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Seattle/Western Wash. News Releases for Sat. Jul. 12 - 6:36 pm
Fri. 07/11/25
Stephanie Van Marter to Serve as Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington (Photo)
U.S. Attorney's Office - Eastern Dist. of Wash. - 07/11/25 2:57 PM
Stephanie Van Marter
Stephanie Van Marter
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2025-07/6857/182367/SAV_17.JPG

Spokane, Washington – On July 7, 2025, Stephanie Van Marter assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. 

 

Van Marter, who was born and raised in Spokane, is a distinguished graduate of Gonzaga Prep, Gonzaga University, and the Gonzaga School of Law, where she graduated with highest honors in 1999.  She has been with the United States Attorney’s Office for more than two decades and has served in numerous leadership positions over that time, most recently as Senior Litigation Counsel, Deputy Criminal Chief, and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) Coordinator.  Working alongside federal, state and tribal agency partners, she has taken on hundreds of complex federal cases involving transnational drug trafficking, murder, weapons offenses, crimes against our tribal communities and members, and crimes against children.  Van Marter has been nationally recognized for her successful prosecutions and leadership in targeting and bringing to justice the most dangerous transnational drug traffickers harming our community. 

 

Van Marter began her prosecutorial career as a deputy prosecuting attorney for Ada County in Boise, Idaho.  During law school, she began serving in the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an intern and volunteered as a victim advocate at Lutheran Family Services in Spokane.  While earning undergraduate degrees in criminal justice and psychology from Gonzaga, she worked at the Spokane Police Department, supporting community policing initiatives.  Van Marter continues to be an active member of the Spokane community, serving as a board member of the Cancer Care Foundation with her father and sister, and as one of the founding board members for the Spokane Alliance for Fentanyl Education (“SAFE”), which recently received national recognition for its work educating the public on the dangers of illicit fentanyl.  Skiers at Mount Spokane may also recognize Van Marter, a certified first responder, who served for 13 years as a member of the National Ski Patrol.  She and her husband, who was also raised in the Spokane community, are the proud parents of four grown sons, each of whom has gone on to earn a college or advanced degree.  Two of her sons also serve in the United States military. Van Marter intends to remain engaged in community service throughout her time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

 

“Having grown up in this community and chosen it as the place to raise my own family, I am humbled and honored to serve as Acting United States Attorney,” Van Marter said.  “I have dedicated my career to this community and to developing and maintaining partnerships with all who serve in law enforcement.  I have always been driven by a deep commitment to bring justice to those impacted by crime, to ensure that the voices of victims are heard, and to carry out the important law enforcement and prosecutorial missions of this District.  I am proud to be a part of a team of dedicated professionals who work every day to protect our communities, and to work with our federal, state, tribal and community partners and to bring and defend cases that will continue to make our communities stronger and safer.” 

 

Van Marter’s law enforcement colleagues have welcomed her into her new role as the chief law enforcement officer for the Eastern District, which spans all 20 counties east of the Cascade mountains in Washington.  “Steph Van Marter has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to justice and public safety in all of her work, from transnational drug cases to complicated Indian Country matters,” said Tom Atkinson, the Deputy Associate Director of the Division of Drug Enforcement for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  “Her strong support for the BIA and her unwavering collaboration with tribal, federal, and local partners continues to make a real impact in the communities that make up the Eastern District.  We fully support her appointment as Acting U.S. Attorney and are confident she will continue to champion tribal sovereignty, safety, and justice for all.”

 

Van Marter succeeds Richard R. Barker, who concludes his service as Acting U.S. Attorney but leaves the leadership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in experienced hands.  “Through her years of service, Steph Van Marter has built outstanding relationships with law enforcement and community members and has brought unmatched dedication to the mission of this office,” Barker said. 

 

Van Marter looks forward to building on the legacy established by the United States Attorneys who have come before her.  “This office has an incredibly rich tradition of outstanding leadership.  From Jim Connelly, Jim McDevitt, Mike Ormsby, and Joseph Harrington, from whom I learned so much in the early part of my career, through the late Bill Hyslop, to Vanessa Waldref and Richard Barker, the U.S. Attorneys in this District have laid a strong foundation upon which I am eager to build.  I am privileged to have been mentored by these incredible leaders and to have seen firsthand the vast talent of so many Assistant United States Attorneys who have worked and sacrificed for the good of this office and the people in this District. I am grateful for the high standards set by those who have come before me, and I am humbled to be able to follow their examples.”

 

Van Marter also highlighted her excitement about continuing the great work done by her team at the U.S. Attorney’s Office: “We will build on our already-strong and important relationships with law enforcement and community partners throughout this District.  We will keep seeking justice by bringing a one team approach; to combine and expand our resources together so we can bring the most impactful cases that help our community to be safer.  We will continue to stand for those impacted by crime.  I am so grateful to have this opportunity to continue to strengthen Eastern Washington and secure justice for those who call this beautiful and special place home.”

Robert Curry
Public Affairs Specialist
USAWAE.Media@usdoj.gov



Attached Media Files: Stephanie Van Marter

Thu. 07/10/25
Granite Falls School Board of Directors to Hold a 2025-26 Budget Hearing and a Study Session
Granite Falls SD - 07/10/25 1:06 PM

NOTICE OF HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of Granite Falls School District No. 332, Snohomish County, Washington, has completed the estimates for the Budget of the District for the 2025-2026 school year; a copy of which has been placed on file with the Secretary of the Board. Copies thereof will be available to any taxpayer who requests them from the Secretary.

The Board of Directors will meet at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2025, to adopt the 2025-2026 budget. Any taxpayer may submit to the Board and be heard for or against any part of the said budget up to 3:00 p.m. on July 23, 2025, by submitting comments, questions, and/or concerns to pjimenez@gfalls.wednet.edu.  

 

Prior to the budget hearing, the board will meet at 5:00 pm to review the budget in a study session. 

Paris Jimenez
pjimenez@gfalls.wednet.edu

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Washington Educational Leader Dr. Gay V. Selby (Photo)
Kelso Sch. Dist. - 07/10/25 11:30 AM
Dr. Gay V. Selby
Dr. Gay V. Selby
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2025-07/57/182333/DrGaySelby.jpg

Beloved Educator. Trailblazing Leader. Champion for Students and Public Education.

 

Kelso, WA – With deep sorrow and profound respect, the Kelso community and the broader Washington education family mourn the loss of Dr. Gay V. Selby, a legendary educator, barrier-breaking leader, and relentless advocate for students and public education. Dr. Selby passed away peacefully from cardiac arrest on July 7, 2025, at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview. She was 83.

 

Across a remarkable 50-year career, Dr. Selby transformed the landscape of education in Washington state, dedicating her life to learning, leadership, and service. She served as superintendent of Kelso School District from 1984 to 1994—becoming the first woman to lead a first-class school district in Washington—and was named the state’s Superintendent of the Year in 1992. Her legacy in Kelso is enduring, rooted in high expectations, student-first values, and community connection.

 

Dr. Selby’s groundbreaking path began as the first female athletic director during her tenure at Kamiakin High School in Kennewick. She went on to become the first female principal at Pullman High School, and later served as Assistant Superintendent in Spokane Public Schools, where she led instruction and guided the rebuilding of 38 schools.

 

After her retirement from K-12 leadership, she embarked on a second career at Washington State University Vancouver, where she served for 25 years as a professor of educational leadership. There, she built a premier principal certification program and mentored over 300 future leaders—many of whom now serve in school districts across the state. She also taught in the statewide superintendent certification program, shaping Washington’s next generation of district leaders.

 

A proud and lifelong Cougar, Dr. Selby played an instrumental role in establishing WSU Vancouver—serving on the campus site selection committee, helping hire its second chancellor, and chairing the WSU Vancouver Advisory Council. In recognition of her extraordinary service and leadership, WSU named a portion of the Dengerink Administration Building the “Selby Tower” in 2024—a rare and lasting tribute. She was also honored with the WSU Foundation’s Faculty/Staff Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.

 

Dr. Selby was a tenacious public servant. Appointed by three governors, she served on the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board. Locally, she held leadership roles on the PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Board for over a decade and as President of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, where she earned lifetime membership. She was named Kelso’s Citizen of the Year in 1992 and received numerous statewide honors, including the Barbara Mertens Legacy Award, the WIAA Pioneer Award, and the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Service Award.

 

Her love for Washington State University and Cougar athletics was unwavering—holding football season tickets since 1976 and requiring her students to learn the Cougar fight song as a rite of passage.

 

Dr. Selby’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Washington State University Vancouver, in the Dengerink Administration Building—beneath the Selby Tower. A reception will follow, and all are welcome to attend.

 

Gay V. Selby
December 19, 1941 – July 7, 2025

 

May her legacy forever echo through the lives she touched, the leaders she formed, and the institutions she strengthened.

 

We are forever grateful.

Michele Nerland, PIO
michele.nerland@kelsosd.org
360.501.1928



Attached Media Files: Dr. Gay V. Selby

Wed. 07/09/25
Prevention efforts, Initial Attack resources prove successful in reducing wildfire threat
Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash. - 07/09/25 2:37 PM

PORTLAND, Ore. —As Oregon continues to experience persistent hot and dry conditions typical of midsummer, both community prevention efforts and swift responses from wildland firefighters are playing a crucial role in keeping large fires at bay. This season, fewer large wildfires have been reported compared to previous years, a positive trend that fire officials attribute to increased public awareness and the dedication of Initial Attack resources.

 

This summer, the Bureau of Land Management, along with other agency’s wildfire prevention strategies, are delivering real results. Community vigilance has been instrumental in preventing human-caused wildfires. People recreating, traveling, and working outdoors have stepped up by adhering to fire safety practices, following burn bans, and observing campfire restrictions and equipment guidelines. This collective responsibility is making a real difference in minimizing risk across the state.

 

Equally significant has been the outstanding performance of Initial Attack resources and technology. These critical first responders—including district firefighters, smokejumpers, and aviation crews—have remained on high alert and have responded rapidly to emerging fire starts. Their ability to contain fires during the first few hours of ignition is making all the difference.  These firefighters are using fire detection cameras to alert them to new fires across Oregon and Washington, giving them every advantage they can to detect, respond and suppress the wildfires at the smallest size possible.

 

“Initial Attack firefighters have been putting out a ton of fires before they get big. A lightning storm last week was causing 60–70 fires a day, and Initial Attack caught them all,” said Richard Parrish, Assistant Fire Management Officer. However, fire season is far from over and the lightning that occurred over the past couple of days did result some large fires and the BLM continues to support our partners with these fires. With many weeks of hot, dry weather still ahead, fire officials urge the public not to let their guard down. Continued attentiveness and adherence to fire safety guidelines remain essential.

 

Everyone can help reduce fire risk by taking simple but effective precautions:

  • Stay updated on and comply with local fire restrictions.
  • Never leave campfires unattended and extinguish them completely.
  • Avoid driving or parking on dry vegetation, which can ignite fires.
  • Ensure that trailer chains are secured and do not drag on the roadway.
  • Operate outdoor equipment during the cooler parts of the day to reduce spark risk.

 

-BLM-

The BLM manages roughly 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

jnikirk@blm.gov

Tue. 07/08/25
Richard R. Barker Concludes Service as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington (Photo)
U.S. Attorney's Office - Eastern Dist. of Wash. - 07/08/25 3:32 PM
RRB.jpg
RRB.jpg
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2025-07/6857/182276/RRB.jpg

Spokane, Washington – On July 7, 2025, Richard R. Barker stepped down as the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. Barker will be returning to private practice in Spokane after a distinguished career in public service.

 

Acting United States Attorney Barker has over a decade of experience as a career prosecutor, serving as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2014.  During his career, Barker has held the positions of First Assistant United States Attorney, Tribal Liaison, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Coordinator, Digital Asset Coordinator, and Public Affairs Officer.  From 2014 – 2019, Barker served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the nation’s capital, where he served as a dedicated homicide prosecutor.  In early 2019, Barker joined the Eastern District of Washington, serving as an Assistant United States Attorney (“AUSA”) in the Spokane office. 

 

Acting United States Attorney Barker has dedicated his career to serving victims of violent crime, while handling numerous homicide and violent crime cases. Late last year, Barker was lead counsel with AUSA Michael J. Ellis in the trial of Zachery Holt and Dezmonique Tenzsley for the double murder of two Tribal members and the attempted murder of a federal officer on the Colville Indian Reservation. In 2023, Barker successfully prosecuted Ronald Craig Ilg, who attempted to hire hitmen on the dark web to harm his wife and a former work colleague.  Earlier this year, Barker was lead counsel with AUSA Nowles Heinrich and Echo Fatsis in the successful trial of Luis Esquival Balonos, who was convicted on multiple drug trafficking charges stemming from more than one hundred pounds of illegal drugs being distributed on and around the Colville Indian Reservation and into Montana. Barker, who carried an active caseload while leading the office, was the first Eastern Washington U.S. Attorney in nearly two decades to try a case to a verdict while serving in the U.S. Attorney role.

 

Throughout his career, Acting United States Attorney Barker also handled several significant drug trafficking prosecutions.  In 2023, Barker, with co-counsel AUSA Stephanie Van Marter, prosecuted the “Fetty Bros” Drug Trafficking Organization, which was distributing hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills and other drugs into Eastern Washington and using extreme violence to insulate their organization. In his efforts to further address the fentanyl crisis, Barker worked with now former U.S. Attorney Waldref and the City of Spokane to create a Special U.S. Assistant Attorney position focused on prosecuting those responsible for illegal narcotics impacting the Spokane area.

 

As First Assistant United States Attorney, Barker supervised the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s litigating units, which include the Criminal, Civil, and Appellate Divisions. As the Chief Deputy to the U.S. Attorney, Barker helped establish the District’s dedicated Appellate Division and worked closely with the Office’s administrative team to obtain additional DOJ resources for increasing public safety throughout Eastern Washington.

 

Throughout his service, Former Acting U.S. Attorney Barker built strong relationships with Washington’s Native American communities and worked tirelessly to honor federal treaty rights with Tribal Nations in Eastern Washington and address the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous people.  In early 2024, Barker played a key role in hiring the district’s first MMIP AUSA, who is fully dedicated to prosecuting cases of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People.  For Barker’s dedication to working with Native American communities and improving public safety, he received a Department of Justice Director’s Award in 2024. 

 

“Serving as a federal prosecutor has been the highlight of my career,” said Barker. “It has been an honor to represent the United States and seek justice for victims and their families. Spokane has truly become home for me and my family, and I look forward to remaining active in the legal community as I return to private practice right here in Eastern Washington.”

 

Former U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, “Acting U.S. Attorney Barker is an exceptional leader, a talented trial attorney, and a fearless advocate for justice. His service to the Department of Justice and dedication to protecting the communities of Eastern Washington is second to none. He led the District with distinction, focusing every day on doing the right thing for victims and the community and maintaining an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.”

 

Outside the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Barker will continue to serve as an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University School of Law, where he has taught courses in Trial Advocacy and Conflicts of Law. Barker also serves as a Lawyer Representative to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

 

Stephanie Van Marter will be assuming the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “I’m honored to pass the torch to Acting U.S. Attorney Van Marter,” said Barker. “Steph has dedicated her career to the Department of Justice, and she will lead this office with the same honor, integrity, and commitment to justice as those who have served before her.” A formal announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding Ms. Van Marter’s new role will be issued in the coming days.

Robert Curry
Public Affairs Specialist
USAWAE.Media@udoj.gov



Attached Media Files: RRB.jpg

PeaceHealth President and CEO Liz Dunne to Retire After a Decade of Transformative Leadership (Photo)
PeaceHealth - 07/08/25 10:33 AM
Liz Dunne 2025 Final.jpg
Liz Dunne 2025 Final.jpg
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2025-07/5173/182257/Liz_Dunne_2025_Final.jpg

Vancouver, Wash.Today, after 10 years of distinguished service, PeaceHealth President and Chief Executive Officer, Liz Dunne, announced her upcoming retirement. Following a formal discernment process supported by a premier executive search firm, the PeaceHealth System Board unanimously appointed Sarah Ness, current executive vice president and chief administrative officer, as her successor, effective Jan. 3, 2026.  

 

Group 5, Grouped object

Since joining PeaceHealth in 2015, Dunne has delivered on her bold commitment to make the organization better, not bigger. Over the past decade, she has reinforced PeaceHealth’s foundation and led its transformation into one strategically aligned, integrated health system. Under her leadership, the organization has achieved significant gains in clinical and operational excellence and sustainable growth — driven by novel partnerships and unprecedented philanthropic giving. 

 

Dunne set the culture of safety and clinical excellence as a cornerstone for PeaceHealth, leading to the achievement of five consecutive ‘A’ grades from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades and improved star ratings from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), including the highest rating possible — 5 stars — for PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend, during her tenure.  

 

These achievements helped pave the way for strategic partnerships to expand access to care with organizations such as Kaiser Permanente and Oregon Health & Science University, as well as the acquisition of ZoomCare and joint ventures to expand behavioral health, rehabilitation and specialty pharmacy services. Under Dunne, PeaceHealth also achieved historic philanthropic success — raising more in charitable contributions over the past decade than at any other time in its history. 

 

“Leading PeaceHealth has been the most meaningful chapter of my career,” said Dunne. “Inspired by the courageous compassion of the founding Sisters, together we’ve reimagined what healthcare can be — rooted in dignity, community and the deeper roots of health. I’m humbled by what we’ve built and deeply grateful to the caregivers who bring that vision to life every day.” 

 

“I’m incredibly proud of Sarah and confident in her leadership,” Dunne added. “My heart is full and my mind at peace knowing she will steward PeaceHealth’s cherished legacy into the future.” 

 

Dunne will remain in her role through the end of the year to support a successful transition. PeaceHealth System Board Chair, Carol Aaron, praised her enduring legacy: “Liz brought inspirational change to PeaceHealth, challenging the Board to reach for the highest standards in excellence and performance, grounded in our Mission and Values. She leaves PeaceHealth stronger, more focused and better prepared for the future.” 

 

A hallmark of Dunne’s leadership has also been a steadfast focus on whole-person care that addresses the social determinants of health. Under Dunne, PeaceHealth earned recognition as one of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America, a prestigious national awards program by Healthiest Employers® and Springbuk®, with PeaceHealth consistently earning national and state recognition for its commitment to employee well-being. She also championed a comprehensive community health strategy, prioritized mission-aligned investments, and cultivated innovative collaborations that extended care beyond clinical walls. 

 

PeaceHealth System Board member and former System Board Chair, Sister Andrea Nenzel, CSJP, reflected on the significance of Dunne’s legacy: “For 135 years, PeaceHealth has been rooted in faith, compassion and a call to serve the most vulnerable. Liz showed us that innovation and Mission are not in conflict — they are deeply intertwined.” 

 

A New Chapter of Mission-Driven Leadership  

Group 15, Grouped object

Incoming President and CEO Sarah Ness will be the second female lay leader in PeaceHealth’s history and brings a deep understanding of PeaceHealth’s Mission, shaped by more than two decades of dedicated service within the organization.  

 

Widely respected for her courage and grace, Ness is known for leading with transparency, resilience and diplomacy. She has a strong track record of building high-performing teams, delivering measurable impact, and fostering a more connected, human-centered health system. 

 

An accomplished change-agent, Ness has led organizational transformation in PeaceHealth’s culture, technology and operational improvements. Her leadership has been instrumental in promoting caregiver well-being through a holistic approach that nurtures the heart, mind, body and spirit. She led the modernization and automation of workforce management systems, enhancing efficiency and adaptability. Ness also aligned caregiver, clinician and patient experience under a unified Human Experience division, elevating PeaceHealth’s reputation and loyalty measures to historic levels. 

 

Additionally, Ness championed the nationally recognized Women of Peace movement to boost recruitment and retention, enhance professional development and career pathways and foster a sense of belonging and well-being within PeaceHealth’s workforce. 

 

“To be entrusted with the leadership of this 135-year ministry is an immense honor and profound responsibility,” Ness said. “I have deep respect for the foundation Liz has built and her leadership in navigating complexity while holding fast to our Values. It is a privilege to build on the legacy of integrity, equity and innovation she leaves behind.” 

 

PeaceHealth remains committed to person-first healthcare that honors the dignity of every individual.  With Ness at the helm, PeaceHealth will continue to transform and innovate for the future — delivering compassionate, high-quality care and staying true to the Mission that has guided it for 135 years. 

 

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, nearly 3,200 physicians and clinicians, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org. 

 

### 

 

Debra Carnes
System Director, Strategic Communications
dcarnes@peacehealth.org, 206-669-6559



Attached Media Files: 08.08.25_News Release PeaceHealth President and CEO transition.pdf , Liz Dunne 2025 Final.jpg , Liz Dunne and Sarah Ness horizontal.jpg , Liz Dunne and Sarah Ness vertical.jpg , Sarah Ness 2025 Atrium Final.jpg

BLM to offer up to 54 million board feet of timber in western Oregon
Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash. - 07/08/25 8:07 AM

PORTLAND, Ore The Bureau of Land Management will offer several timber sales in July, totalling about 54 million board feet to be harvested from nearly 1,900 public acres across Western Oregon. Timber produced by these sales will provide critical supplies for construction and other industries, and support jobs across local economies. 

 

"More than 20% of BLM-managed lands are forest and woodland ecosystems. The BLM ensures the health and resilience of these public forest lands as well as the availability of traditional forest products, such as timber,” said BLM OR/WA State Director Barry Bushue. “Timber sales help to improve, maintain, and restore forest health, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat and to reduce wildfire risk." 

 

The Roseburg District will offer two sales near Oakland in Douglas County, the Mean Mustard timber sale (2.2 million board feet, 132 public acres); and the Sternbreaker timber sale 6.9 million board feet, 247 public acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on July 22, at the Roseburg District Office, 777 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg. 

 

The Northwest Oregon District in Salem will offer the Mary Ellen timber sale (12.7 million board feet, 284 public acres) near Molalla in Marion County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on July 23, at the Northwest Oregon District Office, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem. 

 

The Northwest Oregon District  in Springfield will offer two sales in Lane County, the Creat-Panther timber sale (6.3 million board feet, 219 public acres) near Veneta; and the Linebacker timber sale (six million board feet across, 191 public acres) near Marcola. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on July 24, at the Northwest Oregon District Office, 3106 Pierce Pkwy E, Springfield. 

 

The Medford District will offer the Big Dog timber sale (5.3 million board feet, 396 public acres) near Butte Falls in Jackson County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on July 24, at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford. 

 

The Coos Bay District will offer the Blue Elk timber sale (14.6 million board feet, 423 public acres) near Scottsburg in Coos County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on July 25, at the Coos Bay District Office, 1300 Airport Ln, North Bend. 

 

In western Oregon, the BLM manages 2.4 million acres of some of the most productive forests in the world, and is committed to supplying a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber. BLM forestry supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, conserves fish and wildlife habitat, and decreases costs of energy production. Local communities rely on jobs that come from BLM forests, and timber from public land feeds local industry. 

 

Each year, the BLM Oregon-Washington forestry program sales support approximately 2,000 local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies. Revenue from timber sold on O&C lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon counties. This funding provides local communities with the means to construct new county buildings; develop fairgrounds and museums; support libraries, schools, and jails; and build flood-control dams and reservoirs. 

 

-BLM- 

 

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 

BLM Oregon/Washington State Office: blm_or_wa_press@blm.gov
Media Contact: Samantha Ducker, sducker@blm.gov

Mon. 07/07/25
Murdock Trust announces grants to Washington nonprofits
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust - 07/07/25 1:14 PM

Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Winter & Spring 2025 Grants Report. The report announces: 

  • 101 total grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $28,109,090. 

  • This includes $9,613,590 through 42 grants to nonprofits serving the Washington community. 

  • The report can be found here. A full list of grantees can be found here. 

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.5 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org. 

Colby Reade, Vice President of External Affairs & Strategy
360.694.8415 // colbyr@murdocktrust.org

Murdock Trust announces grants to Alaska nonprofits
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust - 07/07/25 1:12 PM

Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Winter & Spring 2025 Grants Report. The report announces: 

  • 101 total grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $28,109,090. 

  • This includes $2,298,000 through 7 grants to nonprofits serving the Alaska community. 

  • The report can be found here. A full list of grantees can be found here. 

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.5 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org. 

Colby Reade, Vice President of External Affairs & Strategy
360.694.8415 // colbyr@murdocktrust.org