

8. Agency Update

 

11. Next Police Policy Committee Meeting – May 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

 

Administrative Announcement

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

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

To view the Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

 

Agenda Items:

 

1. Introductions

 

2. Approve October 15, 2024, and November 19, 2024, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Informational Update on the Fee Increases fir the Private Security Entity, Private Security Provider, And Private Security Investigator Certification and Licensure Programs

   Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-059-0070, 259-060-0500, and OAR 259-061-0010

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

 

4. Private Investigator Subcommittee Applicant Appointment

 

5. Private Investigator Subcommittee Chairperson Appointment

 

6. Agency Update

 

7. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – May 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

 

 

Administrative Announcement

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

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL FUND BOARD

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a regular meeting on January 23, 2025, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting that begins at 9:00 am. at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

 

Agenda Items

 

1. Introductions

 

2. Approve October 24, 2024, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Budget Update

   Presented by Kathy McAlpine

 

4. John Christopher Kilcullen (DPSST #35147); Eugene Police Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

    Presented by Kathy McAlpine

 

5. Next meeting – April 24, 2025, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting at 9:00 a.m.

 

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. 

 

 

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Allen Lamont James, died the evening of January 14, 2025. James was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

 

James entered DOC custody on June 26, 2007, from Washington County with an earliest release date of October 2, 2031. James was 77 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.

 

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.

 

 

####

SALEM, Ore. — The Compliance Monitoring Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Thursday, Jan. 30, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Communication plan (Reforestation study)

• Update from Mt. Hood Environmental on roads & steeps slopes protocol

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing ta.L.FriasBedolla@odf.oregon.gov">marta.l.friasbedolla@odf.oregon.gov.

 

The CMP Committee assists efforts to monitor compliance with Forest Practices Rules. The committee advises ODF regarding monitoring projects and procedures. View more information on the CMPC webpage.

UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST, Ore.— This summer, the Lone Rock Fire, driven by 30 mph winds, scorched more than 137,000 acres of the Umatilla National Forest and adjoining lands, leaving many of the trees burned and lifeless. 

“The fires this year have decimated our forests, and we will be working hard for years to re-establish them,” said Brandon Ferguson, Forest Resource Manager for the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) John Day Unit. “However, in part of the Kahler Basin where the forest was treated through the work of the Federal Forest Restoration (FFR) Program it is a different story. Most of those trees have more than 40 percent of their live crown intact and will not only survive but should thrive in the coming years,” said Ferguson who oversees a group of ODF foresters who assist private landowners manage their forestland in a five-county area.

The multi-year Kahler Dry Forest Restoration Project treated 33,000 acres of federal land. Of that, 1,220 acres were impacted by the Lone Rock Fire but fared significantly better thanks to proactive treatments.  

“Forest treatments included commercial and non-commercial thinning of the trees, prescribed burning of activity fuels, improvements to forest roads, fire line construction, and more,” said Kyle Sullivan-Astor, ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Program Lead. 

The FFR program aims to create healthier, more resilient forests capable of withstanding threats like wildfire, insect outbreaks, and disease, while reducing their impacts in treated areas.

“The FFR program was created to accelerate the pace, scale and quality of forest restoration and resilience across Oregon's federal forests,” said Sullivan-Astor. “ODF plays a key role by providing local expertise and capacity to federal landowners, in this case the U.S. Forest Service.”

 

A Long-Term, Collaborative Effort

The Kahler Dry Forest Restoration Project planning started in 2011, with on-the-ground implementation starting in 2016. Most of the work was completed by the end of 2022.

 “For the Kahler Project, the FFR Program provided $512,000, with $268,686 going to crew funding and the rest for planning and capacity building,” said Sullivan-Astor.

The planning and capacity building is where ODF and its people make a big difference.

“We used our seasonal firefighting crews to perform a wide range of fieldwork, including marking trees, cruising, flagging, and prepping for commercial thinning” said Mike Billman, ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Unit Forester in the La Grande office. 

For the Kahler Project, crews worked in unusual weather conditions.

“It was brutal. Our crews had snowmobiles and show shoes, and it was 30 below a couple of nights,” said Billman of the one-time extreme early weather event for the project. “They were staying in a guard station out in the forest, so it was bare bones accommodations and not very pleasant.”

Despite the challenges, ODF crews completed the fieldwork on schedule, laying the groundwork for the next phases of the project.

Partnerships Build Success

Collaboration with local partners was critical to the project’s success.

“At the same time ODF crews were doing field work, we worked with local partners to help build expertise, capacity and community support for this project and future ones,” said Sullivan-Astor.   “The Umatilla Forest Collaborative (now the Northern Blues Forest Collaborative) was critical to build public support and for the planning of the project. They received two grants; one was a capacity grant and the other was a Technical Assistance and Science Support (TASS) grant.”  

These investments strengthen local forest collaboratives, helping them develop shared agreement on vegetation management in federal forests managed by the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management.

 

Economic and Community Benefits

In addition to improving forest health and fire resilience, the FFR Program delivers economic and community benefits.

“Commercial thinning provides timber to local sawmills, work for timber operators, and the lumber needed to build homes,” said Sullivan-Astor. “In Eastern Oregon, infrastructure and training opportunities are limited. These projects not only create immediate work but also help build long-term expertise and capacity to continue this important work.”

In addition, most of the work is done on federal forests that border or are near private and ODF wildfire protected areas.

“If we can help our federal partners treat more forestland more effectively, it benefits ODF’s firefighting efforts and helps protect public and private resources,” said Sullivan-Astor. “This includes not just timber and wildlife habitat, but also critical infrastructure like utility lines and private buildings.”

 

Impact on Wildfire Resilience

While forest treatments cannot prevent wildfires entirely, they do reduce fire severity and improve landscape resilience, giving firefighters opportunities to suppress fires more effectively and protect nearby communities.

“The program is a win-win for everyone,” said Sullivan-Astor. “For relatively modest costs, we can greatly reduce wildfire impacts, protect lives and property, and cut the cost of fighting large, severe wildfires.”

For more information on the FFR Program see its recently released report or visit ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Program webpage.

 

SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 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
• Small Forestland Owner Office update
• Legislature update
• Intro and discussion with potential industry representative – Jake Ryan
• Board of Forestry update
• Discuss upcoming meeting schedule and agenda topics

Agenda item added:

• Informing Small Forestland Owners

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. 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.

Portland, OR– State agencies will meet by teleconference on January 30 on a proposed chemical process gold mine in Malheur County.

 

The Technical Review Team (TRT) will meet by teleconference on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST.

 

The public notice and related documents are available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/mlrr/Pages/Calico-GrassyMtn_projectDocuments.aspx

 

The public and media can listen to the meetings by joining the Zoom Meeting online, or by phone. For online meeting details and call-in instructions, see the meeting agenda in the public notice. For further information, contact the DOGAMI Albany office at (541) 967-2083 or email: mation.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov">information.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov.

 

The TRT is an inter-disciplinary team of state agencies that reviews information and concerns related to a proposed mine during all phases of the application process, and ultimately develops consolidated permit conditions that conform to Oregon regulations.

 

###

Salem, OR—Oregonians looking for assistance in electronically filing their taxes for free, could find help as close as their local library this tax season.

 

Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will be traveling to libraries in 17 different communities across the state in February, March, and April to assist taxpayers in using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to complete their returns.

The one-day tax help clinics are planned at libraries in:

 

Bandon	North Bend
Burns	Prineville
Coquille	Pendleton
Cornelius	Roseburg
The Dalles	Salem
Klamath Falls	Seaside
Lebanon	Sweet Home
McMinnville	Toledo
	Tualatin

 

Dates, times, and addresses for each clinic can be found on the Free Direct File assistance at local libraries webpage.

 

Last year, more than 140,000 taxpayers in 12 other states filed their federal tax returns using a limited IRS Direct File pilot program while nearly 7,000 Oregon taxpayers filed their state returns using the free, state-only Direct File Oregon option.

 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in May that it would make IRS Direct File a permanent option for taxpayers and invited all 50 states to participate. Oregon was the first of 13 new states to accept the invitation from the IRS in June creating a seamless free e-filing system for both federal and state taxes.

 

With the two direct file systems connected, the IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon taxpayers will be able to e-file both their federal and state returns for free in 2025.

The department believes that offering free assistance will help maximize the number of Oregonians who choose to use the new free option and make it possible for many who don’t have a filing requirement to file and claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families.

 

For example, the IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.

 

Taxpayers should use the IRS eligibility checker to see if they’ll be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Eligible taxpayers should set up an IRS online account and an account with Oregon’s Revenue Online before they come to an event. Taxpayers attending an event should bring the following information with them.

 

Identification documents

• Social security card or ITIN for everyone on your tax return
• Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (such as driver’s license or passport)

Common income and tax documents

• Forms W2 (wages from a job)

• Forms 1099 (other kinds of income)
• Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)

 

Optional documents to download

• Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
• Last year’s tax return

Taxpayers can signup for the new “Oregon Tax Tips” direct email newsletter to keep up with information about tax return filing and how to claim helpful tax credits. 

 

January 16, 2025

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

Tribes, 34 organizations, receive $23 million to support home repairs

OHA’s Healthy Homes Grant Program seeks improved housing conditions, health outcomes for low-income residents to prevent displacement

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has awarded $23 million to repair and rehabilitate homes of low-income residents to eliminate risks to residents’ health to the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon and 34 local organizations. The funds are from the Healthy Homes Grant Program (HHGP), established to improve health by rehabilitating living environments in Oregon.

“Research has shown there is an inextricable link between a person’s health and housing status, and that quality of housing is a social determinant of health,” said Oregon Public Health Division Director Naomi Adeline-Biggs, MBBS, MPH. “With the Healthy Homes grants, Oregon is helping to prevent and reduce short- and long-term negative health outcomes by addressing the quality of housing as a public health issue.”

People living in poverty are more likely to live in substandard housing that is not healthy or safe and are at higher risk of losing homes that are not well-maintained or repaired. Older and substandard housing is more likely to contain hazards such as peeling or deteriorated lead-based paint. Delaying maintenance can lead to leaking roofs or pipes, which can cause mold. Uninsulated homes can be drafty and uncomfortable for residents and result in higher energy bills.

Homes that are not well-maintained or repaired can also lead to lead poisoning, asthma and other respiratory diseases, cancer, unintended injures, increased stress, poor school attendance for children and missed workdays for parents. Improved housing conditions for low-income families can prevent illness and reduce their health care costs, improve safety, conserve natural resources and reduce energy costs for occupants.

The organizations—nonprofits, local housing authorities, community action agencies and local governments serving communities in all areas of the state—are each receiving between $199,980 to $750,000 to use over a three-year period. The grants are intended to help homeowners and landlords repair and rehabilitate homes inhabited by low-income residents, including renters, to improve their environmental health and safety.

The Oregon Legislature established the HHGP in 2021. It directs OHA to provide grants to local organizations serving low-income residents to repair and rehabilitate homes, including rental properties, throughout the state.

Funding recipients

OHA is awarding nearly $20.4 million in HHGP funds to 34 organizations through a competitive grant process and were selected from a pool of 75 applicants. The grantees with the strongest proposals for meeting the priorities set in state law include organizations experienced in improving the health or safety of occupants of residences, maximizing energy efficiency or extending the usable life of homes which serves eligible households in Oregon; and organizations serving historically unrepresented and underserved communities, including people of color, those who are low income, and American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

In addition, OHA has set aside $3 million in HHGP funds for the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, honoring government-to-government relationships. OHA is working with each Tribe to award this funding.

For a video highlighting this work and to hear from recipients themselves, visit this link.

A full list of competitive grant recipients are available on the HHGP website, www.oregon.gov/healthyhomes.

Project examples

Examples of funded projects include home assessments to identify priority structural, health and safety repair needs; energy efficiency updates to protect against extreme temperatures; roof replacements; making homes less susceptible to wildfire damage; and abatement of radon, mold, mildew, and lead-based paint.

The projects will use HHGP funds to fill gaps and leverage other state and federal funding, such as Community Development Block Grants, Weatherization Assistance Program funding and the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.

Grant funding schedule

OHA sent letters of intent to successful grant applicants in August and has been working with individual organizations to finalize grant agreements. The agency hopes to finish executing the grant agreements by the end of January. Grant recipients will have up to three years to complete their projects.

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January 15, 2025

Media Contact: Tim Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

State program urges testing during National Radon Action Month in January

Colorless, odorless gas is second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urging home radon testing during January, when winter heating season is at its peak and tightly closed windows and doors increase people’s exposure to the odorless, tasteless, invisible gas.

January is National Radon Action Month. Each year, OHA promotes the annual observance by encouraging people in Oregon to take steps to reduce their exposure to radon by testing their homes for the gas and, if necessary, hiring a professional to reduce radon to a safe level.

Many parts of Oregon remain at risk of high radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes up from the ground and is drawn into buildings, where it can build up to dangerous levels.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates radon is responsible for around 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and it’s the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

“During the heating season or colder months, when windows and doors are closed for long periods of time, people have more exposure to potentially high radon levels because they are spending more time indoors,” said Brett Sherry, program manager for OHA’s Healthy Homes & Schools Unit, which oversees the Oregon Radon Awareness Program.

“That exposure could significantly increase with so many people working from home,” he said.

National Radon Awareness Month is a great time to remind folks that the only way for them to know if they have high radon levels in their homes is to test.

The Radon Awareness Program monitors which areas of the state have the potential for high radon levels and identifies regions where educational outreach efforts need to be focused. The program is offering a free radon test kit to residents whose homes are in ZIP codes with fewer than 20 radon test results. Residents can learn more about the free radon test kit program and how to apply at www.healthoregon.org/radon. Free test kits are available while supplies last.

Home testing kits can be purchased at hardware or home improvement stores, with prices ranging from $20 to $30. You can also order a radon test kit online from the American Lung Association. If you would prefer to have a professional test your home, contact a certified radon measurement company.

For more information on radon, including which areas of the state are at moderate to high risk of elevated radon levels, radon testing and mitigation options, or to order a test kit online, contact OHA’s Radon Awareness Program at adon.program@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">radon.program@oha.oregon.gov or visit www.healthoregon.org/radon.

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The first Powerball jackpot of 2025, worth $328.5 million, was sold in Beaverton. The ticket for Saturday’s drawing was purchased on January 17 in the 97006 zip code.

 

The winner has a year to come forward and claim their prize. Once a claimant comes forward, it will take time before a winner can be identified due to security and payment processes. Per state law, players in Oregon, with few exceptions, cannot remain anonymous. The largest Powerball prize previously won in Oregon was last year’s $1.3 billion jackpot split between a Portland man, his wife, and friend.

 

Approximately a third of sales from the game will be returned to state beneficiaries to support economic development, education, veteran services, state parks and more.

 

Retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, an Oregon retailer who sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus. The location of the retailer where the current ticket was sold will not be revealed until a winner has come forward due to security protocols.

 

The Powerball jackpot was last won in December when a ticket sold in New York that was worth $256 million. Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

 

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.

 

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

 

TILLAMOOK, Oregon— Cape Lookout State Park will move its construction closure to fall 2025, which means summer campground reservations will reopen. 

 

The park was slated to close temporarily for construction starting in spring 2025, but the schedule has changed. 

 

All reservable campsites sites in A, B, C and D loops as well as deluxe cabins and yurts will be reservable online for stays May 31 through the current 6-month reservation window starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.

 

Cape Lookout is one of the nine GO Bond projects at Oregon State Parks supported through Oregon-issued general obligation bonds approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021.

 

Originally, the project included moving camp loops A & B to higher ground and away from encroaching seawater, but unexpected geological and safety concerns prevented the move. Now the work will focus on extending the life of the existing infrastructure and slated to include: 

• Reinforcing the existing dune to prevent seawater from entering the camp loops
• Upgrading electrical and water systems in C and D loops
• Day use improvements
• Replacing campground restroom/shower building

The work is scheduled to begin in fall of 2025 and extend into spring or summer 2026. The campground and day-use area will be closed during construction. 

We encourage visitors to monitor Oregon State Park website for up-to-date information about the Cape Lookout State Park GO Bond project and campground closures.

 

For more detailed information about the project visit the park construction web page.

SALEM, Ore. —  The Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) is a new component to Oregon’s statewide land use planning system intended to facilitate housing production, affordability and choice to meet housing needs for Oregonians statewide. Three state agencies have vital roles in implementing the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA). Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) are undertaking various tasks outlined by House Bill 2001 (2023).

 

The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) unanimously adopted the first set of rules DLCD will use to implement comprehensive, system-wide housing planning reforms to make meaningful progress in addressing Oregon’s housing crisis in December 2024. DLCD aims to reform the implementation of housing planning from a narrow focus on zoning and land capacity towards a more comprehensive framework that considers the state’s specific housing needs. The new approach emphasizes the role state and local governments play in taking action to promote housing production, affordability, and choice within communities across Oregon. LCDC will adopt additional rules associated with the legislation by January 2026. Information about this rulemaking effort is available on the DLCD website.

 

"Our department looks forward to rolling up our sleeves and working closely with local governments and our partner agencies to implement this critical reform to our state’s land use planning program,” said DLCD Director Brenda Bateman. “The factors that have contributed to our state’s current housing shortage are complex, I am proud of the role that DLCD and our commission is playing to get closer to a future where all Oregonians have access to housing that meets their unique needs.”

 

DAS developed a methodology to estimate the state's total number of housing units needed over a 20-year time period and set housing production benchmarks for cities with 10,000 or more people.  DAS published the methodology and production targets at the beginning of the month and will do so annually.

 

“OHNA represents a deeply analytical approach toward statewide land use planning for both housing and urbanization,” said Carl Riccadonna, state chief economist. Carl leads the Office of Economic Analysis at the Department of Administrative Services. “This is the first time that a statewide methodology has been implemented and considers more components than prior methodologies enacted at the local level. In balancing priorities of responsible land stewardship and equitable economic development, Oregon state government takes an important step toward alleviating a nation-wide housing affordability crisis and securing the economic future of all Oregonians.”

 

OHCS developed a housing production dashboard to monitor local governments' progress towards its housing production targets. Additionally, OHCS established indicators for monitoring equitable housing outcomes by local governments. OHCS will publish the production dashboard and the housing equity indicators annually, starting with the first release on Jan. 1.

 

“We are incredibly proud of the collaboration with other state agencies, local partners, and nonprofit organizations that helped us create these tools to measure housing progress in Oregon,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Creating affordable housing is not just about building structures, it’s about communities coming together with the collective goal to help one another.”

 

About the Department of Land Conservation and Development

 

Oregon's statewide land use planning program, established in 1973 under Senate Bill 100, aims to protect farm and forest lands, conserve natural resources, and support livable communities. The program helps guide the development of land for housing, industry, commercial use, transportation, and agriculture, ensuring that growth is sustainable and well-coordinated. Administered by the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), the program is overseen by the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC), a seven-member volunteer board. Cities and counties in Oregon are required to adopt comprehensive plans that meet state standards, which are outlined in 19 Statewide Planning Goals that address land use, development, housing, transportation, and natural resource conservation.

 

About the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and Office of Economic Analysis (OEA)

 

The Department of Administrative Services is the central administrative department of Oregon state government. The DAS mission is to lead state agencies through collaboration in service of Oregonians. The Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) within DAS provides objective forecasts of the state's economy, revenue, population, corrections population and Youth Authority population. These forecasts are used by the Governor, the Legislature, state agencies and the public to achieve their goals.

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 

 

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

MEDFORD, Ore.— Negasi Zuberi, 31, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, was sentenced to life in federal prison today for kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women, and holding one in a cell he constructed in his garage.

 

“There is no place in civil society for this type of terrifying violence,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I sincerely hope Zuberi’s life sentence will bring some measure of comfort to his victims. Their courage and perseverance are an inspiration to us all.”

 

According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, while in Seattle, Zuberi posed as a police officer and used a taser and handcuffs to detain his victim in the backseat of his vehicle. Zuberi then transported the victim approximately 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, stopping along the way to sexually assault her.

 

At his residence, the victim was moved from his vehicle into a cell he had constructed in his garage. The woman repeatedly banged on the cell door until it broke open and she escaped. The victim retrieved a handgun from Zuberi's vehicle, fled his garage, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911.

 

On July 16, 2023, Reno Police Department officers and Nevada State Patrol officers located Zuberi in a parking lot in Reno, Nevada. After a short standoff, Zuberi surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody.

 

While investigating Zuberi's crimes, federal agents discovered that approximately six weeks prior to the kidnapping in Seattle, on May 6, 2023, Zuberi kidnapped and sexually assaulted another victim. While being held by Zuberi, his first victim observed stacked cinder blocks in his garage that he later used to construct the cell where he detained his second victim.

 

On August 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Zuberi with kidnapping and transporting a victim with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Later, on February 15, 2024, a second kidnapping charge and charges for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.

 

On October 18, 2024, a federal jury found Zuberi guilty of all charges.

 

This case was investigated by the FBI Portland and Reno, Nevada Field Offices, Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon State Police with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada; Klamath County District Attorney's Office; Reno, Nevada Police Department; Washoe County, Nevada District Attorney's Office; Nevada State Police; and Klamath Falls Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Nathan J. Lichvarcik, and Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from Appellate Chief Suzanne Miles, also of the District of Oregon.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Columbia County, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison Thursday for her role in a conspiracy to defraud customers seeking to adopt pets and illegally dispensing prescription animal drugs without a lawful order of a veterinarian.

 

Samantha Miller, 55, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. The sum of restitution Miller must pay to her victims will be determined at a later date.

 

“Today’s sentence should make it clear to others engaged in unconscionable conduct that it will not be tolerated and they will be held responsible for their crimes,” said Hannah Horsley, Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit for the District of Oregon.

 

“The FDA regulates animal drugs as part of its mission to protect the public health, which includes ensuring that prescription animal drugs are lawfully obtained, distributed, and dispensed,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who criminally attempt to evade the law.”

 

According to court documents, between November 2019 and January 2021, Miller and her co-conspirators, through their animal rescue business Woofin Palooza, LLC, conspired to obtain animals with health and behavioral problems from out-of-state shelters at no cost to offer for adoption to paying customers in Oregon. Once animals were transported to Portland, Miller did not provide the care needed by these animals through a licensed veterinarian. Instead, their medical issues were either ignored or Miller attempted to treat the animals herself by administering prescription animal drugs without supervision of a veterinarian.

 

As part of the scheme, Miller used the alias “Mandy Myers” to hide her true identity. Miller advertised animals for adoption on Woofin Palooza and Petfinder websites with misleading or false statements of the known medical and behavioral issues. When victims adopted a pet, Miller misrepresented the extent of health and behavioral issues in communications and contracts with the victims. In some instances, Miller dispensed prescription animal drugs to victims that she had repackaged with false or misleading labels and without the order of a licensed veterinarian. As a result, victims unknowingly adopted unhealthy and aggressive animals and were forced to seek veterinary care and training, including euthanasia, often incurring significant expenses.

 

On February 7, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 4-count superseding indictment charging Miller with conspiring to commit wire fraud, conspiring to misbrand drugs, and misbranding animal drugs by dispensing them without a lawful order of a veterinarian and by repackaging and relabeling them.

 

On October 24, 2024, Miller pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and misbranding drugs by dispensing prescription animal drugs without a lawful order of a veterinarian.

 

This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto and Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wilsonville, Oregon (January 20, 2025) ─ As confirmation hearings ramp up on Capitol Hill, four major sectors of Oregon’s farm and ranch groups are backing President Trump’s nomination of former U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer for secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Oregon Farm Bureau Federation, Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and the Oregon Association of Nurseries all joined together on the endorsement.  
 

The organizations previously worked with her as a member of the House Agriculture Committee. “Lori has a proven track record of being solution oriented and working across the aisle to solve problems facing family farmers and ranchers,” said Oregon Farm Bureau President Angela Bailey. Chavez-DeRemer also received the Oregon Farm Bureau’s Presidents Award in 2024. 

“Lori understands the challenges facing Oregon’s agricultural industry, including the diversity of our businesses and the critical need for a stable labor force to ensure animal care and the sustainability of our farms,” said Oregon Dairy Farmers Association President Bobbi Frost.

Oregon Cattlemen’s Association President Matt McElligott said, “The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association advocates on behalf of Oregon’s 11,000 ranchers. Our association has appreciated the efforts of Lori during her service in Congress on the House Agriculture Committee.  She and her team worked tirelessly to engage on issues of importance to livestock producers and maintained an open door.  We look forward to her appointment as Labor Secretary.”

“Lori has a strong understanding of the unique challenges facing agriculture in Oregon, especially as it relates to the industry’s need for a stable labor force, labor availability and reliance on immigrant labor,” Oregon Association of Nurseries President Ben Verhoven said. DeRemer has been honored twice as Legislator of the Year by the OAN for her support of Oregon’s $1.2 billion nursery industry.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Bargaining between Providence and 5,000 union represented frontline caregivers is currently underway. Unfortunately, Providence is not taking negotiations seriously, offering proposals that are worse than the proposals it sent before the strike started. Providence is openly acknowledging that its “regressive” proposals are because caregivers went on strike. This is not negotiation; this is punishment for frontline caregivers for exercising their legal right to strike. It is also a violation of federal law and an unfair labor practice. 

On Sunday, Senator Ron Wyden joined striking caregivers on the line at Providence Portland Medical Center and had a clear, direct message for Providence, “I’ve been looking at the bargaining process, and I’m here to tell you, that’s not my definition of good faith.” He went on to say; “This isn’t complicated. It’s about working conditions, fair pay, staffing, and it’s about getting a fair shake in the negotiating process.” 

In response to ONA’s proposals to pay frontline caregivers competitive wages and benefits, Providence said that it’s “financially unsustainable” which stands in stark contrast to the lavish salaries Providence has paid to top executives.  According to public filings, in 2023, more than $177 million was paid to just 164 executives. Among these executives were former CEO, Rod Hochman, who retired at the end of 2024 and made $14.8 million in 2023, and Erik Wexler, who became CEO in 2025, who was previously making $5.2 million a year. 

Senator Wyden also had a few things to say about Providence’s hypocrisy: "They certainly spend a lot of money on very high salaries of executives. Given that they do that, they can make sure that workers like these get a fair shake." 

In addition to the exorbitant salaries of their executives, Providence is paying its replacement nurses more than $25 million a week with some job postings offering replacement nurses $7,000 per week, far more than it pays its regular nurses. 

The nearly 5,000 frontline caregivers across Oregon remain committed to negotiating a fair contract, and we are doing so with the urgency that this situation demands. We call on Providence to engage in meaningful negotiations with the same urgency and seriousness. 

 
This strike will continue to grow until Providence is willing to make the necessary compromises to address the key priorities on safe staffing, patient care, and competitive benefits and wages. It’s time to end this strike, not by punishing frontline caregivers with backwards proposals or rewarding executives with lavish bonuses and salaries, but by coming to the table in good faith and settling a fair contract. 

 
Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers:
If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need.

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org. 
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FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:
Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews. 

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES 

TUESDAY - FRIDAY, JAN. 21-24: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

For interviews with nurses at other picket locations, contact Peter Starzynski, Starzynski@OregonRN.org, 503-960-7989

Additional dates and events will be shared with media as it becomes available.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – On Friday, Jan. 17, more than1000 people gathered at a rally outside Providence Portland Medical Center to show support for striking nurses, physicians, and advanced practice providers. In a show of solidarity, the group then marched along NE 47th Ave. to Providence Oregon’s business headquarters on NE Halsey St. Union chants and speakers energized the crowd and reminded them to hold the line and stand up for a fair contract. Video clips of the event are available on ONA’s YouTube channel. 

While Providence continues to claim they are invested in negotiations, the 11 striking bargaining units said the most recent counterproposals are a ‘slap in the face.’ In them, Providence rescinded its offer of ratification bonuses, a violation of federal law, regressive bargaining and an unfair labor practice. It’s clear that Providence cares more about its bottom line than treating its experienced, hard-working caregivers with respect.

 
It's looking to be a busy weekend on the strike lines. While the temperatures may be dropping, striking healthcare workers from the Providence system plan to hold the line. They look forward to welcoming members of other unions and elected officials. 

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers:
If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need.

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org. 

 
FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:
Schedules are subject to change. Please get in touch with the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews. 

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES 
SATURDAY, JAN. 18/SUNDAY, JAN. 19: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org

EVENTS
SUNDAY, JAN. 19: 12:30 PM 
• U.S. Senator Ron Wyden Visits Strike Line at Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 

Additional dates and events will be shared with media next week. 
###

(MEDFORD, Ore.) - We are proud to announce that after a year of hard-fought negotiations, the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNHWMA) Southern Oregon Providers have achieved a historic first contract for the Providence Medford Emergency Department.

 

This agreement marks a significant milestone and serves as a testament to what can be accomplished when employers bargain in good faith and with a genuine commitment to their staff.

 

The contract includes important gains, including a 20.7% base wage increase for physicians, significant pay increases for APRNs and PAs, and enhanced shift differentials, along with additional benefits for continuing education and workplace safety.

 

A vote on this tentative agreement is scheduled for the last week of January.

 

This agreement is a powerful example of the difference that respectful and productive negotiations can make. However, this is also a stark contrast to the ongoing strike by the nurses at Providence Medford. These nurses remain on the picket line because Providence has failed to show them the same respect in their contract negotiations. We stand in solidarity with the nurses, and this achievement serves as a reminder of what is possible when workers' voices are heard and valued equally. 

 

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(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has reviewed the most recent counterproposals from Providence, and these offers are nothing more than a slap in the face to the nearly 5,000 striking caregivers across the system. 

 

Providence’s proposals do not show any meaningful movement on the core issues facing our nurses: fair wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions.

 

But most shocking is that Providence’s proposals have removed ratification bonuses—bonuses that Providence has been touting to the press and in radio ads as an example of their “generous offer” to striking caregivers to settle this dispute.

 

This is not negotiation; it’s punishment. It is also a violation of federal law, regressive bargaining and an unfair labor practice.

 

Providence claims publicly they are ready to negotiate but these proposals prove they are not serious about engaging in meaningful dialogue. It’s time to end this strike, not by punishing nurses and doctors with backwards proposals, but by coming to the table in good faith. 

 

Providence's priorities are crystal clear when you look at their executive compensation. In 2023, more than $177 million was paid to just 164 executives, as reflected in Providence's publicly available financial filings. Among these executives were Rod Hochman, who retired at the end of 2024 and made $14.8 million in 2023, and Erik Wexler, who became CEO in 2025, who was previously making $5.2 million a year. 

 

The contrast between the lavish pay for those at the top and the struggling conditions for those on the frontlines is a direct reflection of Providence's failure to prioritize its workers and patients over excessive executive pay.

 

ONA wants to be 100% clear: bargaining is happening.   

 

We are actively engaged in bargaining right now by exchanging proposals with the employer; in fact, ONA provided counterproposals to Providence within 18 hours. ONA is committed to bargaining in a way that is reflective of the urgency of the moment, and we are open to face-to-face meetings or Zoom sessions as needed to move the process forward, but we are engaged in bargaining now. 

 

We just need a good faith partner to negotiate with. 

 

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(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Oregon Nurses Association received Providence’s counterproposals on Thursday afternoon while hundreds held the line at Providence hospitals around the state. At Providence St. Vincent, firefighters from IAFF Local 43 hosted a barbeque while other bargaining units received donations of food and snacks to keep them going.  

 

The proposals received by ONA from Providence do not reflect any meaningful movement on their previous offers or caregivers’ core priorities of safe staffing, market-competitive wages and employee health insurance. Along with the proposals, Providence sent a request for bargaining dates. Both are being reviewed and discussed by the bargaining units. 

 

Striking workers also congratulated nearly 120 Labcorp laboratory professionals at Providence Portland who filed their intent to form a union. The lab professionals organized with ONA’s sister union, Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP). 

 

Friday, January 17, 2025, will be a busy day on the line at Providence Portland. At 8 a.m. newly sworn-in Congresswoman Maxine Dexter will meet with striking members. Then at noon, striking nurses, physicians, and advanced practice providers from across Oregon will join a unity rally. 

  

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031) 

Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222) 

Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045) 

Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132)  

Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138) 

 

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers: 

If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need. 

 

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.    

 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.  

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FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY: 
 
Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to an ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.  
 
FRIDAY, JAN. 17: 8 AM 

U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter Visits Strike Line at Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

FRIDAY, JAN. 17: Noon 

Unity Rally at Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

 

SUNDAY, JAN. 19: 12:30 PM 

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden Visits Strike Line at Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

 

Additional dates and events will be shared as they become available.  

 

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - When Providence finally agreed to return to negotiations with nearly 5,000 striking frontline caregivers, the bargaining teams from the Oregon Nurses Association moved quickly and sent proposals to Providence from all 11 bargaining units. More than 24 hours later, and Providence has not responded. 

 

Providence claims to be ready to resume negotiations but their lack of response and urgency demonstrates they may not be as serious about negotiations as they previously claimed.  

 

Instead of responding to ONA’s proposals, Providence spent the day trying to divide frontline caregivers with coercive messages about crossing the strike line. The Oregon Nurses Association is calling on Providence to take negotiations seriously so we can reach a fair contract and end this strike. 

 

The strike lines are strong and getting stronger as frontline caregivers are resolved to reach fair contracts that address the systemic issues facing Providence like chronic understaffing, high turnover rates, and lower standards in patient care. 

 

ONA’s proposals include language on the following:

 

Safe Staffing – ONA proposes that each hospital incorporate patient acuity into all units and hospital staffing plans to determine the appropriate number of patients a nurse can be assigned. Nurses caring for patients with higher acuity, who require more attention, should be assigned fewer patients to ensure they can spend more time with those with the greatest need. 
 
Providence, however, has rejected proposals to have acuity factored into staffing plan ratios. This will ultimately limit the amount of time nurses can spend with patients who require the most care and could negatively impact patient outcomes.

 

Market Competitive Wages – Frontline caregivers are not asking for exorbitant wages; we are asking for market-competitive compensation that recognizes our experience, hard work, and value to the communities we serve. It is crucial to remember that wages are also key to recruitment and retention of staff which, in turn, impacts chronic unsafe staffing conditions that put both patients and healthcare workers at risk. ONA is asking for wage increases that will bring Providence more in line with market leaders.  

 

It is important to note that these wage offers from Providence, if agreed to, would still mean their frontline caregivers would be far behind the market on wages. Specifically, by 2026, Providence nurses with 15 years of experience would earn approximately $8,000 less annually than their counterparts at OHSU, based on Providence’s current wage offers.    

 

Employee Health Insurance -– Providence employees can pay upwards of $6,300 dollars in out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles while employees at Kaiser, the market leader in employee healthcare, pay only $10 out of pocket for procedures and doctors' visits.  

 

ONA has proposed lowering health care premiums and copays for employees or an Aetna Impact Fund to make up for the cost increases because of Providences transition to Aetna to manage their employee health insurance. ONA has also proposed a Letter of Agreement to convene a regional task force to explore new ways to provide health insurance to ONA members, including exploring a healthcare trust. 

 

Providence has rejected any changes to health insurance benefits. 

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Upon hearing that Providence was ready to restart negotiations with all bargaining units, bargaining team members from 11 striking units submitted proposals late Tuesday through federal mediators. The proposals address the systemic issues impacting Providence hospitals and clinics across the state like chronic understaffing and competitive compensation packages to recruit and retain more staff. Bargaining teams are awaiting a response from Providence. We have not heard a response from Providence, and we hope they are taking this process seriously so we can reach a fair contract. 

 

Healthcare workers proved once again that even though they are off the job, they aren’t off duty. On Wednesday, nurses and hospitalists at Providence St. Vincent took part in an all-day mobile blood drive across from the hospital. Another blood donation event will take place on Monday, Jan. 20 and is an opportunity to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr.  

 

On Thursday, Jan. 16, firefighters from Local 43 will host a barbecue at Providence St. Vincent. This will be the second time firefighters have shown support for striking nurses. The last time was June 2024, when nurses held a three-day limited-duration strike followed by a two-day picket because of an illegal lockout by Providence.  

 

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) 

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031) 

Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222) 

Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045) 

Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132)  

Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138) 

 

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers: 

If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need. 

 

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.    

 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.  
 

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FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY: 
 
Schedules are subject to change. Please contact the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.  

 

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES  
 
THURSDAY, JAN. 16: 8 – 9:30 AM 

Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) - Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org 

 

THURSDAY, JAN. 16: 11 AM – 1 PM 

Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) - Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org 

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) - Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

 

Additional dates and events will be shared with media members as they are available.  

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Another day of strong strike lines as nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates and certified nurse midwives held the line at eight Providence hospitals. That pressure combined with community and elected support resulted in Providence announcing that it is ready to get back to bargaining – with all 11 bargaining units. Providence has been spending an estimated $25.39 million per week on replacement nurses - approximately $1,400 per replacement nurse per day. This does not include the immeasurable cost of the replacement hospitalists and other caregivers from Providence St. Vincent and the Providence Women’s Clinics. Healthcare workers remain united and committed to negotiating in good faith to secure fair contracts and improve care for their patients. This strike is about achieving lasting, meaningful change for workers and patients alike.

Always willing to help where they can, on Wednesday nurses and hospitalists at Providence St. Vincent will participate in an all-day mobile blood drive across from the hospital. Those who organized the event felt that it was a small way to help the community, especially since the country is in the middle of a shortage.  

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers:
If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need.

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org. 
###
 
FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:
Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews. 

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15: 8 – 10 AM
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org 

THURSDAY, JAN. 16: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) - Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) - Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) - Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

Additional dates and events will be shared with media members as they are available. 

Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  Registration is now open for the 2025 Run for the Trees at www.orparksforever.org.

 

Participants can run, walk, hike, skate, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15.

 

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.

 

Gather your friends, family and/or colleagues and create your own walk or run. Make it fun!

 

Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

 

As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its fifth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include ten other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland and Virginia will “lock arms” as they help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

 

“We are thrilled to partner with Bob Ross, Inc. and these other ten states on the Happy Little 5K concept as a way to honor the late Bob Ross and create a legacy event to plant trees,” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.”

 

Oregon Parks Forever joined this event as an expansion of our efforts to fund the replanting of trees killed by wildfires, heat domes and invasive insects.  Over the past three years, Oregon Parks Forever has been able to fund the replanting of more than 800,000 trees across Oregon.

 

“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.”

 

Learn more about the program at  www.orparksforever.org.