The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Portland Field Office and the Portland Police Bureau are asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual(s) responsible for the shooting death of 22-year-old Geavauntae Sherman nearly one year after his murder.

On June 20, 2022, Sherman was shot and killed at Raymond City Park in Portland, Oregon, while attending his sister’s birthday party. It is believed that an argument broke out nearby and Sherman was shot by a male from another group in the park.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the murder of Geavauntae Sherman.

“Geavauntae Sherman was celebrating his little sister’s birthday when he was killed in the middle of a Portland city park. An argument that began over playground equipment ended in loss of life,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “It’s been nearly a year, and we know there were dozens of witnesses in the park that evening. We need those witnesses to come forward with any details they remember. We hope the $15,000 reward will encourage anyone with information to reach out to the FBI and to help this family get the justice they deserve.”

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The FBI says that they will accept anonymous tips to assist in their investigation. If you know anything, the Sherman family needs closure and justice for Geavauntae.

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the FBI Portland Field Office at (503) 224-4181, your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online.


--Dollie Banner

Post Date: 2023-06-14 15:57:51

Last Update: 2023-06-14 16:54:08

The Oregon Attorney General’s Office has now certified the Constitutional Carry for Oregon’s (CCFO) ballot title for Initiative Petition 2024-021.

The draft ballot title read: “Amends Constitution: Creates constitutional right to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.”

The certified ballot title now reads: “Amends Constitution: Creates right to carry a concealed firearm without a permit; voids existing concealed carry restrictions.”

In a joint statement, the petitioners stated, “We have no plans to challenge the ballot title; however, it’s important to point out that the voiding of concealed carry restrictions in no way places firearms into the hands of felons or those otherwise unable to legally possess a firearm. A second point is that such individuals do not typically apply for concealed carry permits to begin with.”

At present, 27 U.S. states are already constitutional carry states.

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After a 10-day appeals period placed by the Attorney General’s Office, and a three-day processing period by the Secretary of State’s Office, final signature sheets will be issued. The process of gathering the 160,551 signatures for the initiative to appear on the November 2024 general election ballot will begin thereafter. CCFO has until July 5, 2024, to submit signatures.

CCFO is a grassroots volunteer effort. The three chief petitioners are: Joel Pawloski, a retired Army Lt. Colonel in Marion County; Kerry McQuisten, the former mayor of Baker City in Baker County; and Jean Sampson, former city council member of Clatskanie in Columbia County.

More information can be found at the CCFO website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-06-13 18:50:15

Last Update: 2023-06-13 18:58:21

The Marion County Oregon Board of Commissioners have now selected Lieutenant Nicholas Hunter of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to fill the vacancy for the Sheriff position left by Sheriff Kast's upcoming retirement. Six applicants were interviewed in a special Board Session today that also included Christopher Baldridge, Director of Safety and Risk Management Services for Salem Keizer Public Schools, and Deputy Sheriff Chad Jones, Deputy Sheriff Chris Kennedy, Sergeant Donald Parise, and Deputy Sheriff Stacy Rejaian of the Marion County Sheriff's Department.

Marion County Commissioner Colm Willis, Board Chair, said, “I appreciate Lt. Hunter’s valuable experience and his willingness to serve our community. We look forward to working with him to protect our community and ensure Marion County continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“Lt. Hunter voiced a strong desire to maintain stability, and also to trust his people in the transition from Sheriff Kast’s retirement, and I strongly believe that is what their office needs right now,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “I also appreciate his recognition that the world is changing, and that we need to progressively change to serve the citizens of Marion County.”

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Commissioner Danielle Bethell, in speaking to Lt. Hunter, said, “You said that before you can understand the solution, you need to understand the problem, and I will hold you accountable to that. This community is full of problems and full of solutions, but it requires a listening, thoughtful ear to seek those solutions. I look forward to working with you in that opportunity.”

Lt. Hunter will be officially appointed as Sheriff at the Commissioners’ June 28, 2023, Regular Board Session.

A swearing-in ceremony will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, in the Senator Hearing Room at Courthouse Square located at 555 Court St. NE, in Salem. The public is welcome to attend.

Sheriff Joe Kast announced his retirement effective June 30, 2023.

When a vacancy occurs in a county elected office, the Marion County Board of Commissioners appoints a replacement who will hold office until the next general election.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-06-13 17:54:42

Last Update: 2023-06-13 18:20:01

Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek has announced that she will appoint Sara Collins to the Jackson County Circuit Court. Ms. Collins will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Joseph M. Charter, who the Governor thanked for his service.

The appointment is effective immediately.

“Sara Collins is a talented lawyer with a passion for justice and public service,” Governor Kotek said. “In particular, Sara’s experience litigating juvenile cases with compassion and integrity will allow her to hit the ground running and serve her community well.”

Sara Collins grew up in Jackson County and attended South Medford High School.

After graduating from law school at the University of Oregon, she completed a judicial clerkship in Alaska and served as a prosecutor there.

In 2004, she returned home to Oregon, spending 11 years as a public defender.

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In 2016, Ms. Collins entered private practice. She represents clients in juvenile, family law, and criminal cases.

Ms. Collins served as a volunteer pro tem judge from 2015 to 2018. For the last six years, she has served on the board of directors of La Clinica.

La Clinica a medical nonprofit in Jackson County committed to providing what they call "culturally appropriate" healthcare to Jackson County’s population.

Collins also serves on the Executive Committee of the Oregon State Bar’s Juvenile Law Section.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-06-12 18:29:54

Last Update: 2023-06-13 17:53:38

On Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 10:04 a.m., a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) motorcycle officer on assignment to the PPB Traffic Division was made aware of a man driving a pickup truck that had entered the closed streets of the parade route. The officer saw parade goers running out of the street and heard them screaming, trying to get his attention.

The officer then saw the truck driving east on Northeast Weidler Street ahead of him and he attempted to stop the truck.

The officer, on a motorcycle, was using the lights and sirens but the driver of the truck refused to stop and went south on Northeast MLK Jr. Blvd.

The officer then pulled alongside of the truck and told the driver to pull over but he still refused. The officer then drove ahead of the truck to warn pedestrians until it appeared the driver was going to hit him and the officer got out of the way. The officer then again attempted to get in front of the truck to stop or slow the truck down and the driver suddenly turned left onto Northeast Wasco Street and drove directly at families sitting on the curb, waiting for the parade. The officer witnessed several people in danger of being struck by the vehicle as it left NE MLK JR. Blvd.

The officer continued to pursue the truck, which then ran through a barricade, causing volunteers to quickly get out of the way to avoid being hit.

The vehicle left the parade route but continued to elude police officers. The PPB Air Support Unit took over following the truck and was able to update other responding officers.

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The truck eventually stopped near the intersection of Northeast 24th Avenue and Northeast Clackamas Street, where the driver was taken into custody.

Investigators later learned the driver came from Northbound I5 and went around two Oregon Department of Transportation trucks that were being used to close the ramp on to Northeast Weidler Street. The driver of the truck had to go up into the ivy on the hill side of the ramp to make it around the trucks.

The driver was identified as 42-year-old Sidney Sean Mecham of Portland.

Mecham was booked at the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Disorderly Conduct, Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, and Hit and Run (from an earlier, unrelated case). Mecham was also cited for Driving While Suspended, Failure to Obey a Police Officer, and for no insurance. Mecham's vehicle was towed due to no insurance.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-06-11 20:43:15

Last Update: 2023-06-11 20:58:25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-06-10 10:54:54

Last Update: 2023-06-10 11:24:04

Washington County Emergency Management will lead a major earthquake scenario from June 12th - 14th as part of a disaster response and recovery exercise to test a multiagency response to a major earthquake. Referred to as “Shake It Off,” this exercise will involve 16 different organizations, including Washington County, several cities, special districts, community organizations and private-sector partners such as healthcare providers and technology companies.

The Shake It Off exercise will simulate response and recovery operations prompted by a high magnitude earthquake, such as the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck near the Turkey and Syrian border in February this year. This exercise is a continuation of the 2016 full-scale exercise Cascadia Rising, which involved practicing the first four days of response to a catastrophic earthquake.

These exercise participants will test their plans and procedures for quickly coordinating multi-agency response and recovery operations throughout Washington County, Oregon.

Areas of focus include testing communication plans, emergency operations center (EOC) functions, opening emergency shelter locations and providing staffing, food and other resources to displaced community members.

“Putting into practice our emergency response planning will test how we coordinate with our city, district, regional and community partners and identify our strengths and weaknesses when the ‘big one’ strikes in our region,” said John Wheeler, director of the Emergency Management Cooperative of Washington County. “How quickly and efficiently we respond to a major earthquake will be critical in providing care and resources to our community.”

Washington County will lead the exercise starting with the setup and activation of its emergency operations center (EOC) on June 12th.

Communication drills, shelter siting, and resource request processes will be the focus of exercise play on June 13th.

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On June 14th Washington County will also partner with the American Red Cross Northwest Oregon Chapter, Centro Cultural of Washington County, Citizen Emergency Response Teams and others to establish a mock emergency shelter at the Tualatin Hills Athletic Center in Beaverton (50 NW 158th Ave., Beaverton, OR 97006) in a small area of the basketball courts. This portion of the exercise will begin with a building inspection and assessment of potential structural damage.

Other anticipated activities of participating agencies and organizations in this exercise include:

City Governments

• City of Beaverton will test their communication plans on June 13th and send Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers to support the simulated shelter activities on June 14th.
• City of Hillsboro will activate its emergency operations center and practice damage assessment procedures, resource request processes and fuel and donation management.
• City of Sherwood will conduct a tabletop exercise for its emergency operations center team.
• City of Tigard will activate its operations center, use volunteer amateur radio operators to communicate and conduct damage assessment procedures and send Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers to support the simulated shelter activities on June 14th.

Fire Districts

• Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue will activate its fire operations center and practice its disaster communications procedures and systems.

Hospitals and Emergency Medical Services

• Hillsboro Medical Center and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center will participate in the communications drill.

Other agencies, community organizations and private-sector partners

• American Red Cross will send a liaison to the County EOC on June 13th to support shelter siting and resourcing and support the activation of a shelter on June 14th.
• Clean Water Services will refamiliarize staff with Incident Command System (ICS) principles and elements of EOC operations and test emergency communications procedures and equipment.
• Metro will conduct a series of tabletop exercise for its emergency operations center team.
• Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA) will exercise its backup communications and employee notification systems.
• Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District will host the shelter simulation along with testing their emergency operations center and resource request processes.
• Tualatin Valley Water District will participate in the communications drill.
• Centro Cultural will support the shelter activation on the 14th.
• Intel Corp. will participate in the communications drill.

More information about preparing for earthquakes and other natural disasters can be found at these web sites:

• Washington County Oregon Emergency Management
• Washington County Emergency Management Cooperative
• Take 5 to Survive
• Oregon Department of Emergency Management
• Public Alerts
• Ready

--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-06-10 09:10:13

Last Update: 2023-06-10 10:35:49

On May 25, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court in a 9-0 decision ruled in favor of the plaintiff in Tyler vs Hennepin County Minnesota, 22-166. The decision will stop about a dozen states and counties, including Oregon, from keeping surplus funds from the sale of homes that has been foreclosed and sold for back taxes. States and counties can only keep taxes owed, and the rest goes back to the owner. No more 'windfalls'.

The case was brought by Geraldine Tyler, a 94-year-old woman from Minneapolis who owed $2,300 in unpaid taxes, plus interest and penalties totaling $15,000 when the county took title to her one-bedroom apartment in 2015. The county sold her home for $40,000 and kept the remaining $25,000. The court ruled that the county violated the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment, which blocks the government from taking private property without "just compensation." They ruled Tyler's constitutional rights were violated by taking her property without paying "just compensation."

Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, and the District of Columbia have historically kept the surplus profits after property tax sales.

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Oregon took steps to prevent foreclosure during the pandemic, but many still lost their homes. The Oregon Department of Revenue states on foreclosure: "At the end of the redemption period (10-30 days), the tax collector deeds the property to the county and all taxes are canceled. When the tax collector deeds the property to the county, you lose all rights to the property."


--Ritch Hanneman

Post Date: 2023-06-09 13:22:46

Last Update: 2023-06-10 08:09:27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-06-08 20:31:29

Last Update: 2023-06-08 20:48:50

Portland City Council has now passed amendments to update existing public camping restriction policies. This ordinance puts the City of Portland in compliance with House Bill 3115 which was adopted by the Oregon Legislative Assembly in 2021.

The updated code aims to provide reasonable time, place, and manner camping restrictions for those experiencing homelessness. Enforcement of the amended city code has also been updated and will be implemented through a phased-in approach beginning in late-July at the earliest.

“I want to thank my colleagues on the Portland City Council for passing these reasonable restrictions which are now codified in City Code,” said Mayor Wheeler. “The next few months will be focused on education and outreach – with an emphasis on ensuring the homelessness navigation outreach teams have clear and thorough information on this new ordinance. These reasonable restrictions, coupled with our work on increasing shelter availability along with access to services, are a step in the right direction toward a revitalized Portland.”

Time restrictions that prohibit day camping:

The ordinance amends code to allow an involuntarily homeless person to camp in non-restricted areas between the hours of 8 pm and 8 am. After 8 am, the person must dismantle the campsite until 8 pm.

Place restrictions:

The code changes specify several places where camping is always prohibited. Restrictions include, but are not limited to, the pedestrian use zone, 250 feet from a school or childcare center, in the public right-of-way along the High Crash Corridor, and City Parks.

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Manner restrictions:

Prohibitions include use of gas heaters in or around a campsite, obstructing access to a private property or business adjacent to the public right-of-way, alterations to the ground or infrastructure, environmental damage, and the accumulation or leaving behind garbage, debris, unsanitary hazardous materials, sewage, or drug paraphernalia.

Enforcement:

Portland says that the ordinance will be phased in using written warnings before someone is subject to criminal enforcement.

If a person has been offered alternative access to shelter or housing, and they decline to use those alternatives, then they are prohibited from camping anywhere in the City because they have an alternative place to go.

If a person does not have alternative access to shelter or housing because it is not available, then the person may camp if they follow the time, place, manner regulations implemented by the City. Those who do not adhere to the restrictions will receive two initial warnings (and education of the updated rules). The third violation will be subject to criminal enforcement with fines or jail time, though Portland says that the DA's office will be focused on seeking alternative sentences, which the City says it fully supports. The city says that enforcement of this ordinance is intended to be a tool to connect people with appropriate resources, while also addressing behavior that is damaging to the community.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-06-07 19:24:03

Last Update: 2023-06-07 20:19:07

The Lane County, Oregon Elections Office is offering voters a way to track ballot returns in Lane County. The new dashboard allows viewers to see how and where ballots were returned, how many have been returned, and how many ballots have signature challenges.

Lane County says that the results will be published every few days, after ballots have gone through the full signature verification process.

“We are very excited to introduce this new tracking tool to Lane County voters. It is the perfect complement to our 24/7 livestream, 8-Step Ballot Processing Guide, and tentative ballot processing schedule” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “Transparency is important to us and the ability for voters to see how elections are conducted, including ballot return data, will help build trust and get more people engaged in the democratic process.”

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The dashboard can be viewed by visiting their website and selecting the “Ballot Returns Dashboard” button. The button appears on the right side of the screen on computers; those using mobile devices will need to scroll down.

Voters with questions can email the elections office, or call 541-682-4234.

The Lane County Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County. The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-06-06 21:55:32

Last Update: 2023-06-06 22:06:12

The USDA Forest Service is waiving recreation fees for day-use sites in Washington and Oregon on Saturday, June 10 in celebration of National Get Outdoors Day. This special initiative aims to encourage families and individuals to explore the beauty and wonders of our nation's forests and public lands.

National Get Outdoors Day is an annual occasion to enjoy outdoor activities and recreation, promoting healthy lifestyles and a deeper connection with nature.

"We are delighted to waive fees for National Get Outdoors Day," said Tracy Calizon, Assistant Director, Recreation and Related Resources for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service. "This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals and families to engage in outdoor activities and discover the incredible natural beauty that our forests and public lands have to offer. We hope that by providing free access, more people will be inspired to connect with nature, create lasting memories, and foster a lifelong appreciation for our environment."

On June 10th, visitors to the Pacific Northwest Region's forests and public lands will have the opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes, hike scenic trails, observe wildlife, and participate in a wide range of outdoor activities.

The waiver includes many picnic areas, boat launches, trailheads, and visitor centers.

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Concession operations will continue to charge fees unless the permit holder chooses to participate. Regular fees for camping, cabin rentals, heritage expeditions, and other permits will still apply.

The USDA Forest Service says that approximately two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands are available for use at no cost and 98 percent of national forests and grasslands have no fees at any time.

The Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service manages millions of acres of land across Washington and Oregon including over 2,400 developed recreation sites, more than 24,000 miles of trails, 51 Wild and Scenic Rivers, and two national monuments.

Visitors are encouraged to check their local forest or public land websites for specific information on recreation opportunities, trails, safety guidelines, and any additional regulations.

The Forest Service also encourages visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles during their outdoor adventures. Respecting the environment and being mindful of our impact helps preserve its natural beauty and ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy these remarkable landscapes.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-06-05 18:38:52

Last Update: 2023-06-05 18:52:52