Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) and Canine Companions will host a Puppy Matriculation Ceremony

Media invite

What:

Please join us as Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) and Canine Companions host a Puppy Matriculation Ceremony to celebrate the service dogs raised by incarcerated women through the facilities unique training program. The event will include a heartfelt reunion with the graduated service dogs, the individuals they now assist, and the women who helped raise and train them. This is a unique opportunity for the women at CCCF to see the dogs thriving in their new roles – a powerful testament to the programs positive impact on everyone involved.

When:

Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Where:

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility 24499 SW Grahams Ferry Road Wilsonville, OR 97070

RSVP to: 

Amber Knight via email no later than 5:00 PM on September 19, 2025

Amber.N.Knight@doc.oregon.gov

Public Information Officer 503-507-3567 

Additional Information:

To learn more about Canine Companions, visit https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcanine.org%2Fabout%2Fwho-we-are%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_name=%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101994ee0fa36-22222425-69a7-47a0-942d-bfd997f1b192-000000/6c9pL6fbpy5PoFa79uZbE4qaLyptjl8KH5gN2TuuYno=422. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Who We Are - Canine Companions 

Background:

The dogs being celebrated spent their first 18 months at CCCF being cared for and trained by incarcerated women known as Puppy Handlers. During their time at the facility, the puppies learn their first 30 foundational skills. They then continue to a regional training center in California that teaches them advanced instruction and prepares them to become fully certified service dogs. This program offers incarcerated women the opportunity to contribute to society in a meaningful, purpose driven way.

Media wishing to attend will be required to complete a criminal background check. We ask that you arrive 30 minutes early to be processed through security.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, James Daniel Gardner, died September 14, 2025. Gardner was incarcerated at Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) in Salem and passed away at the facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Gardner entered DOC custody on June 2, 2022, from Josephine County with an earliest release date of December 24, 2025. Gardner was 32 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women 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.

OSCI is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 870 adults in custody. It provides a range of correctional services and programs including education, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health treatment, religious services, work crews, and transition planning. OSCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises, including a print shop and a contact center. OSCI was established by action of the 1955 Legislature and became fully operational on June 1, 1959.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Ralph Stout Pettefer, died the morning of September 9, 2025. Pettefer was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Pettefer entered DOC custody on June 28, 1996, from Clatsop County with an earliest release date of November 12, 2032. Pettefer was 73 years old.

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

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

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COOS BAY, Oregon— The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 25-27.

Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including JR Ranger programs, a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 25 and a star party each night.

“Places like Sunset Bay and Shore Acres offer visitors a chance to see the natural world not only during the day but also at night. They’re special because they show us what the sky looked like everywhere before light pollution. Seeing the night sky in its full brilliance is powerful and, for many, even emotional,” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.

The astronomy festival gives visitors a chance to see and learn more about the night sky.

NOTE: Outdoor events are weather dependent.

Thursday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Our Star, The Sun JR Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email Kenneth.Page@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
• 7:30 p.m.: Navigating by The Stars program at Shore Acres Gardens
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Thursday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

Friday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Constellation Station Junior Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
• 6-7 p.m.: Jellyfish: The Alien Next Door guided hike (meet at Shore Acres Observation Building for 1-mile hike)
• 7:30: How to Talk to Aliens Even if You’re Shy evening program at Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Friday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

Saturday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Guided hike (Meet at Interpretive Center at Sunset Bay Campground for 1-mile hike)
• 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
• 7:30 p.m.: Imagining Other Worlds Night Program at Shore Acres
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Saturday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

For Immediate Release                                                                                             

Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Announces New Exploremores™ Girl Scout Sandwich Cookie Joins Lineup for 2026 Season

Taking after the classic chocolate treat, the new rocky road ice cream–inspired cookie captures the limitless spirit of exploration that drives Girl Scouts

BOISE, IDAHO, Sept. 9, 2025 – Today, Girl Scouts of Silver Sage announced that Exploremores™, a rocky road ice cream–inspired sandwich cookie, will join the lineup for the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season. Filled with delicious flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and toasted almond–flavored crème, Exploremores reflect the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout. Girl Scouts across the United States will offer the Exploremores cookie nationally, both online and in person at local booths, during the upcoming 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season alongside fan favorites like Thin Mints® and Caramel deLites®.

Each cookie season, through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls push their limits, embrace challenges, think creatively, and believe in their own potential. While earning skill-building badges such as the My First Cookie Business, My Cookie Customer, and My Cookie Team badges, girls acquire leadership and entrepreneurial tools needed for brighter futures. As entrepreneurs, girls master the ability to set goals, make decisions, manage money, develop people skills, and learn business ethics.

"We're thrilled to introduce our newest Girl Scout Cookie, a delicious addition to a time-honored tradition that’s about so much more than just cookies,” said Dr. Angela Hemingway, CEO of Girl Scouts of Silver Sage. “Every box sold represents important lessons in goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. These are life-long skills that empower Girl Scouts to become confident leaders and changemakers in their communities. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a powerful tool for building a successful future, one girl, and one cookie at a time."

All proceeds from cookie sales stay local with Girl Scout councils and troops to help fund life-changing programs, experiences, and adventures all year long.

Customers can make purchases at Girl Scout Cookie Booths which will operate at their favorite local retailers from February 20 to March 15, 2026. Text “Cookies” to 59618 to get the latest Girl Scout Cookie news.

For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit www.girlscouts-ssc.org. Troops are forming now. Life’s more fun when you explore more!

About Girl Scouts of Silver Sage: 

Boise-based Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council is a girl-led youth development organization that serves 3,300 K-12 girls across Southern Idaho and in parts of Northern Nevada and Eastern Oregon. The council, along with a team of 1,800 local volunteers, delivers a leadership curriculum focused on STEM, entrepreneurship, life skills, and the outdoors; building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.