Emergency Reports | News Releases | Media Contacts
Sort by: Date | Category
Boise/Southern Idaho News Releases for Mon. Jun. 30 - 3:08 pm
State
Two Rivers Correctional Institution reports in-custody death (Photo)
Oregon Dept. of Corrections - 06/29/25 12:11 PM
Merino-Apolinar_B.jpg
Merino-Apolinar_B.jpg
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2025-06/1070/182077/Merino-Apolinar_B.jpg

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Bonafacio Merino-Apolinar, died the morning of June 29, 2025. Merino-Apolinar was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at a regional hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

 

Merino-Apolinar entered DOC custody on September 19, 2007, from Marion County with no parole date. Merino-Apolinar was 54 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.

 

####

Amber Campbell, 458-224-4390, Amber.R.Campbell@doc.oregon.gov
Betty Bernt, 971-719-3521, Betty.A.Bernt@doc.oregon.gov



Attached Media Files: Merino-Apolinar_B.jpg

Oregon Department of Corrections Work Crew to the Rescue (Photo)
Oregon Dept. of Corrections - 06/25/25 4:07 PM
SFFC hiker rescue June 2025 1.jpg
SFFC hiker rescue June 2025 1.jpg
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2025-06/1070/182023/SFFC_hiker_rescue_June_2025_1.jpg

Earlier this month, https://www.tillamookfiredistrict.com/. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Tillamook Fire District  reached out to South Fork Forest Camp (SCCF) to assist with a backcountry rescue on the Kings Mountain Trail in the Tillamook State Forest. SFFC Security staff and a 10-man crew of adults in custody responded to the call. Upon arriving at the trailhead, they learned a hiker had suffered a broken ankle approximately 1.3 miles up the steep terrain.

 

The team hiked in and worked alongside Fire/EMS personnel to safely carry the injured hiker back to the trailhead, showcasing teamwork, strength, and a commitment to helping the community.

 

SFFC is minimum-security work camp that houses approximately 200 adults in custody who are within four years of release. Part of SFFC's mission is to supply a ready work force to combat forest or wildfires throughout the state. Crews provide critical support for statewide fire operations, recreation, and reforestation; as well as provide support for special projects such as sign making, metal fabrication, and tool or equipment repair. SFFC was established in 1951 and is a satellite facility to CRCI and managed jointly with the Oregon Department of Forestry. It is located approximately 28 miles east of Tillamook, just off of Highway 6 along the Wilson River in the Tillamook Forest.

 

Visit Department of Corrections: Welcome Page: State of Oregon for more information about the Oregon Department of Corrections.

 

Visit https://www.tillamookfiredistrict.com/. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Tillamook Fire District for more information about the Tillamook Fire District.

 

####

Amber Campbell, 458-224-4390, Amber.R.Campbell@doc.oregon.gov
Betty Bernt, 971-719-3521, Betty.A.Bernt@doc.oregon.gov



Attached Media Files: SFFC hiker rescue June 2025 1.jpg , SFFC hiker rescue June 2025 2.jpg , SFFC hiker rescue June 2025 3.jpg

Commission approves out-of-state fees, beach driving restrictions in Manzanita (Photo)
Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. - 06/25/25 2:09 PM
Beach Driving 1.jpg
Beach Driving 1.jpg
http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2025-06/1303/182006/Beach_Driving_1.jpg

INDEPENDENCE, Oregon— The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved out-of-state fees for parking permits, beach driving restrictions in Manzanita and a small land purchase near Silver Falls at its meeting in Independence June 18.

 

The beach driving restriction was requested by Manzanita City Council due to concerns about public safety with increased visitation and ecosystem preservation. There was a public comment process, then the closure was reviewed by the commission, Manzanita City Council and Tillamook County Commission.

 

Previously, the ocean shore near Manzanita was open to vehicles 7 a.m. to noon from October 1 to April 30. The approved closure will eliminate that open period, but individuals who need to launch boats can still access the ocean shore by permit.

 

In other business, the commission approved:

Outgoing commissioner Vicki Berger was recognized for her eight years of service to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the state of Oregon. Retiring Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff members Chrissy Curran, Rebecca Jasso and Alice Beals also received appreciation for their dedication and contributions. This was the first meeting for new commissioners Stu Spence and Dave Parulo. Their terms expire May 2029.

 

The full agenda with documents are available on the commission website and a recording of the meeting is available on the OPRD Director’s Office YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE3ov5VnFKY

Stefanie Knowlton, public information officer
971-803-0154
Stefanie.Knowlton@oprd.oregon.gov



Attached Media Files: Beach Driving 1.jpg , IMG_1578.jpg , IMG_1591.jpg