By FOX 12 StaffPublished: May 2025 at 4:37 PM PDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInALBANY Ore (KPTV) - A person has been arrested after engaging in an armed standoff with troopers at a rest stop near Albany The incident started Friday afternoon around 3:30 p.m According to Captain Kyle Kennedy with OSP troopers responded to the Santiam Rest Area on a report about of a person pointing a gun at other people the suspect was not compliant and entered a vehicle,” said Cpt “The individual has not been compliant as troopers work to bring the incident to a resolution.” Kennedy said the probable charges will be menacing and disorderly conduct I-5 southbound was completely closed in the area But after the standoff ended that interstate was expected to reopen About 600-700 protesters gathered in Albany Oregon to protest President Trump and Elon Musk on April 5 one of more than a thousand such demonstrations An armed suspect who refused to comply with law enforcement was taken into custody at an Albany-area rest stop off Interstate 5 late afternoon Friday Oregon State Police responded to the Santiam Rest Area on a report of a man who pointed a firearm in the direction of others the suspect was not compliant and went into a trailer Kennedy said troopers were working toward a resolution about an hour into the incident radio scanner traffic indicated the man had been arrested and may have been bitten by a K-9 Kennedy confirmed via email that the suspect was in custody but his identity has not yet been made public Kennedy said the man faces probable charges of menacing and disorderly conduct Scanner traffic also indicated the man was armed with a handgun and may have had other weapons Witnesses on social media said an armored vehicle was deployed to the scene The rest area was closed for the public's safety and a detour was set up Traffic was reportedly backed up for miles on southbound I-5 More local crime and public safety news More Albany news Cody Mann covers public safety and justice in Linn and Benton counties. He can be contacted at 541-812-6113 or Cody.Mann@lee.net Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email Email notifications are only sent once a day Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account by Stephanie Ryan — The Capital Region is coming together to support Tia Szcepanski a dedicated pediatric nurse at Albany Medical Center and a traveling nurse to Syracuse who has been diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia a life-threatening blood disorder affecting bone marrow Supporters can contribute to Szcepanski's fight against the disease through her GoFundMe page causing headaches for Thursday evening’s commute The station representative that can assist any person with disabilities with issues related to the content of the public file is Brittany Moroukian. She can be contacted at bmoroukian@wnyt.com or 518-207-4710 NY — The Capital District Reptile Expo is set to return to the Albany Capital Center on Sunday promising its largest selection of exotic animals and supplies to date has consistently drawn nearly 5,000 attendees to the Capital Region each spring and fall The expo will feature over 180 vendor tables across more than 80,000 square feet Darrin Palmateer who owns Adirondack Exotics, that was affected by the Gloversville fire told CBS6 he and his exotic pets were set to be a part of this with his animals The event will also highlight its signature Education Room providing hands-on learning opportunities with over a dozen zoologists offering close encounters and educational presentations on these fascinating creatures General admission is available from 10 a.m with VIP ticket holders gaining early access at 9 a.m General admission tickets are priced at $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 to 13 The expo offers a 10% discount to military personnel Tickets can be purchased on the expo's website or Facebook page with preordering recommended for express check-in The expo's mission emphasizes promoting the exotic pet trade responsibly focusing on education and proper husbandry A portion of the profits is donated to wildlife conservation efforts including habitat preservation and protecting endangered species For more information, ticket sales, and a complete list of vendors, visit www.CapitalDistrictReptileExpo.com by Jana DeCamilla (WRGB) — A 23-year-old Schenectady man was formally charged in connection with an April stabbing Jose Martinez was arraigned on the indictment that charges him with one count of Attempted Murder one count of Attempted Assault with Intention to Cause Serious Injury Assault with Intention to Cause Physical Injury with a Weapon and third-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon Albany Police responded to a residence on Kent Street for reports of an individual who had been stabbed Police found a 16-year-old male with a puncture wound to his back He was treated on scene by emergency medical personnel and transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital Police determined that the victim was stabbed in the area of Central Avenue and Quail Street Albany Police observed a male matching the description of Martinez on foot in the area of Eagle Street and Elm Street and arrested him Safe & Found Coordinator Therese Wilson and Senior Sergeant Dee Coates hit the road on 8 April 2025 to work with Alzheimer’s WA and local care providers Hosted by Alzheimer’s WA the information session highlighting the vital role Safe & Found plays in supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s The presentation focused on how Safe & Found can provide frontline officers with rapid access to accurate up-to-date information when a person goes missing One particularly well received segment addressed the sensitive issue of driving and dementia “It’s a conversation many families find challenging,” said Therese “We aimed to provide practical support and reassurance which is at the heart of what Safe & Found is all about — giving families peace of mind while helping police respond more effectively.” The visit also included a guided tour of Hawthorn House and Don’s Cottage — innovative community-based facility that offer respite and connection for people living with dementia Morning tea with clients offered a warm and personal highlight with both officers touched by the welcoming atmosphere “The dedication of the staff and volunteers was evident in every interaction,” said S/Sgt Coates “It was truly inspiring to see how Alzheimer’s WA is responding to the needs of the local community.” The Albany visit reflects Safe & Found’s broader commitment to engaging with regional communities and fostering strong partnerships with local service providers The goal is to ensure people living with cognitive impairments remain safe Visit the Safe & Found website Don't include any personal information.If you need a response, send an enquiry instead The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present WA’s wider Great Southern has grown to include several beer-centric venues and craft breweries One of the latest, Barrel Farm taps into a different type of history for the region opening up on a dairy farm with a history that stretches back over 100 years much of that original farm can still be found Not only are the rolling hills and broad acreage still just as picturesque but original tin and stone dairy and sheering sheds from its former working life still stand spacious venue features recycled red brick features rescued from the property’s original farmhouse But Barrel Farm isn’t all retro and recycled with a food menu that leans very contemporary with Mediterranean flavours Dishes like Albany sardines with pangrattato beef short rib with creamy polenta and blue cheese are hits meatball subs and Reuben sandwiches are perfect alongside pints of freshly brewed beers and all of it has a focus on the Great Southern’s abundance of local produce Barrel Farm’s beers are also all about the now with six regular brews spanning in vogue styles like a mid-strength hazy XPA a punchy 5.9% ABV IPA and a crisp but fruity Pacific ale among others A traditional style cider and seasonally changing beers round out the offering The venue doubles as a cellar door for Denmark based Yilgarnia wines with an extensive list for dine-in drinking plus tastings and take away bottles available All of the above can be enjoyed in Barrel Farm’s spacious venue that’s loaded with charm thanks to the recycled red brick reclaimed timber bar and huge glass windows that offer crystal clear views of those verdant paddocks Find Barrel Farm at 47898 South Coast Highway, Marbelup, Albany, open Wednesday-Sunday – check the website for specific times and offerings. Image Credit: Barrel Farm/Beck and Call Coffee CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) rows of stately Eucalypts have stood guard over a hundred plaques bearing the names of Australians who served in various conflicts But over the years the area beneath the trees has become soft with the buildup of mulch and fallen debris prisoners from Pardelup Prison Farm are joining forces in a collaborative effort to improve accessibility to the Mount Clarence site while preserving its significance as a place of reflection and remembrance These minimum security Section 95 prisoners are approved to work in the community as part of their rehabilitation and will carry out earthworks for building walkways beneath the trees Pardelup Superintendent David Patterson explained the project was an opportunity for the prisoners to gain expertise in landscaping and construction “They’re not just building a beautiful walkway They’re building a legacy both for themselves and the community which will walk these paths for years to come,” Superintendent Patterson said “The estimated cost was prohibitive -  $50,000 But Corrective Services and Veterans Minister Paul Papalia saw what we were trying to achieve and stepped in to help.” City of Albany Executive Director Community Services said the project reflects the community’s commitment to honouring those who served “It is heartening to see so many local groups and organisations working together to enhance and preserve this important space It’s a powerful example of community spirit in action.” The project is expected to be completed by late September Don't include any personal information.If you need a response, send an enquiry instead The Great Southern boasts some of the world’s finest produce so it’s no surprise their eateries are pulling no punches Whether you’re looking for classic fish and chips a pub feed or a sexy date night destination we’ve found eight of Albany’s best restaurants for your next trip down south Set in the corner bar of the heritage-listed London Hotel, Liberté is très très cool – offering an excellent wine and craft beer selection paired with an enticing mix of French and Vietnamese bar food You’ll need it once you’ve dabbled in a few choice selections from their delectable cocktail offerings Another Albany heavy hitter is Garrison with an incredibly varied (and tasty) menu that features such treats as Jerusalem artichokes served with truffle butter or cold smoked Kinjarling Akoya oyster with native finger lime and you’ll be ready to indulge after all the exploring you’ll have been doing Sometimes a place has so many new fantastic recent reviews they simply cannot be ignored, and Rock Salt is exactly that Rock Salt know their way around the seafood of the region squid and super-fresh fish across a variety of dishes can we give you a hot little tip and encourage you to pop in for lunch to grab the Pit Master’s Cowboy Coffee slow-smoked Texas brisket burger – unreal They’re also fond a few sneaky cocktail concoctions There are plenty of excellent fish and chip options around town, but it’s hard to go past the multi-award winning Ocean & Paddock voted WA’s best by the WA Fisheries Industry Council Awards for three years running Their seasonal menu features plenty of traditional fish and chip shop fare as well as more inventive uses of the local seafood – think seafood tom yum seared local bluefin tuna with warm udon salad If it’s big, honest meals you’re after then head Due South where you’ll find huge portion sizes and spectacular views of the Princess Royal Harbour but we reckon their rotating specials are really where it’s at – especially if you can get your hands on their spicy Korean-style chilli marron If you like your pub feed and pints steeped in history, the Earl of Spencer is a must-visit The owners have worked hard in the past couple of years to really scrub the place up – no mean feat given it’s one of the oldest pubs in Australia If you’ve got little ones in tow they have a nice enclosed outdoor play area Sultry and inviting, Majuba Bistro is the perfect spot for a cosy Albany dinner date This multi-level bistro dabbles in both French and Spanish classic bites – although you’ll taste hints from all over the Continent mussels with pommes frites… It’s a little slice of Europe in our Great Southern One of the Great Southern’s finest wine producers, Monty’s Leap boasts a restaurant just as good you can fresh local produce alongside scrumptious in-house baked bread If it’s a crafty brew you’re chasing, make sure you visit Matty and Jessica Wilson at Wilson Brewing Company who have been doing the amber ale proud since 2016 They’ll happily chat you through the process while offering a tasting of whatever latest beer they’ve been experimenting with while the Wilson Food Van will keep you well fed with burgers Albany is home to some of the best beaches in Western Australia, plenty of granite headlands and some amazing hiking spots When they all combine in one location then the outcome is an outdoor lover’s paradise Luckily there is one spot near Albany that has all these elements and it’s fast becoming a must-visit destination for holiday-makers Two Peoples Bay is a secluded nature reserve located east of Albany sporting some postcard perfect beaches hilly granite formations and some wild coastline to explore The name Two Peoples Bay comes from a chance meeting between French and American vessels in 1802 and thus it was named Baie des Duex Nations (Bay of Two Nations or People) Previous to colonial occupation the area was home to the Minang people who called it Yilbering It was their home during the warmer months as during the cold winters they headed inland to hunt kangaroos Today it has been protected as a nature reserve thanks to the discovery of the Noisy Scrub-Bird and a colony of Gilberts Potoroo saving it from becoming another coastal townsite Located a 45-minute drive east of Albany head out on Lower King Road which eventually becomes Nanarup Road and then Two Peoples Bay Road until you reach the entrance to the nature reserve Pay the entry fee at the station on the side of the road before making your way to either the car park for the Visitor Centre and picnic area or continue towards the car park for Little Beach Two Peoples Bay has been made famous for the Instagram friendly Little Beach but there is so much more to explore if you have the time. One of the best hikes in the area around Albany is the Baie des Deux Peuples Heritage Trail a 6km return hike starting at the Visitor Centre and taking you out along the coastline to the twin beaches of Little Beach and Waterfall Beach Along the way you’ll see the impressive structure of Fairy Rocks see a myriad of wildflowers from winter through late spring and then explore two stunning little coves complete with white sands and turquoise waters If you’re just after a relaxing time stretched out on a towel or having a swim in the azure waters then Little Beach and Waterfall Beach are perfect for that Protected from the south westerlies that usually batter the coast these secluded bays are ideal for setting up for a few hours and having yourself an idyllic beach holiday Little Beach is the main spot but up the path and over a small headland you’ll find Waterfall Beach and maybe a quieter stretch of beach if Little Beach isn’t to your liking be a good human and adhere to the Leave No Trace Principles taking all rubbish with you and not damaging the fragile coastal landscape Parts of Two Peoples Bay are closed off to the public for conservation purposes so stick to the marked paths and don’t go wandering off into the bush Another great experience is to head to the Visitor Centre and learn all about the area from its history to its flora and fauna The centre is open from 10am-4pm over the summer months and school holidays with various displays providing some excellent information on what makes this area so special There are BBQ facilities among the Peppermint trees just a short walk from the Visitor Centre and a grassed area to enjoy a picnic About the author:Mark (The Life of Py) is a Perth based outdoor enthusiast that loves exploring the trails of Western Australia in his free time. When he isn’t out taking photos he is busy planning the next adventure. See more of his content here Shaping the next generation of global leaders Australia is uniquely well-placed to decarbonise the economy by leading offshore renewable energy generation the ‘Moored MultiMode Multibody’ device or M4 was deployed about 1.5km offshore in King George Sound the outer harbour of Albany in Western Australia The deployment was part of the M4 Wave Energy Demonstration Project led by The University of Western Australia’s Marine Energy Research Australia (MERA) and is a world-first initiative to showcase Albany’s wave energy resources and research expertise said the M4 had been deployed for data collection in a six-month “It will validate advanced modelling predictions and support the case for wave energy as a stable renewable baseload power source,” Dr Ebeling said “By openly sharing data from the deployment the project is delivering something that the world has not had before and is the first step towards developing the only test site in Australia for wave energy projects.” First funded in August 2021 by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre it is a fully open-source project that shares with scientists developers and the community the performance data measured and the experience gained during designing “This is an opportunity for Albany to become Australia's renewable energy capital and it's been very exciting to talk to the local community and empower them as part of the project,” Dr Ebeling said “By harnessing the wave resources in King George Sound which provide a smaller-scale version of open-ocean conditions it can be established as a test site for reduced-scale model technologies to diversify the local economy and develop a future zero-emission industry.” Director of the UWA Oceans Institute and MERA said the surface-riding wave energy converter featured a unique 1-2-1 float array which generates electricity through the flexing motion of its hinge “The device is flexing with the wave so when the back end and front of the device are at the crest of the wave the centre is at the trough,” Professor Gaudin said “That rotational movement is transformed into electricity by an onboard generator and we measure the electricity captured to understand how much energy we can generate based on the wave resources in Albany.” The M4 project also highlights the capabilities of the local Albany supply chain engaging six local contractors and manufacturers in building deploying and eventually decommissioning the device as well as demonstrating the potential for wave energy technology to contribute to local decarbonisation “Local contractors and consultants have been involved in mechanical electrical and ocean work across the project,” Professor Gaudin said “There has also been academic and research collaboration with partners overseas where the M4 concept was developed by Professor Peter Stansby and in Australia with the Australian Maritime College the University of Queensland and RMIT in Melbourne.” The project has the potential to benefit the blue economy in particular powering the aquaculture industry and researchers are collaborating closely to understand how a combination of wave wind and solar could help decarbonise and reach net zero targets “Australia’s legacy of oil and gas development in the North West Shelf over the past 40 years has positioned us as a world leader in ocean engineering and ocean science in general,” Professor Gaudin said “If Australia can leverage wave energy it will support growth of the $118 billion blue economy and utilise an existing skilled workforce to support fabrication “Having this combination of amazing resources world-leading research and industry capabilities is quite a unique opportunity that Australia can capitalise on.” now is the time for Australia to capitalise and harness wave energy Dr Wolgamot works on offshore hydrodynamics and wave-structure interaction problems with application to offshore renewable energy — wave and floating wind He was a lead author of the Ocean Wave Energy in Australia report commissioned by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre and led by a team of researchers at UWA’s Oceans Institute The International Energy Agency has forecast the ocean energy sector to grow to more than 300 gigawatts by 2050 while Europe and other regions are advancing wave energy with funding support and policy “The world’s largest and most consistent wave energy resource is along Australia’s southern coast and there is immediate potential for renewable energy development in the face of climate change,” Dr Wolgamot said “Results from Australia and around the world show combining wave energy technology with wind and solar can cost-effectively reduce the need for energy storage.” The average power of the ocean waves crossing the perimeter of Australia’s continental shelf is estimated at about 10 times Australia’s average rate of electricity consumption “Persistent strong winds along the vast coastline of the Southern Ocean create energy in large waves which bring renewable energy towards the shores virtually continuously,” Dr Wolgamot said “The south and south-west mainland coastline and the south-west coast of Tasmania in particular experience the highest wave power levels with minimal intermittency and relatively small extremes — two characteristics essential for uninterrupted energy production.” Wave energy can help Australia achieve its net zero targets — Australia’s climate strategy focuses on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 with interim goals including a 43 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 and an 82 per cent renewable electricity share by 2030 It can also be used to provide coastal communities with protection from coastal flooding and erosion which will increase in frequency and intensity with climate change “Waves can be reduced or altered in a controlled manner by wave energy installations,” Dr Wolgamot said “Data collected from devices such as the M4 can be used to lead best practice in environmental impact assessment and social and cultural engagement to plan future offshore developments.” It is hoped the deployment of the M4 device is the first of many wave energy projects in Albany and will help establish Australia become a world leader in renewable energy “Federal and state governments need to take a strategic view of the wave energy industry,” Professor Gaudin said strategy and support required to match its immense potential." 35 Stirling HighwayPerth WA 6009 Australia (+61 8) 6488 6000 Emergency(+61 8) 6488 2222 The University of Western Australia acknowledges that its campus is situated on Noongar land and that Noongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land Indigenous commitment