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The City of Cornelius, in partnership with Centro Cultural de Washington County, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office, is proud to announce the Ninth Annual Cornelius Community Dinner. A free turkey holiday meal will be provided to community members and is expected to serve over 400 meals. Everyone is welcome, and no reservations are required to attend.
The Cornelius Community Dinner will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cornelius Elementary School (200 N. 14th Ave, Cornelius, OR 97113).
The dinner is made possible through generous donations, volunteer efforts, and the collaboration of local community partners, including:
- Bimbo Bakeries USA
- Cornelius Booster Club
- Cornelius Fred Meyer
- Cornelius Walmart
- Botten’s Equipment & Event Rental
- Forest Grove School District
- Reser's Fine Foods
- Starbucks
- Washington County Police Officers Association
- Western Washington County Firefighter’s Association
“Our annual Community Dinner is one of the highlights of the year, bringing people together to share a meal and connect. It’s also a chance to support those in need, offering a warm meal to those who could really use it. We are grateful to all of our community partners and businesses, without whom this important event would not be possible,” said Cornelius City Manager Peter Brandom.
This event also provides an opportunity for members of the community to connect with each other, city leaders, police, fire officials, and more.
We are grateful for the support that helps make this event a yearly tradition for many!
For volunteer opportunities, please visit https://bit.ly/3sfAWMH.
Community Dinner Flyer: https://bit.ly/CommDinnerFlyer2024
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Providence St. Vincent Medical Center to take a report of a sexual assault that occurred at 8400 SW Hemlock Street in Portland (Metzger Park).
Investigators learned the victim was in the park walking her dog when she was approached by a man who sexually assaulted her.
Investigators obtained a description of the attacker from the victim. The man was described as approximately 30 years old, 5’ 10” tall, and roughly 180 lbs. with a stocky build. The man’s ethnicity is believed to be Pacific Islander, with straight black hair down to the nape of his neck and no facial hair. The man wore basketball shorts with a white stripe, a dark T-shirt, flip-flops, and a backward baseball cap.
The victim worked with investigators to provide a composite description of the attacker.
If you have information about this incident, contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 503-846-2500.
In June of 2024, investigators with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a sexual assault allegation involving 68-year-old Ronald Burchett of Beaverton. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit were assigned to investigate. In October 2024, an additional person came forward to report being sexually assaulted by Burchett. In both cases, Burchett met the victims while they were houseless and offered to help them.
On November 7, 2024, a Washington County grand jury indicted Burchett on charges of unlawful sexual penetration in the first degree and sexual abuse in the first degree. Deputies arrested Burchett on the following day and lodged him in the Washington County Jail.
Investigators strongly suspect that there are other women who have been victimized by Burchett. Detectives believe that Burchett specifically targeted women who do not have stable housing.
Anyone with information regarding Burchett is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 503-846-2500.
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, while monitoring a suspicious property near the 10000 block of NW Iron Ridge Place, deputies serving the City of North Plains recognized a man known to have an outstanding felony warrant.
The deputies called for additional support and applied for a search warrant. Members of the Tactical Negotiations Team (TNT) were dispatched to assist in taking 34-year-old Jonathan Hess into custody.
After several hours of a standoff with police, Hess was taken into custody after being found hiding in the attic under insulation. Hess was arrested for his felony warrant from the Oregon State Parole Board.
The investigation evolved after while serving the search warrant, deputies observed evidence of drug distribution inside the residence. Deputies located substances believed to be heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, morphine, and psilocybin. Other evidence of drug distribution was located inside, in addition to firearms.
On Monday, October 21, 2024, a Washington County Grand Jury Indicted Hess for the following charges.
- Distribution of controlled substance – fentanyl – commercial drug offense
- Distribution of controlled substance – fentanyl – substantial quantity
- Possession of a controlled substance – fentanyl – commercial drug offense
- Possession of a controlled substance – fentanyl – substantial quantity
- Felon in possession of a firearm
Additional charges may follow.